Monthly Features | The Shelby Report
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

Shopping Experience, Quality Products Helping Missouri Independents Compete

The Shelby Report of the Midwest recently visited with Dan Shaul, executive director of the Missouri Grocers Association, to catch up on the grocery industry in the Show Me State. What are some of the top issues impacting grocers in Missouri this year? “Like other states around the country, Missouri is experiencing many of the […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Amazon Fresh, Market Profile, Southwest, Whole Foods

Smaller Independent Grocers Tapping Into Colorado’s Growing Sector

National chains such as King Soopers and Safeway may dominate market share in Colorado, but independent grocers continue to demonstrate why they are the choice for many consumers. In addition to resilience and innovation, independents have gained a loyal following through their product offerings, customer service and strong commitment to community. Not surprisingly, Colorado’s independent […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Amazon Fresh, Association News, Southeast, The Kroger Co., Whole Foods

Attracting Workers Remains Challenge For Grocers Across Kentucky

Labor continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing the commonwealth’s grocers, according to Tod Griffin, executive director of the Kentucky Grocers & Convenience Store Association. “The one constant theme is they cannot find enough workers, especially in those skilled areas such as meat cutters and drivers to transport goods,” Griffin said. “They have […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Southeast

Paducah, KY’s Midtown Market Rooted In Boston

Andrew “Andy” Carloss opened Midtown Market in Paducah, Kentucky, because the idea just wouldn’t leave him alone. Carloss was born and raised in Paducah and earned his business management degree from the University of Kentucky. He took a tech job in Boston after graduation, where he was able to bunk with his sister. While there, […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Laurel Grocery Co., Market Profile, Southeast, The Kroger Co., Wholesaler/Distributor News

Laurel Grocery Co. Keying On Retail Promotions To Boost Sales For Grocers

Laurel Grocery Co. is continually developing new merchandising and marketing programs for its retail customers as part of its commitment to always “think retail.” Based in London, Kentucky, Laurel Grocery Co. is a full-service wholesaler of groceries, meat, produce and general merchandise in addition to offering accounting and advertising services. It serves more than 200 […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Harps Food Stores, Southwest

Association Executive Director Says Arkansas Economy Moving In Positive Direction

Sales tax collections and metro population totals both have been up in Arkansas over the past year, according to Steve Goode, executive director of the Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association in Little Rock. “The overall economy is doing slightly better than a year ago,” he said. Sales tax collections are up by 1.8 percent […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

Store Count Growing – But More Needed – In Financially Strong Iowa

At its March meeting, Iowa’s Revenue Estimating Conference projected a 2.2 percent decrease in revenue in fiscal 2024 versus fiscal 2023. But the panel also forecasted increased revenue in FY 2025 and 2026, at 0.7 percent and 1 percent respectively, noted Michelle Hurd, president of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA). “Despite the slight revenue […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Albertsons, Association News, The Kroger Co., West

Retail Theft Reform Solutions Emerging In California

With less than a month to go, officials at the California Grocers Association have been busy preparing for their annual CGA Strategic Conference. The focus of the Palm Springs event, which runs from Sept. 29-Oct. 1, is emerging technologies. From informative educational sessions to retailer/supplier meetings, the three-day conference will give attendees the opportunity to […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast

Retail Grocery Industry Across New York Undergoing Recalibration

It has taken a while, but the grocery industry in New York is beginning to return to normal levels. While this is positive news, grocers in the state still face some formidable challenges. Mike Durant, president and CEO of the Food Industry Alliance of New York, pointed out that grocers in the state are experiencing similar […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Southeast

Louisiana Grocers Grapple With Rising Costs, Challenges From New Players

Experts tracking the supermarket industry agree that the past year has been a challenging one for Louisiana grocers. The rising cost of food and other essentials is squeezing their profit margins and consumers’ budgets. Responding to this, Louisiana grocery stores are working hard to absorb some of these cost increases to keep prices affordable. “Many […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Southwest

Edwards Food Giant’s Remodel Offers ‘Neighborhood Feel’ In N. Little Rock

The new Edwards Food Giant that opened in Lakewood Village in North Little Rock in early April was described by one observer as “Publix come to Arkansas, to be honest with you.” That’s high praise, as Publix is widely known for its clean, well-stocked, well-run grocery stores. Edwards Food Giant took the place of the […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southeast, The Kroger Co.

Home Of Cash Saver, Castle Retail Group Aims To Be Memphis’ Low-Price Leader

Castle Retail Group operates five grocery stores, all within the city limits of Memphis. Three of the locations operate under the Cash Saver banner. Ranging in size from 30,000 to 69,000 square feet, they operate as a cost plus-10-percent deep-discount price format. CRG also owns two smaller footprint neighborhood stores. High Point Grocery, which opened in […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast

TGCSA’s Ikard Recaps State Legislative Session, Leading With Swipe Fees Fight

The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Rob Ikard, president and CEO of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA), to learn more about the legislation and public policy updates impacting retailers in the Volunteer State. Calling the 2024 legislative session “quite busy,” Ikard said TGCSA spent many long hours advancing the […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Rouses Market, Southeast

Focus On Local, First-To-Market Approach Sets Rouses Apart Along Gulf Coast

Louisiana-based Rouses Markets is one of the fastest-growing family-owned companies in the country. It also is one of the top privately held companies and largest employers along the Gulf Coast. Founded in 1960 by Anthony J. Rouse Sr., the company has expanded from its humble roots as a single store operator in Houma, Louisiana, to […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Hy-Vee, Market Profile, Midwest

Hy-Vee Continues To Grow Business Units Across Operating Area

Home state grocer Hy-Vee has been making news with its proposed growth into the southern U.S. But it’s also growing in the Midwest. The West Des Moines-based company, which has 550 “business units” – primarily retail stores – in its operating area, recently grew to nine states with the biggest acquisition in company history. Its […]

Posted inProduce News, Association News, Market Profile, Southwest

USMCA Gives Grocers Wider Diversity Of Produce, Availability Year-Round

The United States-Mexico border stretches for more than 1,254 miles, the longest international border in the continental U.S. But it’s not just a physical line – it’s a vital economic artery, pumping billions of dollars in trade between Texas and Mexico. While binational trade relations between the two countries have historically been strong, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West

With New Site In Bozeman, Town & Country Foods Continues Expansion In Montana

In an industry often marked by consolidation and competition from national chains, Town & Country Foods, a Montana-based independent grocery store chain, stands out as a beacon of growth. The company has defied industry trends, expanding its footprint across the state while many competitors struggle. Founded in 1966 by Andy Perlinski in Livingston, Montana, Town […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Aldi, Meijer, Midwest, SpartanNash

Via ‘Infrastructure For Innovation,’ Michigan Leaders Plan To Foster Economic Growth

Michigan’s economy is expected to grow by 1.8 percent in 2024 – slightly higher than 2023 but lower than the national economy – according to Comerica Bank. But state leaders are not sitting still; growth plans are in place. On May 30, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, delivering the keynote address at the Mackinac Policy Conference, announced […]

Posted inBig Y Foods, Market Profile, Northeast

Local Grocers Dominate Market, Embrace Innovation Across Massachusetts

Massachusetts shoppers have a diverse selection of grocery stores to choose from, thanks to a strong presence of regional chains alongside new entrants. This fragmented market offers a variety of shopping experiences but also presents challenges in ensuring equitable access to healthy food options. When looking for a grocery store in Massachusetts, shoppers are likely […]