Colombian entrepreneur Julio Bayona wanted to create a product for kids of all ages and ethnicities. Coming from a background of focusing on Latino-centered retailed ventures, he founded Alpharetta, Georgia-based the Ricky Joy Company with that in mind. “We had a dream to be mainstream,” Bayona said in a recent interview with The Shelby Report […]
Category: Market Profile
Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Southeast
Adaptability Key To Rouses’ Success During COVID-19 Pandemic
Thanks to its team, suppliers and vendor programs it had in place – along with an independent’s ability to quickly adapt – Rouses Markets made it through the COVID-19 pandemic with an increase in sales and a shift to e-commerce, according to CEO Donny Rouse. Rouse added that the company hasn’t fully recovered due to […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Midwest
Enforcement Of Robinson-Patman Act Is ‘Biggest Issue,’ Owner Says
Mike Planalp, owner of Blackford County Foods, in Fishers, Indiana, sees the biggest challenge to independent grocers and their growth is the federal government’s failure to enforce the Robinson-Patman Act of 1936. The act is an antitrust law that guarantees a competitive grocery marketplace. He operates six Save A Lot food stores in Indiana, a […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Midwest
At Leppinks Food Centers, Each Store A ‘True Neighborhood Market’
Leppinks Food Centers is a fourth-generation, family-operated company headquartered in Belding, Michigan. The seven Leppink stores are owned and run by John Leppink, his brother-in-law, Rich Cole, and John’s cousin, Ransom Leppink. John Leppink, the majority owner, has four of the Leppinks locations but also six Save A Lot Food Stores and a True Value […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Albertsons, West
Great Falls’ Everyday IGA Stores Ready To Launch E-Commerce Program
All things considered, Rich Chadwick’s two Everyday IGA stores in Great Falls, Montana, and Teeple’s IGA in Browning are enjoying a strong state and local economy. “I think the economy has grown in Great Falls. I think wages have grown quite a lot in the Great Falls area,” said Chadwick, adding that there are several […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Northeast
Massachusetts Association Juggling Various Legislative Issues
Chris Flynn, president of the Massachusetts Food Association, said officials are dealing with various legislative issues, including the expansion of a bottle law, treatment of animals and credit cards. Lawmakers in late 2021 approved a 2016 voter-approved law tweaked by lawmakers that requires larger enclosures for egg-laying chickens, according to the Gloucester Daily Times. The […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Northeast
Roche Bros. Celebrating 70th Anniversary
Pat and Bud Roche opened their first store in 1952 in Roslindale, Massachusetts, according to the Roche Bros. website. “This first meat and produce store expanded in 1957 to include a grocery department,” it reads. Today, the neighborhood grocer has 16 Roche Bros. locations and four Brothers Marketplace banners in Massachusetts. The store is owned […]
Posted inMarket Profile, West
International Marketplace Bounces Back In Point Roberts
Ali Hayton, owner of Point Roberts International Marketplace, went through a difficult 2021. When she last spoke to The Shelby Report in April of that year, she had lost a substantial amount of foot traffic and revenue due to the Canada-U.S. border closure that stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. Point Roberts, a small town near […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Southeast
For Lone Grocer In Carrabelle, ‘If The Weather’s Good, We’re Busy’
Richard Holley didn’t start his career in the grocery industry, but he has found a home there. The store manager of Gulfside IGA Plus in Carrabelle, Florida, had traveled extensively for previous jobs before he decided to settle down. A self-proclaimed military brat, Holley’s parents hailed from Panama City Beach, which is where they ended up […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
Independents In Sunshine State Not Immune To Workforce Issues
Florida’s economy continues to be “very robust” and the state legislature recently approved a budget of about $109 billion while “still banking an additional $11 billion in reserves,” said Lorena Holley, VP and general counsel with the Florida Retail Federation. “More specific to the food industry in Florida, our grocers have generally retained a good […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Southeast
Village Beach Market In Vero Beach Striving To Be ‘Simply Better’
Village Beach Market in Vero Beach, Florida, is a three-generation legacy of the Keen family. Jason Keen runs it, having taken over after his father, Jerry, died three years ago. His grandfather started the business in 1951, and Jerry Keen took the reins when he was 20. “He lost his dad when he was only […]
Posted in, Market Profile, Southwest
Pyburn’s Farm Fresh Foods Has Become Houston Area Institution
Pyburn’s Farm Fresh Foods on Fondren Road in Houston plans to celebrate the store’s 10th anniversary this year with some renovations and by showing appreciation to the community. Loan Couch, general manager, is among the family members who oversee one of the 11 Pyburn’s stores. Nine of them are in Houston, while the other two […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Home Page Slider, Northeast
CFA Leader Says Labor Shortages Biggest Challenge For Food Retailers
The economy in Connecticut appears to be lagging behind the U.S. average, and a lack of fiscal discipline at the state and local levels continues to be an issue. According to the “2021 Report on Business Climate by State” produced by the Tax Foundation, Connecticut’s business climate is ranked 47th in the U.S. and has […]
Posted inMarket Profile, West
Fresh Foods Specialty Grocer Finds Niche Along The Coast
For independent grocer Jon Welsh, serving customers and the community are what he loves most about his job. Welsh owns and operates Fresh Foods specialty grocery stores in Cannon Beach and Manzanita, along the Oregon coast. While the IGA affiliate stores do a robust business during tourist season, Welsh said the rest of the year […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Northeast
Employees, Community Remain Essential To LaBonne’s Markets
From butchers to business owners, LaBonne’s Markets in Connecticut is six generations strong. A timeline on its website marks the milestones: George LaBonne had a small market and delivered on his horse and buggy in 1900; his son, George Jr., also a butcher, worked with his father until the 1920s when he, his wife and […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Home Page Latest News, Northeast
Daigle Shares Vision For NHGA With Member Engagement The Goal
The New Hampshire Grocers Association has promoted Kevin Daigle to president and CEO. His promotion has been effective since Feb 4. Daigle has been with NHGA since 1996 and has more than 30 years of nonprofit, industry and association management experience. His previous positions were VP and prior to that he served as membership director. Daigle […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Midwest
Buehler’s Fresh Foods Continues To Address Supply Chain Issues
Like many grocers across the country, Wooster, Ohio-based Buehler’s Fresh Foods continues to work its way around supply chain hurdles. “I’ve never seen such a challenged supply chain. But I would tell you that in our company’s perspective, I applaud our merchants…they’re acting as advocates for the customer,” said Mike Davidson, president and CEO. Davidson […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Slider, Market Profile, Southeast
Murray’s Market Offers Selection Beyond Its Size
Located near the middle of the Florida Keys, Murray’s Market is a small grocery store that carries a large variety of goods. Jay and Jeri Haggard bought Murray’s Market on Summerland Key from Ed and Lil Murray in 1991. Jeri Haggard passed away in 2000, and now the market is run by Jay, son Drew and […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Slider, Midwest
Owner: Miller’s Fresh Foods Is ‘Not Going To Stand Still’
For Jeff Miller, owner of North Dakota-based Miller’s Fresh Foods, describing recent supply chain experiences as challenging would be an understatement. “Sales aren’t an issue,” he said. “Sales have been excellent. We can’t complain. But we’re battling supply issues…and that’s one of our biggest challenges is keeping our stores full.” However, Miller is finding ways […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Albertsons, Home Page Latest News, Southwest
Food City Differentiates As Hispanic Grocer
Tom Duesman began operations at Food City in the Diamond Hill neighborhood of Fort Worth, Texas in 2021. By then, the country was nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. But every community still needs to eat, and he saw it as an opportunity when he acquired the store. This is the first grocery store […]