The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Steve Garrett, president and owner of Garrett’s Piggly Wiggly stores in the Lower Alabama town of Troy, about the challenges of operating grocery stores. How did you get started in the grocery industry? My parents opened an 18,000-square-foot store in Troy in 1986, and I […]
Category: Store News
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
Trig’s Honored With NGA’s Peter J. Larkin Award
The National Grocers Association honored T.A. Solberg Co., or “Trig’s,” with the Peter J. Larkin Community Service Award on Feb. 23 during the opening session of the 2025 NGA Show at the Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas. With a focus on strengthening communities across northern Wisconsin by providing essential resources and support, Trig’s […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southwest
HAC Inc. Adds Local Express’ Made-To-Order Solutions To Stores
HAC Inc. is deploying Local Express’ made-to-order omnichannel solution at 36 Homeland and 11 United stores in Oklahoma and Texas to modernize their prepared foods, catering and foodservices operations. HAC Inc. shoppers can place orders for holiday family meals, party trays, vegetable and seafood platters and butcher bundles. The Local Express system also enables the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, Sendik's
Balistreri Receives NGA’s Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Ted Balistreri, co-owner of Wisconsin-based Sendik’s Food Markets, received the 2025 National Grocers Association’s (NGA) Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. The annual honor, sponsored by FMS Solutions, recognizes an independent grocer whose vision, leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on the industry. The award, one of the highest distinctions in independent grocery […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Hy-Vee, Midwest
Hy-Vee, Caitlin Clark Foundation Launch Donation Campaign
Hy-Vee is partnering with the Caitlin Clark Foundation on a month-long donation campaign to end childhood hunger across the Midwest. The Caitlin Clark Foundation Round Up will take place March 1-31 across all Hy-Vee, Dollar Fresh Market and Fast & Fresh locations. Customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Dollar General, Southwest
Dollar General Opens Distribution Center In North Little Rock, AR
Dollar General opened a new distribution center Feb. 22 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, that will support its traditional supply chain, DG Fresh network and DG Private Fleet. The facility, which totals about one million square feet, represents a $160 million investment in Pulaski County and is expected to create about 300 new jobs at […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, National
IGA Chief Talks Top Independents, Herculean Wholesalers, Fighting Food Deserts
IGA stores range from 10,000 to 100,000 square feet and are located in big cities, small towns and everywhere in between. But John Ross, president and CEO of IGA, has observed some attributes shared by retailers that achieve the alliance’s highest honor, IGA USA Retailer of the Year. They all begin with C: Curiosity: “When […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northgate Market, West
Northgate González Market Donates $239K For Wildfire Victims
In the wake of wildfires that ravaged Eaton Canyon and the Pacific Palisades, Northgate González Market raised $239,425 to support victims and their families. Through the “Unidos Por Nuestra Comunidad” initiative, Northgate Market asked customers across 44 stores in Southern California to round up their purchases, and $139,425 was raised. Northgate matched this with an […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
The United Family Donates 1K Socks To Faith Mission
Two of The United Family’s banner stores – United Supermarkets and Market Street – donated 1,000 pairs of socks Feb. 18 to Faith Mission of Wichita Falls, Texas. This is the sixth year The United Family has teamed up with Rainer Fruits to make this donation. The donation stems from a program called “Apples and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Northeast
Maine’s Bow Street Market Known For Prioritizing Local Products
About 20 minutes from Portland, Maine, on the shores of Casco Bay, is Freeport, home of LL Bean and popular discount retail outlets. For nearly 80 years, this charming coastal town also has been served by Bow Street Market. Established in 1946 as a small, family-run shop, Bow Street Market has become a local institution […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Giant Food, Northeast
Giant Food, Divert Achieve Food Waste Milestone
Giant Food and Divert Inc. have reached a milestone of about 80 million pounds of unsold food products processed since 2022, the equivalent of mitigating more than 37,000 metric tons of CO2e. “Partnering with Divert has allowed us to make a tangible difference in reducing food waste and supporting our communities,” said Diane Hicks, SVP […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, H-E-B, Southwest
H-E-B Opens E-Commerce Fulfillment Center In Houston
H-E-B has opened a new e-commerce fulfillment center in Houston, Texas, a project that further expands the retailer’s commitment to integrate technologies that drive omnichannel growth and provide a better shopping experience for customers. The 100,000-square-foot facility will support H-E-B curbside and home delivery orders throughout Houston and surrounding cities. Building on H-E-B’s presence in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Piggly Wiggly, Southeast
Piggly Wiggly In Eutaw, AL, Endures As Town’s Only Grocer
For nearly a quarter of a century, Jacky and Sandra Hamilton have been fixtures in the grocery business. In 2001, they purchased the Piggly Wiggly in Eutaw, a rural town of fewer than 3,000 residents in western Alabama. Since 2021, their store has become the sole grocery provider and a vital hub for the community. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Ahold Delhaize USA Renews Circana Partnership
Ahold Delhaize USA has renewed its partnership with Circana, ensuring access to advanced analytic tools that drive innovation and foster collaboration with CPG companies. “This renewed focus underscores Ahold Delhaize USA’s dedication to staying ahead in a competitive and ever-evolving retail landscape by using data as a strategic advantage to create value for all stakeholders,” […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Midwest, Natural Grocers
Natural Grocers Celebrates Wichita Store’s 10th Anniversary
Natural Grocers is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its store at 10520 W. 13th St. N. in Wichita, Kansas. From Feb. 21-23, customers can join the celebration with special {N}power member-only deals. Since opening in 2015, the store has been a source for organic and natural groceries, supplements and household essentials. The company, founded in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Grocers Highlight Louisiana Flavors For Mardi Gras Season
Grocers are embracing Mardi Gras season by stocking up on traditional favorites like king cakes, Cajun spices and seafood. They are likely to have special displays and promotions to attract customers celebrating the season. Some stores are offering catering services for parties and gatherings. Associated Grocers Inc. Eleven retail members of Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Associated […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Foxtrot Café & Market To Reopen Sixth Chicago Site
Foxtrot Café & Market will reopen its eighth location Feb. 19 at 1576 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park, a neighborhood in Chicago. The grocer previously reopened five locations in the Windy City and two in Dallas. To mark the occasion, the café will offer free drip coffee from 6-11 a.m. Feb. 19. Guests also […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
The United Family Seeking Applications For Annual Discovery Showcase
The United Family is accepting applications for its second annual Discovery Showcase, which connects the company with local and regional vendors interested in doing business together. Businesses can submit an online application for the Discovery Showcase through March 10. The United Family will evaluate applications based on product fit and readiness for the market across […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast
Freshtown Preps For Store Opening In Newburgh, NY
CQM Foods, an employee-owned company operating Freshtown and Peck’s banners, will open a new grocery store Feb. 21 at 59 N. Plank Road in Newburgh, New York. The Freshtown location, which has been under construction for nine months, will employ about 75 local residents. The company is a member of the Allegiance Retail Services cooperative of 140 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, West
Heritage Grocers Group Appoints Holt As CFO
Heritage Grocers Group has appointed Matthew Holt as CFO. Reporting to Chairman and CEO Suzy Monford, Holt will oversee the financial and accounting initiatives for all Heritage banner companies which include Cardenas Markets, Tony’s Fresh Market and El Rancho Supermercado. Holt succeeds Darren Karst, who assumed the role of CFO in April 2023 and retired […]