The first Cosentino’s Market was on the east side of Kansas City. Brothers Jerry and Jim Cosentino had recently returned to Kansas City from serving their country during World War II and were trying to determine what to do next. They took a gamble and bought a small grocery store in Blue Ridge. With no […]
Category: Shelby Content
Exclusive, in-depth stories from the Shelby team. Explore Food Industry features, market profiles, and unique perspectives from industry leaders.
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Cosentino's Food Stores, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Midwest
Generations Strong, Cosentino’s Food Stores Building Success On Old-Time Values
Many retailers believe that to succeed in business they need to focus on future-forward goals and distance themselves from the old ways of doing things. For family-run Cosentino’s Food Stores, The Shelby Report of the Midwest’s 2024 Retailer of the Year, leveraging how business was done in the past has played a central role in […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Southeast
ECRS’ CATAPULT Retail POS Utilizes AI To Help Independent Grocers Compete
Artificial intelligence applications for local and regional retail grocers are no longer on the horizon – they are a reality today. Pete Catoe, founder and CEO of ECRS, a retail solutions provider, said AI technology is available to grocers with practical tools they should already be using to enhance the customer experience. Catoe said two […]
Posted inBig Y Foods, Market Profile, Northeast
Local Grocers Dominate Market, Embrace Innovation Across Massachusetts
Massachusetts shoppers have a diverse selection of grocery stores to choose from, thanks to a strong presence of regional chains alongside new entrants. This fragmented market offers a variety of shopping experiences but also presents challenges in ensuring equitable access to healthy food options. When looking for a grocery store in Massachusetts, shoppers are likely […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Independent Grocers Ready To Celebrate NGA Foundation Awareness Week
Initiatives like diversity and inclusion, leadership development, technical assistance and support for the industry’s next generation are important to independent grocers but are often eclipsed by the ongoing day-to-day business of feeding their communities. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, the NGA Foundation supports the future of the independent community grocer […]
Posted inAssociation News, Dairy News, Guest Contributors, National
What’s Driving Dairy Purchasing Decisions?
Dairy is a destination for daily staples on most shopping trips. But, how are evolving demographics, changing nutritional requirements and the rise of alternative products influencing what winds up in consumers’ baskets? A recent webinar hosted by NGA explored consumption trends for dairy products as part of a healthy eating pattern, including potential barriers that […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Midwest
New Niemann Harvest Market Offers Guests A Shopping Destination
Shoppers in Carmel, Indiana, have a new destination for their grocery needs. Niemann Harvest Market opened May 15, the first in the state for the Niemann Foods banner. According to Store Director Sean Olson, what makes the store different is “everything that we do starts with partnerships with local producers and makers.” He clarified that […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
Indiana ‘Beset’ With Same Economic Problems As Rest Of U.S.
Indiana’s economy is experiencing a period of sustained growth. According to IBISWorld, the Hoosier state’s gross domestic product reached $353.9 billion in 2023, with a 20.3 percent increase over the past five years. Manufacturing remains a significant driver, with sectors like motor vehicles, metals and electronics leading the way. However, the recent “Feeding the Economy” […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Aldi, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
Aldi To Begin Winn-Dixie, Harveys Assimilation Process
North Florida’s biggest retail grocery news over the past year arguably came out of Jacksonville. Following a deal announced in August 2023 and completed in early March this year, Southeastern Grocers’ Winn-Dixie brand, along with sister banner Harveys Supermarkets, now are owned by Aldi, the value-focused retailer headquartered in Batavia, Illinois. Aldi said the deal […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
A New Look At Labor Retention For Independent Grocery Operators
Grocery has one of the highest employee turnover rates of any U.S. industry. A recent study commissioned by the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council examined the lingering impact of the pandemic and other issues around hiring and retention. In a recent webinar hosted by the National Grocers Association and the NGA Foundation, longtime industry expert, observer […]
Posted inH-E-B, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, Market Profile, Southwest
H-E-B Still King, But New Grocers Spicing Up Region’s Landscape
Spanning nearly 38,000 miles, some 2.4 million people live in South Texas. While San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Brownsville are among the largest cities, most of the towns located within this expansive region are much smaller. Grocery powerhouse H-E-B dominates the region, with a nearly 50 percent market share, according to Shelby Report data. […]
Posted inFood Service News, Feature, Gelson's, National
Grocers Eye Fresh, Local As Popularity Of Grab-And-Go, Ready-Made Meals Soars
Customers at the new Niemann Harvest Market that opened May 15 in Carmel, Indiana, have a wide range of innovative options when it comes to picking up fresh food for any time of day, from grab-and-go meals to fresh-cut meats and produce. And it has experts at its service counters who can provide input as […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West
Jack’s Country Store Honored By WFIA For Community Service
Jack’s Country Store’s roots in Ocean Park, Washington, date back to 1885, when the area was still known as the Washington Territory. Founded by John Morehead, Jack’s is believed to be the oldest continuing retail business in the state. Over the years, leadership and location changed (the store burned down in 1937 and was relocated, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Northeast
Sunshine Brings Out Customers For Pump & Pantry, Wings Market
Sam Adams, owner of the Pump & Pantry and Wings Market in Vermont, attributes his ability to stay in business for more than 25 years to being adaptable and finding unique ways to grow. Through store expansions and increasing assortments, the changes Adams made to his stores over the years has meant the difference between […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Amazon Fresh, Market Profile, West, Whole Foods
Hammer & Wikan Celebrates ‘Simpler Life’ In Alaska’s Petersburg
Independent grocers across the U.S. face many challenges, but additional obstacles face those operating in Alaska. Hammer & Wikan is an independent grocer in Petersburg, Alaska, which is located on Mitkof Island in the southeastern part of the state. Hammer & Wikan was founded in 1921 by John Hammer and Andrew Wikan, two Norwegian immigrants. […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West
Alaska’s ‘Famously High Food Prices’ Result Of Logistical Hurdles, Weather
Alaska’s grocery industry faces a unique set of challenges. The vastness of the state, coupled with a relatively small and dispersed population, creates logistical hurdles for getting food onto shelves as well as higher prices. This complex environment necessitates a diverse grocery landscape, with national chains, regional players and independent grocers all vying for a slice […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
Lack Of Workers Poses Challenge For Businesses In South Dakota
Business owners in South Dakota are “cautiously optimistic” for 2024, according to Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association. He noted that 2023 was better than most expected but, thus far, things in 2024 “are flat.” “They’re generally seeing better foot traffic, but that increased foot traffic doesn’t necessarily result in more […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Anniversary Issues, Home Page Latest News, Rosauers, West
Rosauers ‘Definitely On A Growth Trajectory’
Rosauers Supermarkets is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, and CEO Cliff Rigsbee said the company is on a trajectory for continued growth. The grocer, based in Spokane, Washington, is a fully-owned subsidiary of URM Stores Inc. and operates under three banners: Rosauers, Super 1 Foods and Huckleberry’s. CEO Cliff Rigsbee said there are 24 […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Feature, Midwest
Seaboard Foods Exec: Quality, Value Expected To Drive Pork Sales This Year
With 2023 well in the rearview, manufacturers and retailers are looking forward to this spring’s grilling season kicking off renewed demand for meat. The last 12 months were a bit turbulent for the meat industry, with escalating feed costs, inflation and lower demand in the U.S. affecting sales. But industry experts are optimistic that these […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, IGA, Market Profile, Southeast
Reigning U.S. Retailer of the Year Pocahontas IGA Mixes It Up In Marlinton, WV
Pocahontas IGA in Marlinton, West Virginia, has been named one of the 2024 U.S. Retailers of the Year by the Independent Grocers Alliance, the highest honor the organization bestows upon its retail members. Owner Rob Hilleary and his team were nominated by their wholesaler, Merchant Distributors Inc., for their innovative store operations and for moving […]