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 […]