Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Central Market, Southwest

‘Unique Food-Focused Format’ Helped Scratch H-E-B’s Itch For Innovation

Stephen Butt, H-E-B’s president of shareholder relations and the Central Market division, talks about the origins of Central Market and how it has evolved over the years. What prompted the creation of Central Market? How did the idea for this concept come to be? In the mid-1980s, H-E-B was becoming “restlessly dissatisfied” with the lack […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Central Market, Southwest

‘Let’s Renew Our Wows’ – Central Market Celebrates 30 Years Of Sharing Love Of Food

With its launch 30 years ago in Austin, Texas, the foodie-focused Central Market format put H-E-B on the path to becoming the highly successful multi-format retailer it is today. Central Market was born out of the retailer’s desire to create something new and exciting for its shoppers. Inspired by European markets, the stores have winding […]

Posted inSouthwest, Albertsons, Corporate Store News

United Supermarkets Launches ’28-Day Challenge’ For New Year Resolutions

United Supermarkets, a Lubbock, Texas-based division of Albertsons Companies Inc., has launched its “28-Day Challenge” campaign to the United Supermarkets, Albertsons Market, Market Street and Amigos banners. The program, first introduced in January 2024, features a series of interactive games and actions linked to customers’ rewards loyalty accounts that the retailer’s registered dietitian designed to help users […]

Posted inMarketing News, Corporate Store News, West

Grocery Outlet Begins ‘Free Groceries For Life’ Sweepstakes

Grocery Outlet has launched a “Free Groceries for Life” sweepstakes, where customers can enter for a chance to win a range of prizes, including a lifetime of free groceries. “This sweepstakes puts the treasure in treasure hunt,” said Eric Lindberg, chairman and interim president and CEO of the California-based company. “We are absolutely thrilled to […]

Posted inMerchandising News, Independent Store News, Industry Leaders Speak, National

Winning the Shrink Battle – How Independent Grocers Can Maximize Their Margins

Sponsored content Shrink silently chips away at profits through outdated product, theft, overstocking, damage and errors. These losses aren’t just missed revenue – they lead to dissatisfied customers and reduced reinvestment opportunities. Reducing shrink isn’t just about cutting losses – it’s about gaining clarity, control and profitability in a competitive industry. Shrink is the difference […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southeast

Employee-Owned Food Giant Serves Rural MS By Focusing On Price, Quality

Location, customer service, price and quality are just a few of the attributes that help Food Giant stores in northern Mississippi stand out. The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with David Holcomb, division manager, to learn more about the company’s competitive strategy. How long has Food Giant been operating in Mississippi? Kenneth Storey, […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Health & Wellness, Midwest, The Kroger Co.

Forbes Recognizes The Kroger Co. For Workplace Culture, Pharmacy Customer Service

The Kroger Co. has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Tech Workers and for providing exceptional customer service through its Kroger Family of Pharmacies. “We are honored to be recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for Tech Workers and for our unparalleled customer service specifically in pharmacy. This recognition […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Food Lion, Southeast

Food Lion Feeds’ Holidays Without Hunger Program Sets Record Donation

Food Lion Feeds and its customers have helped provide the equivalent of more than 29 million meals this holiday season. This set a record, quadrupling the previous highest Holidays Without Hunger meal count in 2021, which was equal to more than 6.6 million meals. The initiative benefits Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief […]