The post-pandemic period is offering independent grocers challenges that operationally may pale in comparison to those of the COVID-19 era but are adding pressure to the bottom line and the way supermarket operators are perceived by consumers. Inflation has driven up the cost of most aspects of doing business in a way that has made […]
Category: Independent Store News
Posted inH-E-B, Independent Store News, Southwest
H-E-B Building Distribution Campus In Hempstead, TX
H-E-B has finalized the purchase of about 500 acres in Hempstead, Texas, where it plans to build a distribution campus that will be developed in several phases, with the first to begin in late 2024. “The land purchase is the first step in the development of this strategically planned campus, a project that will position […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, West
Heritage Grocers Group COO Talks Trajectory Of Cardenas Markets
The Shelby Report recently caught up with Prabash Coswatte, COO of Heritage Grocers Group (Cardenas Markets), to talk about the changing face of Hispanic grocery stores in Southern California. Can you share a little history on Cardenas Markets and how long the stores have been operating in SoCal? “In 1981, Jesus Cardenas Sr. and his […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southwest
Greater Houston’s Food Town Marking 30th Anniversary
The Food Town grocery chain, which operates 29 stores in and around greater Houston, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. In late 1993, a handful of grocers joined together to provide affordable access to national-brand products, quality meats and fresh produce throughout the metro area. Lifelong grocer Ross Lewis and six employees opened the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
ShopRite Opening Replacement Store In South Plainfield, NJ
The new 93,000-square-foot store for which ShopRite will hold a grand opening May 8 at 6781 Hadley Road in South Plainfield, New Jersey, is replacing a nearby one at 1306 Centennial Ave., which will be shuttered May 7. To mark the opening, festivities are planned throughout the day, with food trucks and in-store sampling stations. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Northeast Grocery Taps Birdzi To Better Connect With Customers
Northeast Grocery Inc., the parent company of Tops Friendly Markets, has selected Birdzi’s personalization and analytics platform to enhance customer connections at all 148 Tops locations in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Once fully implemented, shoppers will receive individualized emails and unique promotional offers, made possible by Birdzi’s approach to AI-driven personalization. NGI’s shared services […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest
Meijer Seeking Vendors Owned By Military Veterans
In support of Military Family Appreciation month in November, Meijer will host a virtual Roadmap to Retail event for veteran-owned businesses. The merchandising event will take place Nov. 7, with the professional services event following the next day. Led by the Meijer Supplier Inclusion team, in partnership with mVets, Roadmap to Retail will offer vendors […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Hy-Vee, Midwest
Hy-Vee Offering 1K Free Anemia Screenings In May
Hy-Vee will provide 1,000 free anemia screenings in May at select stores throughout its eight-state area, becoming the first retailer in the U.S. to offer the service. Health experts estimate that as many as three million Americans have anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen through […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Acquires Five Stores From Franchise Partner In Western NY
Tops Friendly Markets has acquired five stores that had been owned and operated by Supermarket Management Inc., one of its franchise partners. The deal includes four full-service Tops stores in Depew, Lockport, South Buffalo and Buffalo’s west side, as well as one Tops Xpress in Lancaster. The locations will continue to operate as Tops Markets […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Schnucks Ranks Among Greatest Workplaces For Diversity
Schnucks has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. The survey of more than 220,000 people included representation at more than 1.5 million companies in America. “Diversity is a widely discussed topic – and it remains a crucial factor as people look for an employer or […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest
Meijer Backs Michigan’s First Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital
Meijer has donated $3 million to help fund construction of the Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, which will offer inpatient and outpatient services for kids with a range of conditions, including brain and spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multi-trauma and cancer. A partnership between Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation and Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Fareway Finalizes Plans For New Store In Coal Valley, IL
Fareway Stores is planning to construct a 17,000-square-foot store in Coal Valley, Illinois, tentatively scheduled for 2026. “Communities depend on a local grocer to offer high quality products and unmatched service. We look forward to offering these qualities to Coal Valley and area residents with a new Fareway store,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Zallie Family Markets Begins Nutrition Initiative For SNAP Customers
Zallie Community Foundation announces a new initiative, Good Food Bucks, with Zallie Family Markets to address nutrition insecurity amongst SNAP EBT customers. Good Food Bucks is a statewide nutrition incentive program in New Jersey, administered by City Green Inc. This program doubles the value of fruit and vegetable purchases for shoppers who use SNAP by […]
Posted inNatural Grocers, Independent Store News, Southwest
Natural Grocers Donates To Colorado-Based La Puente Home
Natural Grocers, a family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer, has recently donated funds to Colorado-based La Puente Home. La Puente Home Inc. is a non-profit that provides a safety net of services where people get what they need to stabilize, heal and thrive. Its programs vary in response to the effects of poverty that the members of their […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Sustainability News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Showcases Sustainability Efforts
This Earth Week, Heritage Grocers Group is showcasing its efforts to create lasting and positive sustainability impacts that benefit customers, team members and communities where the Hispanic grocer continues to grow and operate. As a company, Heritage prioritizes its people and the planet. By combining employee empowerment with data-driven sustainability initiatives, its leadership team is […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, National
Report Highlights Growth Opportunities For Health, Beauty Care
In advance of this week’s 2024 National Association of Chain Drug Stores annual meeting, Acosta Group has shared the results of its recent proprietary Shopper Community study on health and beauty care (HBC) and general merchandise sales (GM) in grocery. Every month, 114 million households purchase food and beverages at grocery stores, according to NIQ. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, West
Market Of Choice Advocates For Dry Farming Through Collaboration
Oregon’s independent, family-owned Market of Choice is partnering with the Dry Farming Institute to advocate for the expansion of dry farming acreage. As part of this collaboration, Market of Choice is the first major organization to donate to the Dry Farming Institute’s efforts to empower growers to thrive with less water. This work includes seed-to-table […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Wakefern
Wakefern Banners Join DoorDash Marketplace
Wakefern Food Corp. has joined DoorDash’s marketplace platform, which offers delivery for groceries and daily essentials. The cooperative members own and operate 365 supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage and Dearborn Market banners. Through May 12, shoppers can enjoy 40 percent off their orders of at least […]
Posted inBig Y Foods, Grocery Store Layout, Independent Store News, Northeast, Sustainability News
Big Y’s Store Remodels Focus On Sustainability First
Big Y has been making significant strides in enhancing its stores across the region, opening 26 locations since 2022. These remodels align with the company’s broader strategy to focus on sustainability and modernize its retail spaces to create a more enjoyable shopping experience. The new store design incorporates modern elements to inspire guests and reflect […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer, WK Kellogg Donate $50K To Battle Creek Public Schools
Through Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Mission Tiger, WK Kellogg Co. and Meijer donated $50,000 to Battle Creek Public Schools in Michigan, supporting more than 350 middle school students who play sports. A check presentation and celebratory event was held at Battle Creek’s Springfield Middle School on April 18, where company representatives from WK Kellogg Co. and Meijer, Tony the Tiger and school […]