The National Grocers Association applauded remarks made by Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya during a speech in Minneapolis on Sept. 22, recommending that the agency resurrect the Robinson-Patman Act. The Robinson-Patman Act was passed in 1936 to protect small businesses from price discrimination in the marketplace. Despite the law’s intention, the FTC has not brought […]
Author Archives: Sommer Stockton
Digital Content Editor
Sommer joined The Shelby Report in January 2022 after graduating from Brenau University in Gainesville, GA, with a B.A. and M.A. in Communications and Media Studies. As Digital Content Editor, she leverages her expertise in digital strategy and content creation to enhance The Shelby Report’s online presence and engage readers.
Committed to the grocery industry, Sommer also serves on an advisory committee with the National Grocers Association (NGA), advocating for independent grocers. She enjoys exploring emerging trends and delivering actionable insights to the Shelby community.
Posted inCorporate Store News, West
Stater Bros. To Open New Location In Riverside, CA
Stater Bros. Markets will hold the grand opening of its newest store Sept. 28 at 7200 Arlington Ave., No. 102, Riverside, California. The store occupies 49,480 square feet of a former 94,500-square-foot Kmart building. The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the Norte Vista High School Band will provide live entertainment. Stater Bros. Charities will present […]
Posted inPackaging News, Southwest
Alkaline88 Launches 2-Liter Shaq Paq Throughout Texas
Scottsdale, Arizona-based The Alkaline Water Company has announced that the Alkaline88 “Shaq Paq” will be available in 170 H-E-B stores in Texas. “We’re very pleased to be adding another Alkaline88 SKU, the ‘Shaq Paq,’ to H-E-B shelves,” said Frank Lazaran, president and CEO of The Alkaline Water Company. “H-E-B customers in Texas will be able to enjoy […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
Don’s Prepared Foods Has ‘Cool Stuff’ Competitors Don’t Have
Don’s Prepared Foods has been in business for 52 years. During that time, it has become among the leaders in the seafood, grain salads and all-natural cream cheese categories, according to Carl Cappelli, head of sales and business development. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages have plagued many aspects of the American […]
Posted inCenter Store, Albertsons, Plant-Based News, West
Food Story Brands Celebrates ‘Salsabration,’ Hummuses, Dips
Food Story Brands has found success amid the COVID-19 pandemic with its “salsabration” social media campaign and international ingredients. A family-owned company based out of Phoenix, Arizona, Food Story develops brands and products in the food and beverage industries. Among other innovation and speed-to-market product solutions, the company offers strategic brand consulting, product development, logistics […]
Posted inGrocery Store Layout, Northeast
ShopRite Finishes Store Renovation In Cherry Hill, NJ
The ShopRite of Garden State Pavilions, located at 2240 Marlton Pike W. in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has announced the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation that offers shoppers an expanded “Kosher Experience” section, additional prepared food departments and a host of services and products. The “Kosher Experience” section offers an array of items adhering to […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
Walmart Announces Upgraded Experience For Holiday Season
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart is offering better value and convenience for customers as they start their holiday shopping. More than half of Walmart customers will start their holiday shopping research in October. The retailer has announced price investments for more savings, three new and expanded returns options, a broader assortment with more top gifts, a new community […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Begins Register Campaign To Support Puerto Rico Relief
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix is beginning a register campaign to allow customers to assist Puerto Rico in response to the effects of Hurricane Fiona. Donations can be made at checkout at any Publix store in the Jacksonville, Lakeland and Miami divisions, and 100 percent of the donations will go to the American Red Cross. This will help […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Merchandising News, Midwest
Meijer Seeks Local Artisans For Frederik’s Product Line
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer is seeking products from local chefs and culinary artisans to be featured in its Frederik’s by Meijer line of innovative food. Prospective vendors interested in partnering with the retailer to expand their retail-ready products onto its shelves under the retailer’s foodie-focused line can submit for consideration by Oct. 21. Those selected will partner with […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southeast
Perdue Farms Delivers 10K Pounds Of Chicken To Food Bank
As part of a commitment to alleviate food insecurity, Perdue Farms has delivered a $30,000 grant and nearly 10,000 pounds of chicken products to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, based in Nashville. The funds provided by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation will support the food bank’s BackPack Program for school children and mobile pantry programs in […]
Posted inBakery News, Midwest
Love Cakes By DLM Designers Win International Competition
At a ceremony on Sept. 20, Love Cakes by Dayton, Ohio-based Dorothy Lane Market designers Lee Ann Parsons and Kaytlyn Stanuszek were named the grand champions of a multi-day competition and awarded the 21st Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Grand Champion Trophy. As a part of the International Baking Industry Exposition in Las Vegas, cake designers from around […]
Posted inBeverage News, Executive News, West
Talking Rain Appoints Fisher As Chief Financial Officer
Seattle, Washington-based Talking Rain Beverage Company has appointed Luke Fisher as CFO, effective immediately. In this role, Fisher will lead the company’s sustainability initiatives and finance, technology and risk management teams, while fulfilling Talking Rain’s mission of “Creating Connections with Every Sip.” “Luke has played a prominent role in our organization for years,” said Ken Sylvia, […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Amazon Fresh, National, Whole Foods
Ocean Brands Launches Wild Caught Tinned Seafood In U.S.
Ocean Brands, a brand of sustainably-caught fish in Canada, launched its line of tinned seafood Sept. 21 across the U.S. In partnership with Matiz, Ocean’s has introduced eight varieties of Brisling sardines and Mackerel filets. All Ocean’s fish are wild caught in their prime using sustainable fishing practices and hand packed, without artificial ingredients. “We […]
Posted inGrocery Store Layout, Southwest
The United Family Breaks Ground On Store In Amarillo, TX
The United Family joined city officials and other community representatives Sept. 21 to break ground for a new Market Street store and fuel station in Amarillo, Texas. Slated for a fall 2023 opening, this will be the 10th United Family location in the market. Sidney Hopper, president of The United Family, reflected on the continued […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Deli News, Northeast
Blount Serving Up Soups, Will Add Pot Pies To Product Line
Two new fresh soups are on the menu for Fall River, Massachusetts-based Blount Family Kitchen. Rachael Blount Girard, senior brand manager for Blount Family brands [Blount Fine Foods], which is Blount Family Kitchen and the Clam Shack brand, said they are boil-in-bag and come in a paper cup. “Our approach is really like deli fresh, […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Nonfood Items, West
Albertsons To Bring Services, Resources To Local Community
Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Companies has announced a new partnership with WinnCompanies to bring essential services to more than 133,000 residents across 520 properties nationally. The collaboration will provide grocery, prescription and vaccination resources to seniors and families, reducing accessibility barriers and fostering the company’s commitment to support health and well-being. “We recognize that many people […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Amazon Fresh, Southeast, Whole Foods
ECRS Congratulates Grocery Partners On ‘Best Retailers List’
Boone, North Carolina-based ECRS has congratulated two of its retail partners, Earth Fare and Harps Food Stores, for being named in the top 10 of America’s Best Retailers of 2022 in the supermarket category. The list is compiled by Newsweek and is based on feedback from thousands of shoppers across the U.S. who rank the stores for customer satisfaction based on the entire […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Midwest
Kroger CIO Shares Grocer’s Strategy At Groceryshop Expo
At the Groceryshop convention Sept. 21 in Las Vegas, Kroger Co. CIO and SVP Yael Cosset shared the grocer’s strategy and changes in shopping trends. “We know our customers have different needs based on their daily lives and the question becomes: What, when and how? Our seamless ecosystem brings all of these factors together, without asking the […]
Posted inPackaging News, Midwest, Snacks Brands
Planters Launches Packaging Redesign For Roasted Peanuts
Chicago-based Planters is introducing peanut-shaped packaging for its Dry Roasted Peanuts. “Our new packaging allows us to truly stand out with a unique ‘shell’ that is just as premium and satisfying as the Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts housed within,” said Allie Abney, associate brand manager. “Now, snack lovers can enjoy their favorite peanuts in an even better, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Nonfood Items, Northeast
Big Y To Hold Big Vax Week For Local Community
Springfield, Massachusetts-based Big Y will hold its second annual “Big Vax Week” from Sept. 26-Oct. 1 featuring an on-site multi vaccine clinic for all employees and the local community. All stores will offer seasonal flu, high dose flu and COVID-19 vaccines including the updated COVID-19 booster. Stores with an on-site pharmacy also offer a variety of […]