In the wake of wildfires that ravaged Eaton Canyon and the Pacific Palisades, Northgate González Market raised $239,425 to support victims and their families. Through the “Unidos Por Nuestra Comunidad” initiative, Northgate Market asked customers across 44 stores in Southern California to round up their purchases, and $139,425 was raised. Northgate matched this with an […]
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 inOrganic Natural, National
Study Highlights Opportunities For Natural, Organic Product Growth
As consumers increasingly prioritize their health, natural and organic products are emerging as powerful growth drivers across all channels. A recent Acosta Group natural and organic study reflects that 75 percent of all shoppers purchased at least one natural or organic product in the six months prior to the survey, with 59 percent responding that […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
The United Family Donates 1K Socks To Faith Mission
Two of The United Family’s banner stores – United Supermarkets and Market Street – donated 1,000 pairs of socks Feb. 18 to Faith Mission of Wichita Falls, Texas. This is the sixth year The United Family has teamed up with Rainer Fruits to make this donation. The donation stems from a program called “Apples and […]
Posted inExecutive News, Center Store, Merchandising News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Names Cates As VP, Center Store
Heritage Grocers Group has named Kim Cates as VP of center store. Reporting directly to CMO Eric Stover, Cates will oversee center store merchandising initiatives for Heritage Grocers Group. “Kim brings extensive wholesale and grocery industry experience to her new role,” Stover said. “She will play a vital role in advancing the company’s center store […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Giant Food, Northeast
Giant Food, Divert Achieve Food Waste Milestone
Giant Food and Divert Inc. have reached a milestone of about 80 million pounds of unsold food products processed since 2022, the equivalent of mitigating more than 37,000 metric tons of CO2e. “Partnering with Divert has allowed us to make a tangible difference in reducing food waste and supporting our communities,” said Diane Hicks, SVP […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, H-E-B, Southwest
H-E-B Opens E-Commerce Fulfillment Center In Houston
H-E-B has opened a new e-commerce fulfillment center in Houston, Texas, a project that further expands the retailer’s commitment to integrate technologies that drive omnichannel growth and provide a better shopping experience for customers. The 100,000-square-foot facility will support H-E-B curbside and home delivery orders throughout Houston and surrounding cities. Building on H-E-B’s presence in […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, West
Goya Cares Campaign Raises $50K For Olive Crest
Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S., has concluded its Goya Cares Hydrate for Hope campaign, which raised $350,000 for critical initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse, exploitation, trafficking and addressing mental health challenges among children and teens. As a result of the community’s support, Goya Foods will distribute $50,000 to Olive […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, KeHE Distributors, West
KeHE Concludes Summer Show, Highlights Top 2025 Trends
KeHE Distributors recently concluded its 2025 Summer Show in Phoenix – and virtually on the KeHE Connect platform – featuring top trends, merchandising solutions and show-only deals. With 5,000 attendees on-site, the show offered networking opportunities and fresh insights into the latest industry trends. As one of KeHE’s largest events of the year, the Summer […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Ahold Delhaize USA Renews Circana Partnership
Ahold Delhaize USA has renewed its partnership with Circana, ensuring access to advanced analytic tools that drive innovation and foster collaboration with CPG companies. “This renewed focus underscores Ahold Delhaize USA’s dedication to staying ahead in a competitive and ever-evolving retail landscape by using data as a strategic advantage to create value for all stakeholders,” […]
Posted inDairy News, Association News, National
NGA Offers Recommendations To Help Address Egg Shortage
The National Grocers Association (NGA) sent recommendations to help address the ongoing egg supply shortage in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins. “NGA members welcome Secretary Rollins’ leadership to address the historic pressure grocers and their customers are facing from record high egg prices and supply challenges,” said NGA President […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
January Online Grocery Sales Jump To $10B
The U.S. online grocery market finished January with $10 billion in monthly sales, a 16.6 percent increase over last year as all three fulfillment methods posted year-over-year (YOY) sales gains, according to the Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey fielded Jan. 30-31, sponsored by Mercatus. January marked the sixth consecutive month of online grocery sales […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Study: Supermarkets Lead In Online Grocery Satisfaction
The Feedback Group has released its latest national study of 1,230 online grocery shoppers, sharing key findings in consumer habits, channel performance and areas for improvement in the experience. The research confirms that online grocery shopping is entrenched in consumer behavior, with 79 percent of shoppers planning to maintain or increase it over the next […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Midwest, Natural Grocers
Natural Grocers Celebrates Wichita Store’s 10th Anniversary
Natural Grocers is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its store at 10520 W. 13th St. N. in Wichita, Kansas. From Feb. 21-23, customers can join the celebration with special {N}power member-only deals. Since opening in 2015, the store has been a source for organic and natural groceries, supplements and household essentials. The company, founded in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Grocers Highlight Louisiana Flavors For Mardi Gras Season
Grocers are embracing Mardi Gras season by stocking up on traditional favorites like king cakes, Cajun spices and seafood. They are likely to have special displays and promotions to attract customers celebrating the season. Some stores are offering catering services for parties and gatherings. Associated Grocers Inc. Eleven retail members of Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Associated […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast
ECRS Expands AI Capabilities Through CATAPULT Cognition Artemis
ECRS has enhanced artificial intelligence functionality for its e-commerce solution, CATAPULT WebCart, using CATAPULT Cognition Artemis, an AI solution. Artemis is designed to provide independent retailers with consumer personalization at a fraction of the cost. By leveraging the synergistic potential of Artemis and WebCart, retailers can offer a curated browsing experience similar to scrolling through a […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Foxtrot Café & Market To Reopen Sixth Chicago Site
Foxtrot Café & Market will reopen its eighth location Feb. 19 at 1576 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park, a neighborhood in Chicago. The grocer previously reopened five locations in the Windy City and two in Dallas. To mark the occasion, the café will offer free drip coffee from 6-11 a.m. Feb. 19. Guests also […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
The United Family Seeking Applications For Annual Discovery Showcase
The United Family is accepting applications for its second annual Discovery Showcase, which connects the company with local and regional vendors interested in doing business together. Businesses can submit an online application for the Discovery Showcase through March 10. The United Family will evaluate applications based on product fit and readiness for the market across […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Freshtown Preps For Store Opening In Newburgh, NY
CQM Foods, an employee-owned company operating Freshtown and Peck’s banners, will open a new grocery store Feb. 21 at 59 N. Plank Road in Newburgh, New York. The Freshtown location, which has been under construction for nine months, will employ about 75 local residents. The company is a member of the Allegiance Retail Services cooperative of 140 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Appoints Holt As CFO
Heritage Grocers Group has appointed Matthew Holt as CFO. Reporting to Chairman and CEO Suzy Monford, Holt will oversee the financial and accounting initiatives for all Heritage banner companies which include Cardenas Markets, Tony’s Fresh Market and El Rancho Supermercado. Holt succeeds Darren Karst, who assumed the role of CFO in April 2023 and retired […]
Posted inBakery News, Midwest
T. Marzetti Co. Wins 2 Product Of The Year Awards
Columbus, Ohio-based T. Marzetti Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lancaster Colony Corp., had two of its recently-launched items win Product of the Year USA awards for 2025. New York Bakery Gluten Free Texas Toast was named the top gluten-free item, while the Texas Roadhouse Mini Rolls garnered honors for top bakery side dish. Product of […]