Houchens Food Group recently unveiled a new program, the Store Manager Appreciation Awards, to recognize the work of its grocery store leadership, whom it considers its “unsung heroes.” Consisting of 18 lunch banquets divided by region and banner, the events include individual recognition of store managers as well as a selection of other awards. In […]
Category: Shelby Content
Exclusive, in-depth stories from the Shelby team. Explore Food Industry features, market profiles, and unique perspectives from industry leaders.
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
Getting Involved Reaps Benefits For Independent Grocers’ Priorities
Making oneself heard can be a challenge, especially as a single voice in the political wilderness. And in an election year, the noises around us competing for attention can be deafening. But while being united makes us stronger, it’s still vitally important for our individual members to participate in the process at the local level. […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Retailer of the Year, Southeast
Food Lion Strategy Creates Culture Of Belonging
Fostering a caring and inclusive workplace has been a priority for more than three decades at Food Lion, The Shelby Report’s 2024 Southeast Retailer of the Year. Linda Johnson, SVP of human resources and communications, said Food Lion’s commitment goes beyond words, creating a culture that extends to customers, communities and their entire associate base. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southwest
At Marczyk Fine Foods, It’s ‘Not Everything, Just Everything You Need’
Sometimes the best way to understand a particular retailer is to ask the people who work there. Employees at Marczyk Fine Foods in downtown Denver had the following to say about where they work: “This is a cool, hip, local, open-minded, supportive place that values work life balance and offers amazing benefits.” The Shelby Report […]
Posted inBakery News, Feature, National
St Pierre ‘Putting The Consumer First,’ Continuing To Educate
Sarah Boddy, managing director for St Pierre at Grupo Bimbo, recently spoke to the The Griffin Report about the company’s journey and how it is helping retailers navigate inflation and other industry challenges. “When we launched into the U.S. market…nobody knew what brioche was,” Boddy said. “We had a big job in educating the customers […]
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 inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Retailer of the Year, Southeast
‘Proud To Be An Omnichannel Retailer,’ Food Lion Delivers Value To Shoppers
Food Lion, a grocery store chain with a presence in 10 Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states, makes continuous enhancements to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Greg Finchum, EVP of retail operations for the grocer, which is The Shelby Report’s 2024 Southeast Retailer of the Year, outlined the focus on being a leading omnichannel retailer […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Aldi, Feature, National
Aldi Wine Specialist: ‘We Know That We Can Deliver High Quality For Less’
Aldi is the fastest growing retailer of wine and beer. That’s according to Arlin Zajmi, director of national buying and certified wine specialist for Aldi, who flew to Atlanta from company headquarters in Batavia, Illinois, to participate in a store tour for journalists at the grocer’s store in Buckhead in mid-July. “The alcohol category has […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Feature, National, The Kroger Co.
IFPA Officials Preview Fresh Produce & Floral Show
“Make the most of these three days in October.” That’s the advice of Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), referring to the 2024 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, coming up Oct. 17-19 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. “We’re really excited to be in Georgia this year after […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, Feature, Midwest
New-look Greenridge Naturals Introducing 1-oz. Snack Sticks Later This Year
Claire Flannery, director of communications for Greenridge Naturals, talked with The Shelby Report about the company’s recent rebranding and new products coming later this year. Illinois-based Greenridge was founded in 2008 by Michael and Sebastian Madej, who wanted to produce clean, simple meats – such as meat sticks, sausages and deli meats – made with […]
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 inFeature, Snacks Brands, Southeast
Stuckey Shares Family Company’s Comeback Journey
Stephanie Stuckey, chair and co-owner of Stuckey’s, was one of the speakers during the recent Sweets & Snacks Expo, sharing with the crowd how she revived her grandfather’s company and offering tips to market a brand’s products on a “scrappy” budget. “I know a thing or two about comebacks,” Stuckey said. “I had a completely […]
Posted inFeature, Aldi, Corporate Store News, Southeast
‘Aldi Math’ Keeps Retailer Focused On Saving Customers Money
Aldi hosted a behind-the-scenes tour of its store in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta on July 17 to communicate how it can save area shoppers money – it estimates up to 40 percent – on groceries. The tour was hosted by Shaun O’Keefe, regional VP based out of the Aldi’s Jefferson, Georgia, distribution center. “What […]
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 inFeature, Aldi, Southeast
Aldi Finds Aisle Offers BTS Items For Kids, Teens
A store tour for journalists at an Aldi store in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta finished up on the Aldi Finds aisle. For the uninitiated, the aisle is a mix of Aldi-exclusive brands as well as some national and licensed brands. It’s mostly general merchandise, but there also are some food items classified as “Finds.” […]