Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Slider, Shelby Exclusives, Southeast

Market Profile: Food Depot Content To ‘Expand By Opportunities’

by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer The year 2021 will mark EVP of Food Depot Jamey Leseueur’s 40th year with the company. He started in high school, worked through college and never left. “I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said. Asked what’s kept him there, he said he enjoys the dynamics. “This industry, […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Bashas', Home Page Slider, Shelby Exclusives, West

Bashas’-Navajo Nation relationship ‘spectacularly personal’

Independent grocery chain supports community, services in Navajo Nation by John McCurry / contributing writer One of the more compelling stories to come from the COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona is the efforts of independent grocery chain Bashas’, which operates eight stores within the Navajo Nation. Mark Miller, president of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance, was […]

Posted inShelby Exclusives, Home Page Slider, Online Grocery Technology, Southeast

Acosta Exec: Shopping Experience ‘Redefined With Lasting Impact’

Seamless integration of in-store and online likely by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer As part of January’s technology and e-commerce feature, The Shelby Report interviewed Shauna Bowen with the Jacksonville, Florida-based Acosta for insight into the ever-growing importance of e-commerce and technology in the grocery industry. What is your title with Acosta? Briefly describe your history and […]

Posted inShelby Exclusives, Amazon Fresh, Home Page Slider, Northeast, Online Grocery Technology, Whole Foods

Rosie Helps Independent Retailers, Wholesalers Adapt To Shifting Market

New service called Cater debuted before holidays by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer In 2012, Nick Nickitas founded Rosie, an e-commerce solution for independent retailers and wholesalers. His goal was to “level the playing field,” giving local businesses the tools to compete with national chains and online marketplaces. “We’ve seen the music industry get completely reshaped as […]

Posted inShelby Exclusives, Home Page Slider, Online Grocery Technology, Southeast

ECRS’ Unified Experience Keeps It Ahead Of Changing Landscape 

Company’s software is based on best practices, not customization by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Peter Catoe founded ECRS in 1989. Thirty-something years later, he remains the president. While a lot has changed with technology in the grocery business during that time, his strategy has remained the same. “We consider ourselves a transaction company, and we […]

Posted inShelby Exclusives, Home Page Slider, National

Freshop Committed To ‘Learning, Living And Breathing Grocery’

Focus includes self-checkout, touchless store environments  by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Freshop is an e-commerce solution for grocery and retail. And as one might expect, CEO Brian Moyer said the platform has grown an incredible amount in 2020, acquiring thousands of new stores. But why Freshop? According to Moyer, retail partners say the company “really knows […]

Posted inShelby Exclusives, Home Page Slider, Midwest, Snacks Brands

Market Profile: KLN Family Brands Exemplifies Adage ‘Treat People Like Family’

Candy, snacks company has roots in pet food by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Perham, Minnesota-based KLN Family Brands, the parent company of Kenny’s Candy & Confections, produces various kinds of licorice and popcorn snacks, both branded and private label.  These include Wiley Wallaby licorice and Sweet Chaos popcorn brands, which can be found nationwide in […]

Posted inShelby Exclusives, Home Page Slider, Independent Store News, Midwest

Market Profile: Longtime Minnesota Grocers Enter 2021 On High Note

Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Coborn’s show staying power by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Mackenthun’s Fine Foods was founded in Waconia, Minnesota, in 1917. Today, co-owners Jaime Mackenthun and Jessa Theis, brother and sister, are fifth-generation grocers of the family’s three stores in Waconia, Lonsdale and Montgomery. “It’s pretty exciting for our family to have been in business […]