Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, News, Rouses Market, Southeast

Rouses Reveals Plans For First Store In Chalmette, LA

Rouses Markets has announced plans for its 77th store – and first in Louisiana’s St. Bernard Parish – at 8700 W Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette. Expected to open in the second quarter of 2027, the 47,694‑square‑foot store will fill spaces once occupied by Big Lots and Sav‑A‑Lot, transforming a dormant commercial corridor. As part […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, News, Vallarta Supermarkets, West

Vallarta’s Central CA Growth Continuing In Merced

Vallarta Supermarkets will open a new 52,000‑square‑foot store – its third of 2026 and 65th overall – June 10 at 851 W Olive Ave. in Merced, California. The store will be the second location to feature Marisquería Costa de Oro, known for fresh ceviches, made‑to‑order seafood tacos, coctel de camarón and tostadas, including the Burnt […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, Market Profile, Midwest, News

Indiana Grocers, C-stores See ‘Iffy’ Future Amid Taxes, SNAP Limits

Indiana grocery and convenience retailers are facing mounting pressure from state tax policies, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program restrictions and transportation regulations, according to Joe Lackey, president of the Indiana Grocery & Convenience Store Association. Lackey said while the state is financially stronger this year – “they’re suddenly finding money all kinds of places” – legislators […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Balls Foods, Featured News, Midwest, News

Balls Food Stores Names Campbell President

Balls Food Stores has named Ryan Campbell president as David Ball, third-generation leader, transitions to the role of chairman of the board of directors, where he will focus on growth through acquisitions and mergers. Balls Food Stores is a 100 percent teammate-owned company and one of the largest locally owned grocery retailers in the Kansas […]

Know Your Numbers: The Financial Habits Behind Independent Grocery’s Top Performers

Jon Cline knows the grocery business from the ground up. He started bagging groceries at Safeway in high school, managed a 7-Eleven while earning his accounting degree at the University of Oklahoma, and went on to build a career spanning some of the industry’s biggest names: Arthur Andersen, Scrivner, Fleming and Supervalu. At FMS Solutions, […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News

Meijer Honors 18 Hunger-Relief Volunteers With Gift Cards, Donations

Meijer has named 18 community volunteers as recipients of its annual Hunger Relief Hero Award, a program that recognizes those who have made significant contributions to fighting food insecurity in the Midwest. Each honoree receives a $500 Meijer gift card and a commemorative plaque. The hunger-relief nonprofit that nominated them also gets a $5,000 donation […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Food Stores, Featured News, News, West

AFS Collects 165K Pounds Of Food In UT Statewide Drive

Associated Food Stores (AFS) and its network of independent retailers played a pivotal role in the 2026 Feed Utah Food Drive, collecting 165,443 pounds of food – more than half of the statewide total. The fifth annual drive, held in March, brought communities across Utah together to fight hunger. Food insecurity affects one in five […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, News, Northeast

Uncle Giuseppe’s Brings Seasonal Italian Pop‑Up Back To Fire Island, NY

Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace is reopening its seasonal pop‑up inside Ocean Beach Trading on Fire Island and offering online ordering for next‑day delivery by ferry. Fire Island is a barrier island off the south shore of Long Island, New York, accessible only by ferry, with no cars allowed. This geography makes grocery shopping a logistical challenge […]