Publix appears on the 2024 Best Workplaces in Retail list by Fortune, ranking fifth in the 20 best large retail workplaces. Employees cite Publix’s support of its workers, dedication to service, welcoming culture and community outreach as some of the reasons they enjoy working for the company. “Being named one of the best workplaces in […]
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.
Franklin To Receive IFPA’s Retail Produce Manager Of The Year Award
Brad Franklin, produce manager for Tops Friendly Markets in Towanda, Pennsylvania, will receive the 2024 Retail Produce Manager of the Year Award. For their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, Franklin is one of 20 produce managers nationwide being recognized from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) with this distinction. “Brad […]
Kroger Holds Grand Reopening For Forney, TX, Store
Kroger held a grand reopening for a remodeled store Sept. 11 at 500 Marketplace Blvd. in Forney, Texas, following months of improvements to the site. The event kicked off a special weekly advertisement featuring exclusive savings through Sept. 17, including 20 cents off per gallon at the store’s fuel center with a Kroger Rewards Card […]
Publix Expands In Georgia With New Supermarkets
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix is expanding across Georgia with several new supermarkets in partnership with Atlanta-based real estate investment and development firm Branch Properties. Publix opened one of Branch’s locations Sept. 12 in the Limestone Marketplace shopping center at 2155 Limestone Ridge NE in Gainesville, Georgia. The Shelby Report was there opening morning, witnessing the excitement […]
Rouses Markets Last To Close, First To Open After Hurricane Francine
Louisiana-owned Rouses Markets was the last to close before Hurricane Francine made landfall on Sept. 11 and the first to reopen on Sept. 12. “We know how important it is to be here for our customers, especially during challenging times like these,” said Donny Rouse, CEO of Rouses Markets. Hurricane Francine struck as a Category […]
SEPC Releases ‘What’s New’ Annual Consumer Research Results
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) released its annual “What’s New? 2024″ consumer research in a sold-out educational session at Southern Innovations. The interactive format combines the presentation of the research results by Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics with attendees discussing findings with fellow retailers and grower/shippers throughout the session. In addition to consumers’ views of the […]
Thrive Market Launches Instacart-Powered Retail Media Network
Thrive Market has introduced a new retail media network in partnership with Instacart. After growing to more than 1.5 million members, Thrive Market will use Instacart’s Carrot Ads solution to create an increased personalized member experience and drive value for the high-quality and sustainable brands on its platform. “Thrive Market’s personalized experience makes healthy living […]
New Seasons Market Recognized By USA Today In Multiple Grocery Categories
USA Today readers have recognized Portland, Oregon-based New Seasons Market for its deli, prepared foods and produce selections in the Top 10 of the publication’s annual 10Best Readers’ Choice awards. “It’s incredibly humbling to learn of this recognition, particularly given it came from the votes of our valued customers,” said Nancy Lebold, CEO of New Seasons Market. “Our passionate and amazing staff, alongside our customers, […]
Inserra Supermarkets Donates $109K To Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
Inserra Supermarkets presented Michael Burton, CEO of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, with a $109,356 check presentation Aug. 20 at its ShopRite of Metro Plaza Jersey City. All of Inserra’s family-owned and -operated company stores raised $54,678 during the company’s June “Dollars Against Diabetes” (DAD) fundraiser. The Inserra Family Foundation provided a matching grant so $109,356 […]
The United Family Debuts New Market Street Store In Amarillo, TX
The United Family debuted its new Market Street location Sept. 10 in Amarillo, Texas, to media and community members with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well as store tours. The store – the 99th location for the grocer – opened to the public on Sept. 11. This store continues the modern evolution of the company’s […]
H-E-B Honors First Responders Through Helping Heroes Initiative
Thousands of H-E-B employees honored and celebrated first responders across Texas for their service as part of the company’s 20th Annual Helping Heroes initiative. Helping Heroes is a companywide initiative that reinforces H-E-B’s ongoing commitment to emergency personnel, and allows H-E-B employees to give back and engage in a day of service at fire, law […]
Stuckey Shares Family Company’s Comeback Journey
Stephanie Stuckey, chair and co-owner of Stuckey’s, was one of the speakers during the recent Sweets & Snacks Expo, sharing with the crowd how she revived her grandfather’s company and offering tips to market a brand’s products on a “scrappy” budget. “I know a thing or two about comebacks,” Stuckey said. “I had a completely […]
The Hershey Co. Names Del Pozzo U.S. Confection President
The Hershey Co. has appointed Michael Del Pozzo as president of U.S. confection, effective Sept. 16, where he will lead Hershey’s next phase of U.S. growth with a portfolio of brands such as Hershey’s, Reese’s and Jolly Rancher. “I am thrilled to join Hershey at such an exciting time for the company,” Del Pozzo said. “I am inspired by the company’s history, culture and […]
The Giant Co. Shares Plans For New Philadelphia Store
The Giant Co. has shared plans for a new 50,000-square-foot store store at 701 Cathedral Road in the Andorra neighborhood of Philadelphia. “Since the opening of our first Giant in the city in 2011, we’ve been honored to be the grocery store of choice for so many customers across Philadelphia,” said John Ruane, president. “We can’t wait to […]
Market Of Choice To Celebrate Anniversary At Product Experience Show
Market of Choice is marking its 45th anniversary this month with the return of its Product Experience Show (PES), a celebration of food, beverage and health and wellness products. The free annual community event is set for Sept. 26 in Eugene, Oregon, where Market of Choice is headquartered. And 125 of the more than 250 Pacific […]
Tops Promotes Blair To Fruit Desk, Rowe Moves To Vegetable Desk
Tops Friendly Markets has promoted Matthew Blair to category business manager for produce–fruit desk, with Justin Rowe shifting from that role to category business manager for produce-vegetable desk. In his new role, Blair will be responsible for developing and managing the procurement and merchandising program for produce–fruit to achieve budgeted sales, gross profit, inventory turns […]
Wakefern Food Corp. Searches For Local Suppliers, Vendors
Wakefern Food Corp. is hosting a summit for suppliers this fall to find the best new foods and products for its supermarket banners. Interested suppliers and vendors should be based in markets where Wakefern banners operate, and the application process for Wakefern’s Total Store Local Supplier Summit is under way. Wakefern is focused on finding […]
Bolthouse Farms Splits Into 2 Entities, Updates Brand, Packaging
Butterfly, a California-based private equity firm, recently separated its portfolio company, Bolthouse Farms, into two entities – Bolthouse Fresh Foods and Generous Brands. Bolthouse Fresh Foods will carry on the legacy of Bolthouse Farms as a supplier of fresh carrots to retailers across North America, with nearly 700 million pounds sold annually. Generous Brands will […]
T. Marzetti Co. Introduces New York Bakery Gluten Free Texas Toast
T. Marzetti Company, a subsidiary of Ohio-based Lancaster Colony Corp., is introducing a gluten-free line of New York Bakery Texas Toast. The offering features gluten-free versions of the brand’s classic Garlic Texas Toast and Five Cheese Texas Toast. Both products will be available nationwide this fall. With more than a decade of recipe and production […]
Legacy Bakehouse Acquires Assets Of Angelic Bakehouse
Legacy Bakehouse has completed its acquisition of Angelic Bakehouse in Cudahy, Wisconsin, a unit of T. Marzetti Co. The asset purchase enables Legacy Bakehouse to grow its core business while adding new customers and product categories. The Angelic facility is a 4-acre location with 42,000 square feet of production space. Built as a commercial bakery […]
