by Carol Radice A reputation of offering top-notch customer service is important for most retailers, but for Fareway this the heart of what makes it stand apart. From its famous meat counter with packaged and cut-to-order meats to car carryout service and everything in between, Fareway focuses on making the customer experience a special one. […]
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
RELEX Acquires Optimity For Unified Supply Chain Planning
RELEX Solutions has acquired Optimity, a supply chain planning and optimization provider. “Acquiring Optimity will seamlessly link downstream demand with upstream planning, so consumer goods companies can more accurately predict consumer demand, optimize production plans and schedules, adjust inventory levels and respond quickly to market changes or unexpected disruptions,” said Mikko Kärkkäinen, co-founder and group […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Southwest
United Family’s 28-Day Challenge Promotes Wellness
The United Family has launched 28-Day Challenge, a month of savings and prizes for shoppers beginning their wellness journeys in 2024. Through an interactive list linked to Rewards! accounts, the grocer’s health and wellness team wants to help customers set realistic goals, prioritize self-care and cultivate positive habits. “This 28-Day Challenge is all about giving […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Corporate Store News, Southeast
North Jacksonville Store Will Be BJ’s 37th In Florida
BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open its 37th location in Florida on Jan. 12 with the debut of a store at 12884 City Center Blvd. in North Jacksonville. BJ’s offers members savings on fresh foods, produce, full-service deli items, bakery goods, household essentials, home décor and pet supplies. The North Jacksonville club will have a […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Northeast
UNFI Widens Focus For Selling Shows In 2024
UNFI has set the 2024 schedule for its selling shows, which this year will showcase the company’s full spectrum of products and services instead of focusing on natural and organic or conventional items. The shows will support the natural and conventional supplier, as well as all grocery retail customer channels and positioning. “With the start […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, National
NGA Shares Several Senior Staff Promotions
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has promoted three key senior staff executives: Jonathan Downey to COO and SVP; Christopher Jones to chief government relations officer and counsel and SVP; and Laura Strange to chief communications and engagement officer and SVP. “NGA is fortunate to have a strong and committed group of senior leaders who bring […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Independent Store News, Midwest
Train And Retain – Fareway Investing ‘In Our People’
By Carol Radice Throughout its many years in business, Fareway has worked hard to establish a culture that encourages and motivates employees to do well. One could say, in fact, that being an employee-focused company is a central part of Fareway’s overall store mission. According to Garrett Piklapp, president, Fareway’s people, extensive training programs and […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
From Advocacy To Education, IFPA Touts Impacts In 2023
Advancing the health of consumers, the produce and floral industries and the planet are at the heart of 10 key 2023 impacts from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). “We do so much more together as an association than any individual or company can do on their own,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Our members […]
Posted inFestival Foods, Independent Store News, Midwest
Festival Foods Hailed As Top Disability-Friendly Employer In WI
Festival Foods has been named a 2023 Top Disability-Friendly Employer in Wisconsin, a first-time honor presented by Disability:IN Wisconsin. “The Top Disability-Friendly Employer in Wisconsin Award is a testament to companies genuinely committed to creating inclusive workplaces where people with disabilities can thrive,” said Judy Quigley, the organization’s executive director. Melissa Van Gheem, senior human […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AGBR Salutes ReposiTrak For FSMA 204 Records Progress
Associated Grocers of Baton Rouge (AGBR) has advanced its efforts to comply with the FDA’s FSMA 204 food traceability law through automation with the ReposiTrak Traceability Network. The ReposiTrak solution enables the exchange and maintenance of FDA-required data between the co-op’s suppliers, distribution center and retail locations. “As an organization, it is our mission to […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Home Page Latest News, Midwest
Rooted In Iowa, Fareway Expanding Across Midwest
By Carol Radice Fareway opened its first grocery store in 1938 in Boone, Iowa. While much has changed at this Midwest chain over the past 85 years, many things have remained the same. The leadership team – headed by CEO Reynolds Cramer, who is the fourth generation in his family to run the company – has […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Food Lion Feeds Campaign Provides 4.8M Meals
During its annual “Holidays Without Hunger” campaign, Food Lion Feeds helped provide more than 4.8 million meals to 33 local Feeding America partner food banks, as well as hundreds of partner agencies throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area. During the campaign from Nov. 8-Dec. 12, customers bought a pre-packed “Holidays Without Hunger” food box for […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Southwest
Food Bank Receives $10K From United Supermarkets, Mondelez
United Supermarkets and Mondelez donated $10,000 to the South Plains Food Bank on Dec. 27, with the money going to help fight hunger and food insecurity across the region. Throughout the year, United had the opportunity to work with vendor partners such as Mondelez to make donations through sales initiatives in its stores. “We are […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Round Up At Schnucks Raises $230K For Salvation Army
Through its recent 15-day Round Up at the Register campaign, Schnucks Markets and its customers donated $230,000 to The Salvation Army’s annual Tree of Lights campaign. Shoppers had the option to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with 100 percent of donations. They gave $212,281 and Schnucks added $17,719. “As they do each […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast
Maryland’s Budget Deficit May Hinder Business Improvements
While holiday spending has been bolstered by lower food prices in Maryland, the state’s upcoming legislative session could bring major changes, according to Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Food Industry Council. MFIC is focused on three major issues for the upcoming session, which begins in January. Across the 90-day session, it hopes to see […]
Posted inNorthgate Market, Independent Store News, West
Northgate González Market Distributes Food During Holidays
Northgate González Market has partnered with other companies to provide holiday relief through food distribution events at various locations in Southern California throughout November and December. In the spirit of giving, the grocer worked with companies such as Disneyland Resort, Hyundai and WK Kellogg Co. to deliver groceries and turkey vouchers to thousands of families […]
Posted inCenter Store, Northeast
Chobani Acquires La Colombe
Chobani LLC, a next generation food and beverage company based in New Berlin, New York, has acquired La Colombe for $900 million. Chobani financed the acquisition through the combination of a newly issued $550 million term loan, cash on hand and the exchange of Keurig Dr Pepper’s minority equity stake in La Colombe into Chobani […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Southeastern Grocers Reflects On End-Of-Year Growth, Goals
Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers is reflecting on a year of community impact, growth and service as 2023 comes to a close. In 2023, the grocer introduced new products and donated more than $3,727,000 back into the community. “Reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve taken over the past year, we are immensely grateful for the incredible […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
North Coast Seafoods Partners With Native Maine Produce & Specialty Foods
North Coast Seafoods, a Boston-based, family-owned seafood supplier, has begun a partnership with Native Maine Produce & Specialty Foods, a New England wholesale food distributor serving food service businesses and educational institutions in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. North Coast has been making waves in local K-12 school systems and higher education with its new innovation: […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National
Survey Highlights Rising Use Of Coupons, Retail Apps
Despite a slowdown in inflation, a recent survey by Swiftly shows that grocery shopping remains a financial burden for many, with two-thirds of consumers still struggling to afford groceries. The annual “True Cost of a Grocery Shop” report also sheds light on how pricing, customization and convenience shape shopping behaviors, offering retailers insights that can […]