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.” […]
Category: Independent Store News
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News
Building To Last – Timeline For Long-Term Succession In Grocery
Editor’s note: This is the second of a three-part series of articles intended to provide a view of the path to a brighter future for independent grocery as a whole and for independent grocers. In the first part of this series, we discussed the future of our industry. Now, we dive into the tactical […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, News, Northeast, Wakefern
Wakefern Food Corp. Names Riepenhoff Group VP Of Fresh Divisions
Wakefern Food Corp. has appointed Travis Riepenhoff as group VP of fresh divisions, succeeding Mark Van Buskirk, who has become group VP of center store. In his new role, Riepenhoff will oversee Wakefern’s fresh food divisions, including foodservice, bakery, meat, seafood, produce and floral. He will lead efforts to maintain Wakefern’s standards for quality, innovation […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News, Save A Lot
Save A Lot, Evermore Expand Smart Benefits Access
Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the United States, has partnered with evermore, formerly known as Soda Health, to expand access to affordable, health-focused shopping options for millions of Americans. Through this new integration, health plan members can now use their &more Smart Benefits card at more than 500 Save […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Keeps Prices Low On Top Toys For Holiday Season
Meijer is offering top toys and gifts for the holiday season at lower prices and is sending out its annual Holiday Toy Guide to mailboxes across the Midwest. From new LEGO sets and Barbies to the latest technology from Apple, PlayStation and Nintendo, the nostalgic catalog-style guide leads with gifts at a value, including categories […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
Publix, Leading Brands Unite To Help Florida Breast Cancer Charities
Publix is joining with 12 consumer brands and Riteway Sales and Marketing in October to turn grocery shopping into giving. From Oct. 4–18, Publix customers can look for a Breast Cancer Awareness Month page in the Publix Extra Savings flyer that features participating products. Each purchase will help generate donations to support women and families […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Northeast, ShopRite
ShopRite Preps For Grand Opening In West Caldwell, NJ
ShopRite will hold a grand opening Oct. 21 for its new 90,000-square-foot supermarket at 900 Bloomfield Ave. in West Caldwell, New Jersey, which replaces a former location at 540 Passaic Ave. Sunrise ShopRite, the family business that has been part of the West Caldwell community for nearly 85 years, is hosting festivities for residents and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Grocery Research, News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
Publix Ranks As Florida’s Most Reputable Company
Merco, a corporate reputation monitor with a 25-year track record, has announced the first edition of Merco Companies and Business Leaders Rankings in Florida, which features Publix as the top ranked company. According to Merco, its multi-stakeholder evaluation methodology is the only KPMG-verified corporate reputation assessment in the world. Top 100 companies with the best […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Donates $300K To Junior Achievement
SpartanNash, a member of the C&S Wholesale Grocer’s family of companies, and the SpartanNash Foundation recently donated $300,000 to Junior Achievement. The annual in-store fundraiser took place in August and September, supporting Junior Achievement’s efforts to expand educational curriculums, foster in-school programming and provide volunteer resources for children in elementary, middle and high school. “Our local […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
IGA Adds Bitcoin Access To Independent Grocery Stores
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has partnered with Bitcoin Depot to add its kiosks throughout independent grocery stores across the country, extending the company’s footprint and allowing more consumers the opportunity to buy Bitcoin in a familiar retail setting. “This partnership with IGA helps us increase our reach to provide easy and secure access to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Food Stores, Grocery Store Layout, News, West
Dan’s Foothill Celebrates Grand Reopening In Salt Lake City, UT
Dan’s Foothill in Salt Lake City, Utah, gathered employees, vendors and guests Oct. 8 in an upper parking lot overlooking the store to celebrate its grand reopening. Director of Construction and Maintenance Jan Whiteley, Regional Director Chris Otteson, VP of Retail Operations Greg Welling and Dan’s Foothill Store Director Janel Grangroth shared their appreciation for […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Southeast
Miami-Dade County Proclaims Sedano’s Supermarkets Day
Sedano’s Supermarkets shared that Miami-Dade County proclaimed Oct. 10 as “Sedano’s Supermarkets Day” in recognition of the company’s 60-plus-year legacy as a grocery destination and community partner, providing culturally-relevant products and services while fostering ties across South Florida’s diverse neighborhoods. The proclamation was held during a private ceremony at Sedano’s corporate headquarters in Hialeah, bringing […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
Vallarta Supermarkets, Gonzalez Family Foundation Raise $535K For Charity
Vallarta Supermarkets and the Gonzalez Family Foundation held their Charity Golf Tournament Oct. 3, raising funds to support scholarships, financial assistance and community initiatives across the company’s network. The tournament united community leaders, business partners and supporters for a day centered on connection and giving back at the Brookside Golf Course & Country Club in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Publix Super Markets, Retailer of the Year, Southeast
‘A Place For Everyone’ – Publix Offers Sense Of Family, Belonging, Career Paths
When Marcy Benton walked into Publix for what she thought would be a summer job while in graduate school, she didn’t expect to find a lifelong career. After all, it seemed as though her entire hometown of Lakeland, Florida, worked for the company, and she wanted to escape the familiar for a bigger city. “They […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest, News
Fareway’s Kollasch Named Nebraska’s Best Bagger
Austin Kollasch of Fareway Store No. 215 in Omaha defended his top spot Oct. 7 at the annual Nebraska Best Bagger Contest hosted by the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association. The competition showcased five of the state’s finest grocery baggers in two preliminary heats followed by a final round. The event drew a crowd of nearly […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Launches Pumpkins Campaign For Children’s Hospitals
Heritage Grocers Group has launched the “Pumpkins for a Purpose” campaign to raise funds for children and families receiving care at hospitals in the communities served by its banner stores. Running through Oct. 31, the initiative is designed at the “heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to our communities,” said Adam Salgado, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, National, News, Save A Lot
Save A Lot Names 2025 Hometown Heroes Program Winners
St. Louis-based Save A Lot has named the winners of its 2025 Hometown Heroes, a nomination-based recognition program that showcases people and organizations making a difference in their communities. Here are the latest honorees: Ben Hoopengardner, Hancock Fire Department in Hancock, Maryland; Debbie Cohill, Martha’s House in Hancock, Maryland; Debbie Salters, Thursday Church in Vincennes, […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Independent Store News, Northeast
Wiscovitch, Garcia Honored With FIA 2025 Award, Philanthropic Achievement
The Food Industry Alliance of New York (FIA) will honor Zulema Wiscovitch and Joe Garcia, co-CEOs of Associated Supermarket Group (ASG), with the Award for Philanthropic Achievement on Oct. 21 during the FIA Annual Gala. Since 2021, FIA has recognized the involvement of the retail food industry across New York and the surrounding tri-state area. […]
Posted inBakery News, Independent Store News, Natural Grocers, News, Organic Natural, Southwest
Natural Grocers Expands Private-Label Brand With Organic Tortillas
Organic grocery retailer Natural Grocers has added Natural Grocers Brand Organic Tortillas to its private-label brand. Made in New Mexico using traditional techniques, the four additions to the company’s house brand are certified organic, non-GMO, kosher and made without hydrogenated fats, flour-bleaching agents or chemical dough conditioners. Customers can choose from a range of sizes, from […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Food City, Southeast
Food City Holds Grand Reopening In Trenton, GA
Food City held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 8 for an expanded and remodeled store on Crimson Drive in Trenton, Georgia. The grand reopening celebration includes special pricing on select items throughout the store. “Our customers will find the same smiling faces, top quality products, exceptional customer service and competitive pricing they have come to expect […]