by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder and principal consultant, PDG Insights The grocery store aisles of the American West provide a unique picture compared to the rest of the country. Beyond familiar national brands, the diversity of its population and storied history of the region has shaped shopping habits and a demand for non-traditional ingredients, […]
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
NGA Wraps Successful Fly-In For Fair Competition
The National Grocers Association (NGA) concluded its annual Fly-In for Fair Competition May 22 with attendees participating in 200 critical meetings with decision makers on Capitol Hill. “Over the last two days, independent grocers made their voices heard on Capitol Hill by advocating for antitrust enforcement, SNAP choice and credit card swipe fee reform, all […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
Independent Grocer Testifies On Protecting SNAP Choice
Michael Gay, owner and single-store operator of Food Fresh in rural Evans County, Georgia, testified before Congress May 22, warning that limiting SNAP choice would undermine the program’s effectiveness, create confusion for participants and impose a costly bureaucratic burden on small businesses nationwide. “Restricting eligible items to those approved by the USDA will quickly drive […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
FMI Urges Congress To Enact Credit Card Competition Act
FMI – The Food Industry Association is asking Congress to pass the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act. FMI’s Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher issued the following statement on the Credit Card Competition Act in response to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Policy’s hearing, titled “Protecting Consumers’ […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast, UNFI, Wholesaler/Distributor News
UNFI Introduces Retail Media Network Powered By Swiftly
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has introduced its retail media network for independent and regional grocery retailers across the U.S. The UNFI Media Network, powered by Swiftly, a provider of retail technology, tools and solutions, is intended to bring retail technology solutions to UNFI’s network of more than 30,000 customer locations and about 11,000 brand […]
Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, Executive News, West
WAFC Elects 2024-25 Board Of Directors’ Leadership Team
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) recently elected its new board of directors’ leadership team at its annual convention held in Aurora, Colorado. Nancy Lebold, CEO of New Seasons Market in Portland, Oregon, has been appointed as president and chairperson of the board of directors. She takes over the position from Paul Gianetto, SVP […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Feature, Hy-Vee, Meijer, Midwest, The Kroger Co.
How Grocery Retailing Differs Throughout Midwest
by Diana Leza Sheehan, founder and principal consultant, PDG Insights The Midwest has a fascinating history that has helped to shape one of the more unique grocery landscapes in the United States. While national chains such as Walmart and Kroger hold significant weight, the region boasts a strong presence of regional powerhouses and a distinct consumer […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Wakefern
Wakefern Donates $1M For Scholarship Honoring Sheridan
Wakefern Food Corp. has made a $1 million donation for student scholarships at Kean University in honor of the company’s recently-retired president, Kean alumnus Joe Sheridan. The New Jersey-based supermarket cooperative endowed the “Joe Sheridan Resiliency Scholarship” to help students in the University’s College of Business and Public Management pursue their professional goals and dreams. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Feature, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
ARG Has Evolved To Offer Suite Of Services
Twenty years ago, Joe Wolf and Barry Maddox set out to create a company different from all others that serve independent retailers. Having been in the industry for decades, Wolf and Maddox intuitively knew they could get independent retailers more promotional trade dollars by working directly with consumer-packaged goods companies than what the retailers could […]
Posted inMarketing News, National
Acosta Group Acquires Crossmark, Product Connections
Acosta Group has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Crossmark, including its headquarter sales agency and retail solutions businesses, and Product Connections, a marketing services business, from WIS International, which will retain its inventory verification services business. This transaction will accelerate Acosta Group’s ongoing transformation, enhancing the company’s role as a growth engine for brands across […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, Northeast, UNFI, Whole Foods
UNFI Extends Distribution Partnership With Whole Foods Market
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has extended its wholesale grocery distribution partnership with Whole Foods Market, an affiliate of Amazon.com, by entering into an extension of the current distribution agreement. The term of the extended distribution agreement between the parties will run through May 2032, replacing the prior agreement that was set to expire in […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA’s Fly-In For Fair Competition Begins In Washington, D.C.
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has begun its annual Fly-In for Fair Competition in Washington, D.C. This event mobilizes independent grocers to engage with members of Congress, addressing critical issues such as antitrust reform and enforcement, SNAP Choice enhancements and the reform of credit card routing to reduce exorbitant swipe fees. “The Fly-In for Fair […]
Posted inGelson's, Online Grocery Technology, West
Gelson’s Strengthens Fresh Food Operations With Invafresh
Gelson’s Markets has expanded its partnership with Invafresh to include in-store production and centralized kitchen operations. By using the AI-enhanced capabilities of the Invafresh Fresh Retail Platform, Gelson’s has been able to improve operational efficiency across its 27 full-service specialty grocery stores by reducing shrink, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and having a centralized repository of […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Midwest, Schnucks
Schnucks Joins Ibotta Performance Network For Product Offers
Schnucks Markets Inc. has joined the Ibotta Performance Network (IPN), the first digital network that delivers promotions in a coordinated fashion across retailer platforms, large third-party publisher sites and Ibotta’s direct-to-consumer properties. In addition to Ibotta providing customers access to exclusive product offers in Schnucks’ stores throughout the Midwest, a key component of the partnership […]
Posted inMarketing News, Executive News, Northeast
The Giant Co. Names MacDonald As VP, Marketing
The Giant Co. has named John MacDonald as VP of marketing, effective immediately. He will report to President John Ruane. “John is a passionate and talented marketer, with a knack for building dynamic teams that deliver creative and strategic marketing initiatives to drive results,” Ruane said. “With his extensive knowledge of both our business and […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, National, Online Grocery Technology
eGrowcery, CresLane Partner To Launch E-Commerce Solutions
eGrowcery and CresLane Retail Solutions have begun a new partnership to equip supermarket retailers with shopper-centric e-commerce solutions that integrate with in-person sales channels. Today’s supermarket retailers are increasingly adopting an omnichannel approach to merge grocery e-commerce with physical store interactions, aiming to create comprehensive insights into consumer purchasing patterns. Modern point-of-sale systems facilitate a unified […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Hannaford Supermarkets, Northeast
Hannaford Reusable Bag Campaign Exceeds $3M In Donations
Hannaford Supermarkets is celebrating a milestone for its reusable bag charitable program, delivering more than $3 million in total donations to community partners in New England and New York. The Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag program welcomes shoppers to purchase special “Fight Hunger” and “Community” reusable shopping bags at store registers and front ends. With each […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Midwest
PFSbrands Promotes McElroy As VP, Procurement
PFSbrands has promoted John McElroy as VP of procurement, overseeing the purchasing and research and development teams while continuing to lead quality at the company. With this promotion, McElroy will join the senior leadership team while also continuing to head the execution leadership team. He has extensive experience in warehouse management, distribution, customer success, marketing […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Geissler's, Northeast
Geissler’s Supermarket Acquiring Fitzgerald’s Foods
Geissler’s Supermarket is acquiring the substantial majority of assets of Lussier Ventures Inc., d.b.a Fitzgerald’s Foods in Simsbury, Connecticut, pending final licensing and approvals. “We are excited to welcome [owners] Bryan and Sandy DeVoe to the Geissler’s family. Fitzgerald’s Foods has a long history in Simsbury of providing fresh foods, friendly service and serving the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Albertsons, West
WAFC Taps Three Industry Leaders For Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has elected three industry leaders – Sean Heryet, Chris Hooks and Kelly Mullin – to serve on its board of directors. “We are thrilled and incredibly honored to have this group of extraordinary industry leaders join the WAFC board of directors,” said Nancy Lebold, CEO of New Seasons […]