Sam’s Club has announced progress toward its rollout of technology that resolves a key member concern – waiting in line for receipt verification before leaving. The application of AI and computer vision technology has been deployed in more than 120 stores – 20 percent of the retailer’s total – since it was unveiled at 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 inOnline Grocery Technology, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
ROFDA Members Select Instacart For Retail Media Network
ROFDA wholesalers, representing more than 2,250 stores, will use Instacart’s Carrot Ads to power their retail media networks. The partnership enables advertisers to drive sales at thousands of local independent grocers more easily and efficiently, better supporting the communities they serve. “This is one of the largest examples of cooperation and collaboration across the independent […]
Posted inBakery News, Northeast
Little Bites Introduces Lower Sugar Varieties
Little Bites Snacks has added two lower sugar additions to its lineup of baked snacks – Apple Cinnamon Muffins and Chocolate Muffins. According to the company, the muffins contain less sugar than other options on the market, and are pre-portioned and portable. “We’re thrilled to introduce the new Lower Sugar Mini Muffins to our product […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA Washington Conference Shifting To June
Registration has opened for IFPA’s 2024 The Washington Conference, with produce and floral’s most influential public policy event moving to June to better align with the congressional calendar and influence policymakers ahead of the election. Set for June 10-12 in Washington, D.C., the annual event unites all segments of the fresh produce and floral industry […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, West
Sprouts Touts Achievements In 2023 Impact Report
Among the highlights of Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market’s recently released 2023 Impact Report: 19 percent of the grocer’s total sales came from healthy fruits and vegetables and it posted $3.3 billion in sales of products with a social or environmental attribute. “Our company’s purpose to help people live and eat better is brought to life […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, West
Heritage Grocers Group COO Talks Trajectory Of Cardenas Markets
The Shelby Report recently caught up with Prabash Coswatte, COO of Heritage Grocers Group (Cardenas Markets), to talk about the changing face of Hispanic grocery stores in Southern California. Can you share a little history on Cardenas Markets and how long the stores have been operating in SoCal? “In 1981, Jesus Cardenas Sr. and his […]
Posted inProduce News, National
IFPA Honoring Nine For Produce Excellence In Foodservice
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has named the winners of the 2024 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards. Sponsored by FreshEdge, the awards program honors chefs and foodservice operators across the country for their produce innovation, creativity and all-around excellence in using fresh produce in the culinary arts. Along with global exposure, the recipients also […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southwest
Greater Houston’s Food Town Marking 30th Anniversary
The Food Town grocery chain, which operates 29 stores in and around greater Houston, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. In late 1993, a handful of grocers joined together to provide affordable access to national-brand products, quality meats and fresh produce throughout the metro area. Lifelong grocer Ross Lewis and six employees opened the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Midwest
Minnesota Grocers Association President Planning To Retire
Jamie Pfuhl, president of the Minnesota Grocers Association since 2006, has informed the MGA’s board of directors that she plans to retire Aug. 30 after 28 years with the organization. “It has been the privilege of my professional life to serve the Minnesota Grocers Association, first as a team member then as its president,” said […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
ShopRite Opening Replacement Store In South Plainfield, NJ
The new 93,000-square-foot store for which ShopRite will hold a grand opening May 8 at 6781 Hadley Road in South Plainfield, New Jersey, is replacing a nearby one at 1306 Centennial Ave., which will be shuttered May 7. To mark the opening, festivities are planned throughout the day, with food trucks and in-store sampling stations. […]
Posted inMarketing News, National
Loyalty Membership Does Not Spell Loyal Behavior For Shoppers
Sponsored content Increasing customer loyalty is a top priority for grocers. When asked, they consistently rate the following as their top priorities: Building brand affinity Increasing return visits Boosting customer lifetime value During the pandemic, grocery retailers made forward-thinking pivots like differentiated digital experiences and special promotions that helped them win new and loyal customers. […]
Posted inBakery News, West
20 Baked Goods Suppliers Join ReposiTrak’s Network
ReposiTrak has added 20 additional baked goods suppliers to its traceability network, ensuring they can exchange FDA-required key data elements for each critical tracking event in their supply chains and achieving compliance well before the January 2026 deadline. More than 4,000 suppliers are connecting to RTN, making the solution easier and more effective for retailers […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Northeast Grocery Taps Birdzi To Better Connect With Customers
Northeast Grocery Inc., the parent company of Tops Friendly Markets, has selected Birdzi’s personalization and analytics platform to enhance customer connections at all 148 Tops locations in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Once fully implemented, shoppers will receive individualized emails and unique promotional offers, made possible by Birdzi’s approach to AI-driven personalization. NGI’s shared services […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Sunsweet Growers Selects Schuler As Next CEO
As the company nears its 110th anniversary and seeks to widen the margin of its position as “the world’s premier dried fruit brand,” Sunsweet Growers Inc. has named Brad Schuler as CEO. “Brad becomes the fourth consecutive CEO to be hired from within based on demonstrated performance,” said Dane Lance, outgoing president and CEO who […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Food Lion Expands Home Delivery Across Seven States
As of July 29, 2024, Food Lion now offers its home delivery service at 100 percent of its 1,108 stores in its 10-state operating area. Food Lion’s expansion of home delivery in Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia means the retailer now offers the service or grocery pickup in more than […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Growing Our Family Scholarship Program
SpartanNash’s Our Family Scholarship program is expanding in its second year to help more students with larger scholarships. The $2,500 scholarships recognize students who demonstrate a dedication to community involvement. Those who live in one of the states served by SpartanNash-owned stores or the company’s independent customers are eligible to apply online for the scholarship […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Registration Opens For IFPA Global Produce, Floral Show
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has opened registration for its annual Global Produce and Floral Show, which is set for Oct. 17-19 in Atlanta. “I’m always excited to see how this show evolves to meet the needs of our members and our industry,” said Nelia Alamo of Markon, co-chair of the show. “Just one […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest
Meijer Seeking Vendors Owned By Military Veterans
In support of Military Family Appreciation month in November, Meijer will host a virtual Roadmap to Retail event for veteran-owned businesses. The merchandising event will take place Nov. 7, with the professional services event following the next day. Led by the Meijer Supplier Inclusion team, in partnership with mVets, Roadmap to Retail will offer vendors […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Earlier Easter Helps Boost Fresh Produce Sales
March 2024 fresh produce sales reached $8.8 billion, according to a recent report by Circana and 210 Analytics. In a strong month, produce units increased by 3 percent, with gains for fruit and vegetables. The full year also experienced increases in dollars and units. While fresh produce unit sales rose 3 percent, volume in pounds […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Hy-Vee, Midwest
Hy-Vee Offering 1K Free Anemia Screenings In May
Hy-Vee will provide 1,000 free anemia screenings in May at select stores throughout its eight-state area, becoming the first retailer in the U.S. to offer the service. Health experts estimate that as many as three million Americans have anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen through […]