Posted in, Independent Store News, National, The Independent Perspective

Four-Star General, Stanley McChrystal, To Deliver 2016 NGA Show Keynote

The National Grocers Association (NGA) said Tuesday that retired Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal will present the opening keynote address at the 2016 NGA Show, to be held Feb. 28-March 2 in Las Vegas. McChrystal, a four-star general and former Green Beret, led the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in Iraq during the Persian Gulf Wars […]

Posted in, Bonus Content, Independent Store News, Market Profile, Shelby Signature Content, The Independent Perspective, West

Independent Spotlight: Foods Etc IGA, Susanville Supermarket IGA More Than Grocery Stores

Dennis Darling started bagging groceries at his local independent grocery store while still in high school. It’s where he says he not only discovered a career but met his wife of 41 years, Ruth. At the store, he was promoted quickly up the ladder and started managing for that same company at age 23. Eventually, […]

Posted in, Bonus Content, National, Shelby Signature Content, The Independent Perspective, Women In The News

As First Woman Supermarket Manager, Carole Bitter Has Led Industry For Women

Carole Bitter grew up in a time when opportunities in management for women in the grocery industry did not exist. Even as the daughter of supermarket owners, she never considered running the family business because the heir apparent was a male cousin. Bitter’s grandfather came to the U.S. from Austria-Hungary at the turn of the […]

Posted in, Beverage News, Center Store, Grocery Industry, Market Profile, Shelby Signature Content, Southeast

Tennessee Food Retailers Face Challenges In Readying For Wine Sales Next Year

by Kristen Cloud/staff writer A referendum to allow food retailers in Tennessee to sell wine passed everywhere it was on the ballot last year. While getting that referendum on the November ballot was a long and oftentimes arduous process, the challenges aren’t over. Grocery stores in the 78 municipalities where wine sales will be allowed in […]

Posted in, Grocery Industry, Grocery News, Independent Store News, International Foods, National, Shelby Signature Content

AWG Continues To Strengthen Focus On Hispanic Business

by Kristen Cloud/staff writer It would probably be an understatement to say that Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) puts a special focus on its Hispanic business. The Kansas City, Kansas-based wholesaler has been growing its Hispanic segment over the last four years and has seen a more than 500 percent increase in sales, according to Carlos […]

Posted in, Market Profile, Midwest

Show Me State Grocers Have A Trusted Friend In The State House

by Terrie Ellerbee/associate editor Dan Shaul is state director of the Missouri Grocers Association (MGA) and last year added another impressive title: Missouri State Representative, 113th District. The experience has given him, in his words, the opportunity to see “how the sausage is truly made.” The knowledge he is gaining and relationships he is building […]

Posted in, Grocery Industry, Guest Contributors, National, Shelby Signature Content

For A Healthy Return, Invest Executive Time In New Hires

If your company does not arrange for a member of senior management to spend time with new hires during basic training you are missing an opportunity. The opportunity to help newly hired employees get a clear understanding of your company’s brand character as well as the financial drivers that make a retail grocery business successful. […]

Posted in, Merchandising News, Midwest, Perishables, Shelby Signature Content

Dutch Farms Grew From Basement Into Award-Winning Business

Company stays on trend with egg traceability technology It all started in 1987 in the basement of Brian Boomsma’s house in Highland, Indiana, where Dutch Farms’ first office was set up. Initially, the company offered only eggs, which is worthy of note, considering a revolutionary technology regarding eggs debuted at the Dutch Farms buying show […]