The board of directors of the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) has named Mike Semmann as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective today, taking over the role from the recently retired Brandon Scholz. Semmann has more than 25 years of trade association experience and spent the last 18 months serving as the VP of government […]
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 inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest, Sustainability News
H-E-B Commemorates Earth Month With Expanded Support
In commemoration of Earth Month, H-E-B has announced its 2024 Community Recycling Grant recipients and has expanded multiple environmental programs across Texas. Guided by its Our Texas, Our Future commitment, H-E-B’s mission is to increase awareness and adoption of sustainability efforts that help preserve Texas’s land, water and air, now and for generations to come. Community recycling […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AWG’s Always Save Brand Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Associated Wholesale Grocers is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its opening price point private brand, Always Save. In 1984, AWG debuted the line with 140 pantry staples, including peanut butter, jelly, marshmallows and condiments. By the end of the year, Always Save had grown in popularity. Now 40 years later, the brand portfolio boasts more […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Grocery Store Layout, Midwest
Schnucks Completes Store Remodels In Evansville, IN
Schnucks has recently completed upgrades and renovations at two Evansville, Indiana-based stores: its Green River and Evansville West locations. “Schnucks has served the Evansville community for nearly 50 years, and we remain committed to offering our dedicated customers the best grocery shopping experience possible,” said Stephen Rennels, division manager. “We invite them to not only stop by to check out […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer Donates $250K To Support Damar’s Expansion Plans
Meijer has donated $250,000 to Damar Services to enhance Damar Village, an affordable living community in Indianapolis designed for adults living with behavioral, developmental and intellectual disabilities. The donation will go toward the organization’s plans for expansion and improvement, which include a new multi-purpose activity center and community space with teaching kitchens and an indoor track […]
Posted inAsk The Experts, National, Produce News
The Future Of Retail Ripening
Sponsored content We all know the importance of having ripe bananas on display. They are the most visible, popular and profitable item in the produce department, if not the entire store and play a pivotal role in customer satisfaction and loyalty. That’s why nearly all of today’s leading grocery retailers have banana ripening rooms in […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Ranks Among Most Trustworthy Companies
For the third year in a row, Southeastern Grocers has been named by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies. “Our dedication to our associates, customers and communities forms the cornerstone of our mission, and [this accolade] serves as a testament to our enduring commitment to integrity and excellence,” said Raymond Rhee, SEG’s chief […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Southwest
United Family, Southern Division Support Wildfire Relief
On March 29, The United Family and the Southern Division of Albertsons Companies presented the Amarillo Area Foundation with a check for $300,000, marking the conclusion of their Panhandle wildfire disaster relief register campaigns that ran March 8-23. The funds will go to the foundation’s Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund, helping those impacted by the wildfires. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Superior Grocers, West
New Las Vegas Store Is Superior Grocers’ First Outside CA
Extending beyond the borders of California for the first time, Superior Grocers has opened a store in Las Vegas. “This expansion represents our commitment to providing quality products and exceptional service to new customers while continuing to serve our loyal patrons in Southern California,” said CEO and President Richard Wardwell. “We are incredibly excited to […]
Posted inAssociation News, National
NGA Show Among Trade Show Executive’s Fastest 50
The NGA Show has been selected as a member of the Fastest 50 Class of 2023, which recognizes rapidly growing trade shows that took place in the U.S. last year, by trade show industry journal Trade Show Executive. The Fastest 50 are ranked in three categories: net square feet, exhibiting companies and total attendance. “This […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Blue Hill, Maine, Store Manager Hailed As Hannaford’s Best
Patrick Doak, who manages the Hannaford at 15 South St. in Blue Hill, Maine, has been named the grocer’s Store Manager of the Year. Doak – selected from 187 Hannaford stores throughout Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont – has nearly 30 years of experience in retail, including six with Hannaford. He played […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer Donates $2M To Midwest Food Banks
Meijer has announced a surprise $2 million donation to 30 key food bank partners to help them better meet the needs of those they serve across the Midwest. “We recognize the vital role food banks play in addressing hunger and are proud to stand alongside our partners to make a meaningful difference in the lives […]
Posted inCentral Market, Independent Store News, Southwest
Historic Central Market Also In Line For Interior Refresh
The second phase in Central Market’s major renovation of its 90,000-square-foot store at 4821 Broadway in San Antonio will include a full interior remodel and refreshed store facade. The project’s first phase, which was announced late last year and will start this spring, includes updates to the parking lot and the addition of a produce […]
Posted inMerchandising News, Executive News, Imperial Distributors, Northeast, Supply Chain News
Imperial Distributors Makes Several Leadership Changes
Imperial Distributors has announced key organizational changes to its leadership team, effective April 1. Michael Sleeper, who joined Imperial in 1964 and became president and CEO in 1970, will transition into the role of executive chairman of the board. Sleeper’s entrepreneurial and visionary leadership and commitment to Imperial’s values have shaped its success and influence […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Schnucks Markets Launches Diverse-Owned Business Accelerator
Schnucks Markets, in partnership with Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, is launching Schnucks Springboard, a diverse-owned business accelerator to provide education, resources and access to local diverse-owned businesses. To apply, diverse-owned businesses should visit schnucks.com/springboard prior to May 12. Those accepted into the accelerator program will receive an in-store product trial at select Schnucks stores, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
Vallarta Supermarkets Uses RELEX To Optimize Store Assortments
Vallarta Supermarkets has selected RELEX Solutions, provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions, to support its growth and improve efficiency. Vallarta Supermarkets will use space and assortment planning capabilities from RELEX to better utilize space, increase product availability, and ultimately, to support their customer-first founding principle. RELEX partner Logic will provide guidance and implementation services for this […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Corporate Store News, Midwest, Southeast
BJ’s Plans 5 New Clubs In Southeast, Midwest
BJ’s Wholesale Club has shared plans to add five clubs to its footprint. The retailer previously announced plans to open 12 new clubs and 15 gas stations this fiscal year. The company has announced the following club locations: Maryville, Tennessee, in the Knoxville market. This will be BJ’s fourth location in Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the company’s […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
NGA Welcomes Sar As Marketing Manager, Promotes Wengroff
The National Grocers Association has welcomed Caroline Sar as its manager of marketing and member engagement and has promoted Max Wengroff to senior manager of government relations. Sar joins the NGA communications team in the Washington, D.C., office. She brings experience as a project manager, operations analyst and digital marketing analyst. Her duties will include […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Marketing News, National
Instacart Introduces Developer Platform For Digital Experiences
Instacart has launched its Instacart Developer Platform, a publicly available API program which uses the company’s online grocery platform to supercharge third-party digital experiences across food, health, wellness and other spaces. Instacart Developer Platform will enable third parties to integrate the functionality of Instacart inside their websites and apps. Over time, it will unlock: Same-day […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest
AWG Reports Record Results At Annual Meeting
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) reported record consolidated company sales of $12.4 billion for 2023, an increase of 0.8 percent on a comparable basis over 2022, and distributed $284 million of year-end patronage, following its annual shareholders meeting March 26 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas. AWG’s cooperative net sales were $11.1 […]