The grocery industry in Hawaii is facing mounting challenges as food insecurity remains high and transportation costs continue to climb. Approximately 30 percent of Hawaii’s residents report some level of food insecurity, according to Alexis Chapman, director of operations for the Hawaii Food Industry Association in Honolulu. The situation is even more dire in certain […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Feature, News, Southeast
Retailers Embrace PWADC ‘Savings In A SNAP’ Digital Program
With grocery costs continuing to rise and uncertainty surrounding federal nutrition assistance programs, Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Company has rolled out an innovative coupon initiative designed to help consumers stretch their food budgets further. Launched Nov. 1, the Savings in a SNAP digital program focuses on staple items like eggs, milk, potatoes, pasta, tuna and […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
Crossroads: Where Life And Business Meet
This is the first installment of a new ongoing column in The Shelby Report. We’re calling it Crossroads, in recognition of the intersection between life and business, where all of us – especially independent grocers– truly live. Each month, this column will highlight a moment where life and business collide and attempt to offer insight […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, West
Okimoto Corp.’s Longstanding Values Guide Everyday Operations Of Its Stores
Hawaii grocer Okimoto Corp. celebrated 75 years in business in 2024, built on a foundation of honesty, integrity, humility and unity. Led by the third generation – Kris, Kyle and Kit Okimoto – the company operates two stores on Oahu and one on Molokai. Kit Okimoto, who in addition to his CFO duties in the […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, News, West
Swiftly’s Audience Optimizer Offers Retailers Digital Tools For Success
The Shelby Report recently visited with Swiftly, a Seattle-based retail technology platform, to learn more about its new Audience Optimizer, a tool designed to help brick-and-mortar retailers transition their marketing efforts from traditional print circulars to targeted digital campaigns. Sean Turner, co-founder and chief technology officer of Swiftly, said the platform provides retailers with digital […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, News, West
Local Express Showcases Unified Commerce Platform
Local Express, an artificial intelligence-native unified commerce platform, highlighted its comprehensive technology solutions for grocery retailers during Grocery Shop in Las Vegas, emphasizing how the company has evolved from serving small-format stores to providing enterprise-level capabilities for retailers of all sizes. Maria Gallegos, chief marketing officer for Glendale, California-based Local Express, said the company is […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, H-E-B, News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
H-E-B Celebrates Leadership, Milestones
Over its storied 120-year history, H-E-B has become synonymous with the grocery industry in Texas. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year continues to expand into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as other areas of the Lone Star State, and remains […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, H-E-B, News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
H-E-B Celebrates Expansion, Growth In Texas
Over its storied 120-year history, H-E-B has become synonymous with the grocery industry in Texas. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year continues to expand into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as other areas of the Lone Star State, and remains […]