by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder, principal consultant, PDG Insights In this new series, we explore the opportunity created for retailers by targeting Latino grocery consumers across the United States. For context, the Latino population in 2024 reached about 66 million, or about 19.5 percent of the total U.S. population. Spending power among this diverse […]
Category: Feature
Posted inFeature, Equipment & Technology, West
Simbe’s Tally Robot Revolutionizing Grocery Retail With AI, Automation
San Francisco-based Simbe has spent the past decade working to digitize physical stores, with a mission to enhance visibility and operational efficiency for retailers. Brad Bogolea, Simbe’s co-founder and CEO, recently spoke with The Shelby Report about the company’s evolving role in the retail technology landscape. Simbe is widely recognized in the grocery industry for […]
Posted inFeature, Guest Contributors, Southeast
Florida Leads In Navigating Southeast Latino Grocery Landscape
by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder, principal consultant, PDG Insights In this new series, we explore the opportunity created for retailers by targeting Latino grocery consumers across the United States. In this article, we focus on the Southeast. For context, the Latino population in 2024 reached about 66 million, or about 19.5 percent of the […]
Posted inFeature, Midwest
Unlocking The Midwest: Retail Strategies For Engaging Latino Consumers
by Diana Leza Sheehan In this new series, we explore the opportunity created for retailers by targeting Latino grocery consumers across the United States. For context, the Latino population in 2024 reached about 66 million, or about 19.5 percent of the total U.S. population. Spending power among this diverse demographic group has reached more than […]
Posted inFeature, Midwest, Produce News
Building A Bigger Basket: The Power Of Cross-merchandising In Produce
One of the most exciting opportunities in grocery retail is helping customers build a bigger basket – not just by increasing produce sales but by bringing the entire store into the equation. When departments work together, they create meal solutions that make shopping easier for customers while driving sales across multiple categories. Why cross-merchandising works […]
Posted inAssociation News, Feature, National
NGA To Build Upon Momentum Of In-Roads On Antitrust Reform, Enforcement
Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association, recently took time from his busy schedule to talk with The Shelby Report about the state of the grocery industry and the many challenges facing independents in 2025. While it may be some time before the new administration’s policies begin to have their full […]
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 inFeature, Exceptional Independents, Southeast
HFG Allows Teams To Be Flexible, Closer To Communities
Craig Knies, chief marketing officer, has been with Houchens Food Group for 16 years. HFG has been recognized as The Shelby Report of the Southeast‘s Exceptional Independent Retail Organization of the Year. Knies said the company provides a “great environment where the management teams are given the opportunity to run their business and make decisions […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Southeast
Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace Pleased With ECRS’s POS Solutions
Specialty grocer Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace, headquartered in Melville, New York, turned to ECRS for its point-of-sale solutions about three years ago. Tom Waibel, VP of technology for Uncle Giuseppe’s, said the change occurred just prior to him joining the grocer. Uncle Giuseppe’s is a family-owned independent whose 11 locations all feature kitchens, which prepare a […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Feature, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
ROFDA Retail Media Network Represents Unparalleled Level Of Cooperation
Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) wholesalers, along with multiple third-party providers, have teamed up to provide a comprehensive suite of retail media network solutions tailored to members’ needs. This includes targeted advertising opportunities, data-driven insights for campaign optimization and integrated e-commerce and fulfillment with collaborative partnerships that enhance brand visibility. “As a coalition […]
Posted inExceptional Independents, Feature, Southeast
ESOP Status, Awards Program For Store Managers Helping HFG Shine
Houchens Food Group (HFG) is a subsidiary of Houchens Industries, an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) that includes 14 other subsidiary companies. Houchens Industries is highly diversified with businesses in construction, insurance, pharmacy, pet and retail. HFG has been recognized as The Shelby Report’s Exceptional Independent Retail Organization. The company launched a new program this […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
ROFDA Relationships Help Create ‘Community That Thrives On Mutual Success’
The leaders of Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) recognize the power of having access to educational resources and have turned the act of sharing information into an art form. “My peer group is fantastic, and they are readily available to me if I’ve got a situation that I have questions about” said Ray […]
Posted inCenter Store, Feature, Northeast
‘One Quality-One Team’ Approach Has Catania Oils Poised For 2025, Future Growth
The Griffin Report caught up with Mark Coleman, SVP of global sales for Ayer, Massachusetts-based Catania Oils, following the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s 2024 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago. A processor and packager of plant-based oils, Catania’s products are used in the bulk ingredient, foodservice, retail and private label markets in New England and […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
Collaboration Has Been ‘Cornerstone Of ROFDA’s Success’ From Start
It’s impossible to talk to the board of directors for Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) without touching on the topic of collaboration and how it helps the organization stand out. “The old saying ‘two heads are better than one’ is especially true in the industry that we work in,” said Randy Arceneaux, president […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, National
Retail Media Networks Part Of Digital Transformation Across Grocery Industry
The grocery industry is undergoing a digital transformation. Retail media networks are emerging as a powerful force for marketing in the industry, offering new revenue streams for grocers and valuable advertising opportunities for brands. Retailers can manage their RMNs in multiple ways. They may operate them in-house, as seen with grocers such as Albertsons, Meijer […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
‘Co-opetition’ Encourages ROFDA Members To Share Ideas, Resources, Solutions
Operating a business these days is no easy feat. And today’s business climate is even more difficult for independent grocers. Competition, supply chain challenges and tight budgets mean everyone involved in the grocery industry needs to bring their “A” game all the time. Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) is a national cooperative organization […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Association News, Feature, National
ROFDA Maintains Relevance By Adapting To Trends, Technologies, Challenges
Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) has been around for more than 60 years, but the group has never been one to sit idle. From growing membership and expanding their conference to adjusting bylaws, ROFDA leaders continue to demonstrate they have independent grocers’ best interests at heart. “Our end goal is helping independent retailers […]
Expert Article
Winning The Big Game In Produce Department With Crazy Fresh
The excitement of the Big Game brings a golden opportunity for the produce department to shine. Game-day gatherings are all about good food and great company and, as grocery professionals, we have the chance to help consumers create memorable moments. With thoughtful displays, smart merchandising and convenient solutions, you can turn game-day excitement into big […]
Posted inMerchandising News, Feature, Northeast
Trion’s Extensive Investments Have Boosted Production Efficiencies
Among the many participants at the 2024 NACS Show in Las Vegas was Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania-based Trion Industries, which manufactures merchandising solutions for retail displays and shelf management. Craig Weiskerger, director of sales and marketing, took time after the show to field some questions from The Griffin Report. What is new with Trion? Trion has […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, West
Bungee Tech’s Platform Offers Actionable Insights, View Of Competitive Landscape
The Shelby Report caught up with Caitlin Orosz, senior director of marketing for Redmond, Washington-based Bungee Tech after Groceryshop 2024 in Las Vegas. The software company aims to revolutionize retail operations through efficient automation and improve the ability of customers to compete and win in the market. Retail pricing solutions such as its Retailscape by […]