The grocery landscape across Kansas tells two stories: one of aggressive growth in metropolitan corridors where national chains are planting flags and another of persistent struggle in rural communities where the independent store remains threatened by economics and changing demographics. Kansas State University’s Rural Grocery Initiative shared a post from KCUR News of an independent […]
Author Archives: Treva Bennett
Senior Content Creator
After 32 years in the newspaper industry, she is enjoying her new career exploring the world of groceries at The Shelby Report.
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA Responds To FTC Complaint Alleging Preferential Pricing For Walmart
The National Grocers Association has issued a statement in response to a Federal Trade Commission complaint that alleges preferential pricing and promotional treatment for Walmart. The complaint, part of an FTC enforcement action filed in January, was unsealed Dec. 12 by a judge in response to a request by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, an […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
DCEO Official Discusses Illinois Grocery Initiative’s Efforts To Strengthen Food Systems
As Illinois continues its efforts to ensure every resident has access to fresh, affordable food, the Illinois Grocery Initiative is leading the way in revitalizing communities and combating food insecurity statewide. Established in 2023, the program takes a multipronged approach to addressing food deserts – areas where residents face barriers to accessing fresh groceries – […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocers Face Headwinds Amid Economic Uncertainty In Illinois
The Illinois economy may be “chugging along a little bit,” but uncertainty remains high – and retailers, especially grocers, are feeling the strain. “I think I would call it shaky, but we’re certainly not in a recession,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “But as it relates to retail, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Midwest, News
Chester’s Chicken Chuck Returns To Much Fanfare In Spencer, IN
A community event from 1940 was brought back recently as the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Babbs Supermarket in Spencer, Indiana, hosted the Chester’s Chicken Chuck. The event, also held in partnership with the Owen County Community Foundation, Smithville and other local sponsors, took place on the courthouse lawn Sept. 6. In 1940, local […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
Publix Honors 12 Leaders With 2025 George W. Jenkins, President’s Awards
Publix Super Markets has recognized 12 employees with its highest honors, presenting the George W. Jenkins and President’s awards during the company’s annual retail operations conference. The awards went to one retail leader from each of Publix’s five divisions, as well as a support director. George W. Jenkins Award Named for Publix’s founder, the George […]
Posted inExecutive News, Dollar General, News, Southeast
Dollar General Appoints Taylor COO, Elevates Key Leaders
Dollar General Corp. has appointed Emily Taylor as chief operating officer, effective Nov. 16. Taylor previously served as EVP and chief merchandising officer. She joined Tennessee-based Dollar General in 1998 and brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role. As COO, she will oversee store operations, global supply chain, merchandising, marketing and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Balls Foods, Midwest, News
Balls Food Stores Expands With Acquisition Of Schulte’s Fresh Foods
Balls Food Stores, one of the largest locally owned grocery operators in the Kansas City area, has expanded its footprint with the acquisition of Schulte’s Fresh Foods in Jefferson City, Missouri. The grocery store will continue to operate under the Schulte’s Fresh Foods name, maintaining its long reputation for quality, service and community connection. “Schulte’s […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Atlanta Division Packs 1M Meals To Fight Hunger Across Southeast
Kroger’s Atlanta Division united employees, community partners and volunteers Oct. 16 for its Community Million Meal Pack, a large-scale hunger-relief initiative that provided one million meals to families. “We did it!” said Victor Smith, division president. “Families facing food insecurity during these uncertain times will know our communities care and stand ready to help.” In […]
Posted inAssociation News, National, News
NGA, Food Industry Groups Seek USDA Clarity On Penny Shortage, SNAP Rounding
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has joined with other food-industry associations in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to issue immediate guidance to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-authorized retailers amid the continuing national penny shortage. In a joint letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the groups asked the USDA to clarify how retailers can lawfully manage […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, News, Southeast
ECRS: No Pennies, No Problem With CATAPULT
ECRS, a leader in retail automation, has announced that its CATAPULT platform offers a configurable penny-rounding feature designed to support retailers as the U.S. phases out the one-cent coin. With the U.S. Mint set to cease penny production in 2026, retailers face growing challenges in managing cash transactions. CATAPULT’s penny-rounding feature offers a currency-agnostic solution that automatically rounds change due […]
Posted inNews, National, Online Grocery Technology
Instacart Expands Business Features Across Retailer E-Commerce Sites
Instacart has launched a full suite of business features across its white-label e-commerce solutions. Retailers using Instacart’s Storefront and Storefront Pro, including Woodman’s Markets, are already using these features to better serve business customers such as restaurants, offices, healthcare facilities, and schools directly on their websites and apps. These new capabilities have been available on […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, Southeast
Asheville, NC-based Earth Fare Looks Back On Helene, Continues Relief Efforts
One year after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Asheville-based Earth Fare executives say the storm tested both the company and the community – and revealed the strength of partnerships forged during crises. Laurie Aker, director of marketing, described the experience as “literally like we were in ‘The Walking Dead.’ There was absolutely no communication.” […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest, News
Economy Stable, Food Retailers Strong In Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s grocery industry is holding steady, but independent grocers are closely watching labor, inflation, consumer confidence and regulatory and legislative issues, according to Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association. “I think the economy right now is fairly stable in Wisconsin,” Semmann said. “From an industry perspective, we’re hoping to make sure […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Affiliated Foods, News, Southwest, Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year
Affiliated Foods Leverages Technology To Boost Retailer Services, Engagement
Amarillo, Texas-based Affiliated Foods Inc. is investing in forward-thinking technology to enhance the shopping experience for consumers and improve operational efficiency for its retail members. Among the most visible innovations is the implementation of digital video rails in member stores – a project led by Josh Silvia, AFI’s network and PC manager. Vusion v-rails is […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Affiliated Foods, Anniversary Issues, News, Southwest
Manufacturing Subsidiaries Fuel AFI Membership’s Success, Growth
At Affiliated Foods Inc. (AFI), a member-owned cooperative headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, the value of community-focused manufacturing is front and center. Noma Burr, the company’s chief financial officer, has seen that impact firsthand since joining the organization in 1996. Burr highlighted how AFI’s manufacturing subsidiaries – which include a bakery, dairy, meat processing plant and […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Affiliated Foods, Anniversary Issues, News, Southwest
Affiliated Foods At 80: Cooperative’s Legacy Remains Rooted In Family
In an industry defined by change, Affiliated Foods Inc. in Amarillo, Texas, has spent the last 80 years anchoring independent grocers with a simple promise: integrity, innovation and a shared sense of ownership. This year, that legacy is honored on a larger stage. The Shelby Report of the Southwest has named AFI its Wholesaler of […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Midwest, News
Moose’s Market Owner Enjoys Freedom Of Being An Independent Grocer
For Amy Parnell, being an independent grocer isn’t just a business model – it’s her passion. As owner of Moose’s Market in Higginsville, Missouri, she has spent the past nine years shaping the store on her own terms, guided by lessons learned growing up in the grocery business and her love for serving people. “I […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocers In Missouri Navigating Uncertainty, Regulation And Market Shifts
Missouri’s grocery retailers are navigating a period of uncertainty shaped by federal trade disputes, state-level legislation, labor shortages and shifting consumer demand. “I would say we’re pretty much like the rest of the country, in that we’re a little nervous,” said Dan Shaul, executive state director of the Missouri Grocers Association. “Everybody wants it to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City Donates $548K To Breakthrough T1D
Food City donated more than $548,000 to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) on Sept. 3 at its store at 123 West Hwy. 25-70 in Dandridge, Tennessee. Each year, Food City hosts a company-wide “sneaker” fundraising campaign to benefit Breakthrough T1D. The 2025 promotion ran from April 30-May 27. Food City shoppers could make […]