The UNFI Foundation has awarded $1.5 million in grants to 61 nonprofits focused on improving access to quality food while creating a sustainable and equitable food system. These grants, made possible with support and contributions from industry partners, leverage UNFI’s expertise, foster deeper collaboration with target nonprofit organizations and support one or more of 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 inAssociation News, National
FMI: Consumers Seek Deals To Address Inflation-Related Impacts On Food Prices
Consumers are adapting their shopping strategies to include more flexibility as they attempt to control their grocery spending heading into the fall, according to the latest survey conducted by FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group. The report, “U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Return to Routine,” provides a crucial snapshot of how shoppers are finding value and […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, New Seasons Market, Sustainability News, West
New Seasons Market Begins Grant Initiative For Local Farmers, Ranchers
New Seasons Market has teamed up with Zero Foodprint to kick off the Restore Northwest Grant Program, providing direct financial support to local farmers and ranchers to improve sustainability. “We believe in fostering an environment where sustainability and the prosperity of our local partners go hand-in-hand,” said Athena Petty, senior manager of sustainability at New Seasons Market. “This grant […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Lowes Foods, Southeast
Lowes Foods To Debut Concord Store, Reopens Renovated Mt. Airy Site
Lowes Foods, a Carolinas-based grocer headquartered in Winston-Salem, will open a new store Aug. 29 at 2415 Herrons Nest Place NW in Concord, North Carolina. In addition to the new Concord location, Lowes Foods celebrated a renovation of its Mt. Airy, North Carolina, site. Additions to the Mt. Airy store include Lowes Foods’ originals: The […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest
AWG, University Of Illinois Forge Data Analytics Partnership
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) has partnered with the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business on a data research project that is providing AWG with advanced analytics, while giving participating students a unique edge in their careers. The collaboration brings together the spirit of AWG Brands, AWG’s private brand program, with the data science skills […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Beverage News, West
Market Of Choice Expands Private Release Wine Collection
Independent, family-owned grocer Market of Choice is expanding its selection of exclusive private release wines with Place, a celebration of Oregon’s AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). The new line joins the retailer’s CommUnity Cellars, Intersect and Bubbles Project private release brands on store shelves. As its name reflects, Place wines are a tribute to the distinct terroir […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, UNFI
NGA, UNFI Release FDA Traceability Guide For Members
The National Grocers Association (NGA) and United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) have released a Step-by-Step Guide to FDA Traceability. This essential resource, a complimentary benefit available to all NGA members, was written and designed to help independent grocers achieve compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods” […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, West
Heritage Grocers Group Redesigns Tony’s Website, Enhances Loyalty Program
Tony’s Fresh Market, one of the banner companies of Ontario, California-based Heritage Grocers Group, has enhanced its digital presence through a website redesign and updated customer loyalty program. “Our customers are at the center of everything we do, and their feedback plays a vital role in how we operate each location,” said Heritage Grocers Group […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Executive News, Merchandising News, Northeast
The Giant Co. Names Lupfer As SVP, Chief Merchant
The Giant Co. has named Rebecca Lupfer as SVP and chief merchant, leading all aspects of merchandising for the company, as well as commercial planning and pricing. “With nearly 20 years of retail grocery experience spanning nearly all areas of the business, Rebecca brings a tremendous amount of expertise to the table as well as […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Albertsons, Corporate Store News, National
Kroger Files Motion To Challenge FTC’s Merger Decision
The Kroger Co. has filed a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, against the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) administrative proceeding that challenges the company’s proposed merger with Albertsons Companies Inc. The company argues that by proceeding in its administrative tribunal, in addition to the separate action in federal […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Grocery Store Equipment, National, Online Grocery Technology
TimeForge Joins IGA Red Oval Family To Help Independents
TimeForge has become a Red Oval Family Partner with the Independent Grocers Alliance, providing IGA’s network of independent grocers with labor management solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. The Red Oval Family is an exclusive alliance of the industry’s food manufacturers and service providers that partners with IGA to offer extensive resources […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Grocery Store Layout, Southeast
Food Lion Finishes 167 Store Remodels In Raleigh-Durham Market
With a $365 million capital investment, Food Lion has enhanced the customer shopping experience with remodeled stores in the greater Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, area and Mecklenburg County, Virginia. At 7:45 a.m. Aug. 21, Food Lion will hold ribbon-cutting events at 167 stores in the Raleigh-Durham market. Afterward, the first 100 customers in line will receive […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
Grocer Tops Goal For Children’s Miracle Network Campaign
Tops Friendly Markets has raised more than $407,000 in its annual campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Customers supported the Tops Children’s Miracle Network campaign by buying a $1 CMN Miracle Balloon or rounding up their change at participating stores. Proceeds from the campaign benefited local women and children’s hospitals. With the support of shoppers […]
Posted inC-Store News, National
Alimentation Couche-Tard To Acquire Giant Eagle’s GetGo Café +Markets
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. has reached an agreement to acquire GetGo Café +Markets from supermarket retailer Giant Eagle Inc. Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the U.S. It is a leader in the C-store industry and road transportation fuel retail in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics and Belgium, as well as in Ireland. […]
Posted inAssociation News, Southeast
Grocery Execs Gather For Alabama Grocers Association’s Show
The Alabama Grocers Association brought members from all aspects of the grocery industry together for its 34th annual show July 28-31 at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. The gathering promotes the growth and success of the grocery industry in Alabama through advocacy, education, public relations and networking. The business session July […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, National
Vori, Good Stuff Distributor Partner To Help Independent Grocers
Vori has announced a strategic partnership with Good Stuff Distributor, a Northern California grocery product distribution leader. This collaboration leverages Vori’s new all-in-one POS platform, VoriOS, and Good Stuff’s distribution network, product data and industry expertise. The collaboration will support Good Stuff’s mission to provide exceptional customer service and a diverse product assortment to the grocers they […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, National
25 Snack Food Suppliers Queue Up For ReposiTrak’s Traceability Network
ReposiTrak is preparing to welcome 25 new snack food suppliers into the queue for the ReposiTrak Traceability Network. These new members will exchange FDA-required key data elements for each critical tracking event in their supply chains, ensuring proactive compliance before the January 2026 deadline. Among the 25 snack food suppliers specializing in various categories are […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Schnucks
Schnucks, St. Louis CITY SC Begin Food Drive For Operation Food Search
St. Louis CITY SC and Schnuck Markets Inc. once again are joining forces to fight hunger in the St. Louis region by hosting a food drive. The organizations will hold a weeklong CITY x Schnucks Food Drive, from Aug. 18-25, benefiting Operation Food Search and held exclusively at Schnucks locations throughout the St. Louis metropolitan […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Amazon Fresh, Association News, Corporate Store News, National, The Kroger Co., Whole Foods
Grocery Industry Responds To Proposed Price Gouging Ban
According to news reports, VP Kamala Harris shared the economic agenda for her presidential campaign on Aug. 16, proposing a federal ban on corporate price gouging on groceries. Industry leaders are sharing their thoughts regarding her plan, which includes new penalties for companies that exploit crises and support for smaller food businesses “that are trying […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Corporate Store News, Health & Wellness, Midwest
The Kroger Co. To Hold Annual Wellness Festival
The Kroger Wellness Festival, presented by PepsiCo and P&G, is returning on Sept. 27-28 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at a new location on Fifth Street in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The free health and wellness festival celebrates physical, mental and emotional health for the whole family. The festival will showcase more than 200 experiences and food […]