To improve the shopping experience at nearly all 200 Save Mart, FoodMaxx and Lucky locations, The Save Mart Companies has expanded its omnichannel partnership with Instacart to add several in-store solutions such as Caper Carts and FoodStorm. The grocer will also upgrade to Instacart’s Storefront Pro, bringing increased e-commerce capabilities with advanced advertising options to […]
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 inFrozen Food, Feature, West
Following ‘Big Year,’ Kevin’s Expanding Into Frozen Aisle
Kevin McCray, founder of Kevin’s Natural Foods, was at ExpoWest 2024 to promote the company’s move into the frozen aisle. He chatted with The Shelby Report’s Bob Reeves about the product innovation. The expansion was a result of “following the consumer around in their daily lives.” McCray said customers wanted a complete meal they could […]
Posted inIndustry Leaders Speak, National
Customized POS Solutions Enhance, Protect Today’s Grocers
Sponsored content Supermarket retailers are increasingly focused on meeting consumer expectations for seamless, personalized and hyper-efficient shopper experiences. To help them achieve that goal, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions recently introduced the TCx 900 point-of-sale system. Engineered with retail in mind, the TCx 900 is a robust solution with a small footprint and is designed to […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, National
Walmart Scraps Health Center Concept
Walmart shared in a recent blog post that the retailer will close all 51 Walmart Health centers, as well as Walmart Health Virtual Care. Through its experience operating the centers, the retailer “determined there is not a sustainable business model for us to continue.” Walmart does not have a date for when each center will […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Albertsons, West
Albertsons Cos. Wins ‘People’s Voice’ Webby Award
Albertsons Companies was voted the ‘People’s Voice’ winner for best shopping and retail app in the 28th annual Webby Awards. Over the last year, Albertsons Cos. has been updating and redesigning its mobile app to create a fast and easy digital shopping experience. Winning this award underscores the investment and progress made in 2023 to […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Plant-Based News, Southwest
Walmart Introduces Private Brand Bettergoods
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart has introduced bettergoods, its largest private brand launch in 20 years. “Today’s customers expect more from the private brands they purchase. They want affordable, quality products to elevate their overall food experience. The launch of bettergoods delivers on that customer need in a meaningful way,” said Scott Morris, SVP of private brands, food […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Northeast
EVgo Fast-Charging Station Added To ShopRite In Delaware
ShopRite held a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 24 to celebrate a recently opened an EVgo electric vehicle fast-charging station at 1600 West Newport Pike in Wilmington, Delaware. Installed by EVgo Inc., the station serves four stalls with two 100kW fast chargers and one high-power 350kW fast charger capable of charging two vehicles. The station is available […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Corporate Store News, Northeast, Southeast
BJ’s Wholesale Club To Add 3 Locations In Florida, New York
BJ’s Wholesale Club is adding three new clubs to its footprint in 2024, located in Staten Island, New York; Brooksville, Florida; and St. Johns, Florida. “Families in Florida and New York love the value of BJ’s membership, and we’re thrilled to bring unexpected savings to more communities as we expand our footprint,” said Bill Werner, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Acquires Five Stores From Franchise Partner In Western NY
Tops Friendly Markets has acquired five stores that had been owned and operated by Supermarket Management Inc., one of its franchise partners. The deal includes four full-service Tops stores in Depew, Lockport, South Buffalo and Buffalo’s west side, as well as one Tops Xpress in Lancaster. The locations will continue to operate as Tops Markets […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Schnucks Ranks Among Greatest Workplaces For Diversity
Schnucks has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. The survey of more than 220,000 people included representation at more than 1.5 million companies in America. “Diversity is a widely discussed topic – and it remains a crucial factor as people look for an employer or […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest
Meijer Backs Michigan’s First Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
Meijer has donated $3 million to help fund construction of the Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, which will offer inpatient and outpatient services for kids with a range of conditions, including brain and spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multi-trauma and cancer. A partnership between Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation and Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Deli News, West
Kevin’s Natural Foods Names Bernstein As CEO
Kevin’s Natural Foods has named Roxanne Bernstein as CEO to support the brand’s continued growth. Bernstein joined Kevin’s Natural Foods in April, and will transition into the role by July 1. This transition comes at an important time for Kevin’s Natural Foods, following its acquisition by Mars and a period of record sales and exponential growth. Bernstein […]
Posted inBakery News, Midwest
The Killer Brownie Co. Partners With Dot Foods For Distribution
The Killer Brownie Co. has partnered with Dot Foods to distribute its gourmet brownies through the Dot Foods network of distributors across 50 states. With the Dot Foods partnership, the Killer Brownies will be more easily available nationwide to distributors, retailers and food service providers. A variety of different flavors of gourmet Killer Brownies, including options such […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, National
Adold Delhaize USA Names Lyda Chief Legal Officer
Ahold Delhaize USA has named Kim Lyda as chief legal officer. In this role, Lyda and her team will work with the brands of Ahold Delhaize USA to provide legal counsel, as well as other services such as public affairs, risk management, food safety and compliance. “I have worked with Kim for many years, and […]
Posted inBakery News, Southeast
Flowers Foods Introduces 11 New Bakery Products
Flowers Foods Inc. has introduced 11 new bread and snacking products from its Nature’s Own, Dave’s Killer Bread, Wonder, Canyon Bakehouse, Tastykake and Mrs. Freshley’s brands. The varied innovations include protein bars, smaller-sized loaves, breakfast items, flatbreads and a new keto bun, among others, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to developing new and differentiated products […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Executive News, National, The Kroger Co.
Invafresh Appoints Cron Chief Data Officer
Andrew Cron has joined Toronto-based Invafresh as chief data officer. “AI technologies are revolutionizing the way grocery retailers operate, enabling them to streamline supply chains, enhance customer experiences, drive labor efficiencies, reduce food waste and use technology to guide and accelerate decision making,” said Invafresh CEO Tim Spencer. “Invafresh is at the forefront of accelerating […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Northeast
PFMA Adds Newton As Communications, Media Relations Director
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has appointed Larissa Newton as director of communications and media relations. With a background spanning print and digital journalism, website and social media management and state government communications, Newton brings a blend of skills and perspectives to the role. She will manage the PFMA’s website, monthly and annual publications, biweekly […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Fareway Finalizes Plans For New Store In Coal Valley, IL
Fareway Stores is planning to construct a 17,000-square-foot store in Coal Valley, Illinois, tentatively scheduled for 2026. “Communities depend on a local grocer to offer high quality products and unmatched service. We look forward to offering these qualities to Coal Valley and area residents with a new Fareway store,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer. […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Executive News, National
Mars Appoints Fernandez President, Global Emerging Markets
Mars Snacking has appointed Gabriel Fernandez as president, global emerging markets (GEM) for Mars Wrigley. He succeeds Blas Maquivar, who has been promoted to global president, health and wellness for Mars Snacking. Fernandez has been with Mars since 2005 and has held regional and corporate leadership roles in Latin America, Europe and North America. From […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Zallie Family Markets Begins Nutrition Initiative For SNAP Customers
Zallie Community Foundation announces a new initiative, Good Food Bucks, with Zallie Family Markets to address nutrition insecurity amongst SNAP EBT customers. Good Food Bucks is a statewide nutrition incentive program in New Jersey, administered by City Green Inc. This program doubles the value of fruit and vegetable purchases for shoppers who use SNAP by […]