Walmart is using artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (GenAI) technology tools to make the holiday shopping experience faster and more convenient – from discovery to purchase, delivery and returns. Personalized gift ideas When customers visit Walmart.com, AI technologies understand their preferences, and GenAI predicts the type of content they’d like to see. In the […]
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 inIndependent Store News, Grocery Store Layout, West
Town & Country Markets Showcases Remodeled Store In Poulsbo, WA
Town & Country Markets has completed the refresh of its store in Poulsbo, Washington, showcasing a new fresh prep counter, community kitchen and opening of its third Field House market-to-table restaurant location. Town & Country’s Poulsbo market also has a revitalized layout, responding to customer feedback and analysis of flow to enhance the shopper experience. […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Health & Wellness, Midwest, Online Grocery Technology
The Kroger Co., Bitewell Partner On Nutrition Scoring System
The Kroger Co. and bitewell are collaborating to bring bitewell’s FoodHealth Score, a nutrition scoring system, to Kroger customers nationwide. The scoring system seeks to give customers a fast, reliable way to evaluate the healthfulness of their food. Bitewell’s FoodHealth Score rates foods from 1 to 100 based on multiple factors, including nutrient density and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Food City, Southeast
Food City Begins Annual ‘Friends & Pets’ Holiday Food Drive
Food City has launched its seventh annual Friends & Pets in Need Holiday Food Drive. “Hunger is a serious problem throughout our region, especially during the holidays and colder winter months,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City’s president and CEO. “Food City is proud to host a number of hunger relief programs throughout the year, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
T&T Supermarkets To Open First U.S. Store Dec. 5 In Bellevue, WA
T&T Supermarket will hold a grand opening for its flagship U.S. store Dec. 5 at The Marketplace at Factoria, 12620 SE 41st Place in Bellevue, Washington. Spanning 76,000 square feet, this will be the largest Asian supermarket in Washington, offering an assortment of authentic products, fresh produce, live seafood, an in-store kitchen and bakery and […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, SpartanNash, The Kroger Co.
SpartanNash Brings Barry Aboard As SVP, Chief Retail Officer
SpartanNash has named Djouma Barry SVP and chief retail officer, overseeing retail strategy and operations across its growing footprint. Barry succeeds EVP of Corporate Retail Thomas Swanson, who is transitioning into a consulting arrangement at the end of year. Barry most recently served as VP of retail operations at Kroger. He spent most of his […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Albertsons, National
Uber Eats Accepting SNAP EBT Through Albertsons Cos., Walgreens
Uber Eats is accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) payments, beginning with regional grocery banners Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco and Vons, as well as Walgreens locations nationwide and Duane Reade stores in New York. Eligible customers can use their SNAP EBT benefits to order groceries from participating locations through the Uber Eats […]
Posted inNatural Grocers, Executive News, Southwest
Natural Grocers Appoints Hallé As CFO
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc. has appointed Richard Hallé as chief financial officer, effective Jan. 1. Hallé has served as a member of Natural Grocers’ board of directors and audit committee since 2012, and will succeed Todd Dissinger, who will retire on Dec 31. “I am thrilled to welcome Rich to the Natural Grocers executive team as […]
Posted inGelson's, Grocery Store Equipment, Online Grocery Technology, West
Gelson’s Unveils ReCharge C-Store Concept
Gelson’s Markets has opened its first ReCharge by Gelson’s location in partnership with Rove, a developer and operator of full-service electric vehicle charging stations. Located at 1008 E. 17th St. in Santa Ana, California, the 3,000-square-foot convenience store offers shoppers an accessible way to charge their EVs while picking up meals, coffee, beverages and grocery […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Grocery Store Layout, National
Survey Highlights How Grocery Stores Can Improve In-Store Experience
Experience agency ChangeUp has published results from a nationwide survey that highlights how grocery stores can better meet and exceed customer expectations. ChangeUp’s team of retail experts and strategists surveyed 800 grocery shoppers to explore the growing disconnect between today’s sophisticated shoppers and grocery stores. The report, “How Shoppers are Outpacing Store Evolution,” was conducted to provide retailers with critical […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Winn-Dixie Donates $170K To American Cancer Society
Following Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Winn-Dixie has donated $170,000 to the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” campaign and its movement to raise lifesaving funds that support breast cancer patients, survivors and their families. This donation was made possible through contributions from Winn-Dixie customers and employees during the grocer’s annual community donation program […]
Posted inCenter Store, National
What You Need To Know About 2024’s Olive Oil Production
Sponsored content As one of the top cooking oils in the world, olive oil is never in low demand. In recent years, weather, labor and other factors have combined to drive olive oil prices to record highs, and U.S. consumers have felt the squeeze. This has led to the rising popularity of alternatives like avocado […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Ask The Experts, National
What To Consider When Implementing A Loyalty Program In Your Store
Sponsored content Implementing a successful loyalty and marketing program is an essential strategy for independent grocers and retailers looking to foster customer retention, drive sales and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. With LOC Software’s experience in providing tailored solutions for independent grocers, we understand the importance of a well-thought-out strategy. Below we will […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Midwest, Northeast
The Fresh Market Open 2 Stores In Illinois, Maryland
The Fresh Market held two grand openings Oct. 30 – a 17,000-square-foot store at 2730 N. Halstead St. in Lincoln Park, Illinois; and a 27,000-square-foot site at 1153 State Route 3N in Crofton, Maryland. The new stores offer a range of fresh produce, premium meats, seafood, bakery items and globally and locally sourced products. The […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
NGA Honors Ron And Jennifer Graff’s Commitment To Advocacy
The National Grocers Association (NGA) recognized independent grocery retailers Ron and Jennifer Graff for their commitment to political advocacy on behalf of the independent grocery industry. The Thomas F. Wenning Pinnacle PAC Award was presented during NGA’s Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit, held Oct. 28-30 in Washington, D.C. The award, given to NGA members […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Southwest
Albertsons Market Donates $14.3K To The Storehouse New Mexico
Albertsons Market presented a check Oct. 30 to The Storehouse New Mexico for $14,343.26, which will provide more than 71,000 meals for those struggling with food insecurity across the community. Albertsons Market ran the donate-at-the-register campaign in October to raise money to support the mission of The Storehouse New Mexico. Whether it’s campaigns like this […]
Posted inMeijer, Grocery Store Layout, Midwest
Meijer To Hold Open Call For New Construction Suppliers
Meijer will host an open call for new construction services companies to be considered for the retailer’s upcoming 2025 and 2026 construction projects. Companies of all sizes can apply here from Nov. 1-30 for consideration. Qualified companies must be able to perform work within the Meijer six-state footprint (Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky) and specialize in earthwork, landscaping, paving, concrete, roofing, floor painting, […]
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest
H-E-B Continues Expanding With New Store In Cypress, TX
H-E-B held a grand opening Oct. 30 for its new 128,000-square-foot store – H-E-B Bridgeland – at 20017 Bridgeland Creek Pkwy. in Cypress, Texas. The site is filled with aisle-to-aisle conveniences, amenities and a vast selection of products, as well as expanded specialty and international offerings. The H-E-B Cypress store will be home to the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Brookshire Grocery Co., Southwest
Brookshire Grocery Co. To Acquire Four Shoppin’ Baskit Locations
Brookshire Grocery Co. has announced plans to acquire the Shoppin’ Baskit locations in Ranger, Coleman, Ballinger and De Leon, Texas. The locations will become Spring Market stores following a short closure for conversion in December. The expansion includes a partnership with Brookshire Grocery Co. and ACE Hardware to continue offering ACE products in the Ballinger […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Adds Sigrist To State Government Relations Team
FMI – The Food Industry Association has added Erin Sigrist to its state government relations team as its new director, state government affairs. Sigrist will provide expertise on state legislation, laws and regulatory actions for FMI members, engage with state and local industry partners and represent FMI and its members with external stakeholders. Specifically, she will […]