The grocery industry in Iowa experienced a dynamic period from 2024 through mid-2025, marked by strategic expansions, significant remodels and a notable few closures, reflecting both economic pressures and a continued focus on serving communities. While the state’s overall financial position remains strong, grocers are navigating evolving consumer habits and intense competition. Iowa-based Fareway Stores […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Corporate Store News, Feature, News, West
Pavilions Stores Specialize In Selection Of Stellar Wines, Liquors
“There’s no other supermarket in Southern California that carries the selections and the varieties that we’re able to get in Pavilions.” That’s how Wayne Heaton, VP and GM of the Pavilions banner, describes the stores’ wine and liquor offerings. He credits Phil Markert for stewarding those departments so well. “We have a very special director […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
Leadership: If You’re Going To Be A Bear, Be A Grizzly
“If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly.” This saying is one of my earliest learnings on how to be successful. It was during my early years at United Supermarkets of Oklahoma, where I spent the first 27 years of my career. I went from being a produce manager to assistant manager and […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
New Spending Bill And SNAP: Sifting Through The Ugly, Bad and Good
The Trump administration recently passed the spending bill. Some of the bill is new; some keeps in place existing programs. And where politicians exist, they do tricks and misinformation. Sometimes what they say is going to happen and what a bill actually does are two different things. Let’s take a deep look at the Supplemental […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, News, Southwest
Marczyk Fine Foods Leverages ECRS To Grow With Purpose
For more than two decades, Marczyk Fine Foods has built its reputation in Denver, Colorado, on high-quality specialty food, hand-crafted market-made items and exceptional customer service. But behind the fresh baguettes, Niman Ranch beef and house-made guacamole is a technology infrastructure that’s every bit as curated and intentional as the products lining the shelves. At […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Corporate Store News, Feature, News, West
Pavilions Fills Role As Test Site For New Grocery, GM Products
“Pavilions is a testing ground for a lot of new and innovative items for the entire division,” said Wayne Heaton, VP and GM of the Pavilions banner. Together with Albertsons and Vons banner stores, they form Albertsons’ 329-store Southern California division. “If something works in Pavilions, there may be 100 stores in the other two […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Corporate Store News, Feature, News, West
Pavilions Marks 4 Decades Of Offering SoCal Consumers An Upscale Full-Shop
Wayne Heaton is VP and general manager of the Pavilions banner for Albertsons, which also owns Pavilions’ sister banner Vons. Heaton has enjoyed a long history in the grocery industry, starting as a courtesy clerk “pushing carts” in 1987. He came up through the ranks at Albertsons and served as a store director for many […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, West
3-Store Acquisition Strengthens Stokes Markets’ Position In Mountain West
John Stokes and his brother, Steve, are fourth-generation grocers who have spent their lives immersed in the family business, Stokes Markets. Their work ethic and dedication to excellence are a direct result of their upbringing in the industry and the influence of those who worked alongside them. Stokes credits their customers with pushing them to […]