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: Feature
Posted inFeature, News, Online Grocery Technology, Southeast
ECRS Reflects On Hurricane Helene Response One Year Later
In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Helene in late September 2024, the ECRS team in Boone, North Carolina, stepped up to support its community and the greater western North Carolina region. ECRS, a transaction and retail solutions provider, is located in Watauga County, which was included in FEMA’s 39-county disaster declaration. “Our dedicated employees […]
Posted inAssociation News, Feature, National, News
FMI Report Says Grocery Shoppers Are Resilient, With Aspirations To Eat Well
FMI – The Food Industry Association surveyed nearly 1,600 shoppers in late July to gather intelligence for the second installment of 2025 of its U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends report, which the association has been generating for 51 years. Subtitled “New Routines,” the report “examines the logic behind grocery shopping or the notion of what is […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Feature, National, News
Hershey Expands Innovation With New Flavors, Formats And Technology
Hershey is keeping its focus on consumer demand with a lineup of new innovations across confections, snacks and better-for-you products. Lindsay McCabe, manager of corporate communications and brand PR for Hershey, recently spoke with The Shelby Report about some new offerings from the company. “One area that we were missing within our confection space was […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, Southeast
Russell’s Food Center Marks 90 Years In ‘Heart Of Acadiana’
Russell’s Food Center describes itself as a small family-run business that “continues to thrive in downtown Arnaudville, Louisiana, the heart of Acadiana.” The store, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in September, is owned and operated by the fourth- and fifth-generation descendants of George and Nora Coles, who acquired what was then a dry goods […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, West
Zupan’s Celebrates 50th Anniversary In Portland, OR
Zupan’s Markets is celebrating its 50th anniversary all year long. “We’re proud of our family’s legacy and deeply grateful for the customers, associates and partners who’ve supported us over the years,” said Mike Zupan, president and CEO. “This milestone is as much theirs to celebrate as it is ours.” Zupan’s, operating three gourmet markets in […]
Posted inBakery News, Feature, National, News
Bimbo Bakehouse Unveils Bakery Innovations To Meet Everyday Occasions
Bimbo Bakehouse is expanding its innovation pipeline to meet the needs of younger consumers and drive growth in the in-store bakery. The Griffin Report recently caught up with Mollie Crudden, senior director of marketing for Bimbo Bakehouse, and Dana Strain, senior marketing manager at Bimbo Bakeries USA, about additions to the company’s lineup. “We have […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Midwest, News, Schnucks
Schnucks Exec Calls Partnership With Upside ‘A Win-Win For Everyone’
Upside launched in early 2016 to help retailers offer their customers another incentive to shop. Gas stations were the first retailers to join the platform, followed by restaurants in summer 2017 and then grocery stores the following summer. The Upside app allows shoppers to earn cash back at participating retailers. The customer just follows a […]