The future of the independent grocery industry largely depends upon having talented leadership that can steer it through changing times and dynamic market conditions. Part of cultivating that leadership is encouraging today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders by demonstrating the opportunities and benefits of working in a business that uplifts communities and feeds the nation. […]
Category: Shelby Content
Exclusive, in-depth stories from the Shelby team. Explore Food Industry features, market profiles, and unique perspectives from industry leaders.
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Preparing For The USDA’s New Organic Enforcement Rule
The deadline for USDA’s “Strengthening Organic Enforcement” (SOE) final rule is barely a month away. More robust recordkeeping, audits and traceability of organic certifications will be required of more businesses throughout the food supply. The National Grocers Association, as part of its traceability partnership with ReposiTrak, hosted a recent webinar that explained what the rule […]
Posted inBJ's Wholesale Club, Albertsons, Association News, Market Profile, Northeast
Maine Sees Evolving Retail Landscape, Population Shift
Maine is known for its picturesque mountain and coastal landscapes, as well as its seafaring traditions, agricultural and forestry businesses. It also is a state dealing with economic and workforce challenges and an evolving retail landscape. Layered on top of this, Maine is experiencing a profound pandemic-fueled population shift. COVID had (and is still having) […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southwest
With Heart For Small Towns, Lowe’s Excellent Fit In New Mexico
Owned and operated by the Lowe’s family (now in its third generation), Lowe’s Markets is well known and appreciated by residents of New Mexico. Headquartered in Littlefield, Texas – just 44 miles from the New Mexico border – Lowe’s operates 22 stores in the state under the banners of Lowe’s Market (11), Super Save (four), […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Albertsons, Association News, Southwest
Food Deserts Serious Reality In Parts Of Rural New Mexico
Challenging is a word some might use to describe the state of supermarkets in New Mexico. Others see it as ripe for changes, that if instituted, would benefit retailers as well as economically challenged residents. While surrounding states are thriving in terms of population and economy, New Mexico hasn’t fared as well in recent years. […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Midwest
Community Support Vital To Success Of Chris’ Food Center
Sandstone, Minnesota is a small town of about 1,500 residents. The official count is about 2,900, but that includes 1,400 federal prisoners who don’t buy groceries, according to Craig Thorvig, who owns and operates Chris’ Food Center with his wife, Kristee. Chris’ Food Center is the lone supermarket in town, with the only other options […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Rouses Market, Southeast
Rouses Markets’ Milestone Rooted In Louisiana Produce
The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently caught up with Rouses Markets CEO Donny Rouse to discuss the 100th anniversary of City Produce and all things Rouses as the Louisiana-based grocer gears up for a big 2024. City Produce, whose centennial runs through May 2024, is the first company that the Rouses family started after arriving […]
Posted inFeature, Grocery Store Equipment, Online Grocery Technology, Southeast
CEO: Upshop Helping ‘Lessen The Load’ On Grocery Employees
The Shelby Report’s SVP Jan Meade recently caught up with Shamus Hines, CEO of Upshop, to talk about how the software company can aid grocery retailers and their employees. Hines said Tampa, Florida-based Upshop has operational technology that supports some of the more complicated workflows in the grocery store. These may be considered through three […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Southeast
Georgia’s Economy Remains Strong Despite Possible Slowdown
Georgia’s post-COVID economy is expected to continue to expand in 2024, though it will grow at a slower rate. According to information from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business in its annual economic outlook report, the state should continue to outpace the national GDP growth rate, which is projected to be 0.8 percent […]
Posted inHarps Food Stores, Independent Store News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
Harps’ Culture Sparks Further Growth With Recent Acquisitions
Harps Food Stores had “a bunch of irons in the fire in 2023,” according to Chairman and CEO Kim Eskew. Those “irons” are among the reasons the Springdale, Arkansas-based company has been named The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2023 Retailer of the Year. Harps added 34 net new locations and moved into two additional […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Independent Store News, Northeast
Rebranding As Market 32 Rooted In Past, Focused On Future
In the ever-shifting grocery industry, retailers need to evolve or become irrelevant. Schenectady, New York-based Price Chopper/ Market 32 – The Shelby Report of the Northeast’s Retailer of the Year – is no exception. The Public Service Market in Green Island, New York, was founded in 1932 by brothers Ben and Bill Golub. Three more […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Feature, Northeast
Boosted By ‘Head Start,’ PDL Keeps Driving Tech Forward
Peapod Digital Labs (PDL) drives the digital and eCommerce innovation, technology and expertise for the retail brands of Ahold Delhaize USA – Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Co., Hannaford Supermarkets and Stop & Shop. Originally known as Peapod Online Grocer or simply Peapod, the company was founded in 1989 and operated independently until Ahold […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Education Will Drive Your Experience At 2024 NGA Show
For many independent grocers, the NGA Show is a beacon. It’s a signal that spring is almost here, after an exhausting holiday selling season and many dreary weeks of winter. The show is a chance to work on your business, and it’s also an opportunity to recharge and get inspired by the many expert-driven educational […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Northeast
At Family-Owned Bishop’s Supermarket, They Greet Every Customer
Bishop’s Supermarket in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, is very much a family affair. The company was founded in 1954 by William “Bill” Bishop and partner Bobby Dillon. They bought the store from Dillon’s father and uncle. The small, three-aisle store, known as Dillon and Bishop’s, was located downtown. Bill Bishop’s brother, Floyd, joined the business […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Feature, Independent Store News, Southeast
Remodeled Tampa Store Serves As Publix’s Prototype
Publix has been named Shelby Publishing’s 2023 Growth Leader. Publix President Kevin Murphy recently visited with Shelby President and COO Stephanie Reid and SVP Jan Meade as they toured the Publix at 3617 W. Gandy Blvd. in Tampa, Florida. The 55,000-square-foot store is the company’s newest prototype. Murphy referenced the company’s Greenwise stores, which he […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Feature, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Finding New Ways To Fight Hunger Through Summit
Publix long has been working to alleviate hunger in the communities it serves. That effort reached a new level in early 2023, when the company hosted a Hunger Summit at its Lakeland, Florida headquarters. Executives from 35 Feeding America member food banks in the Publix operating area attended, along with state and federal officials. Company […]
Posted inExceptional Independents, Association News, Home Page Latest News, National
Independent Grocers ‘Critical To Success, Health, Well-being Of Communities’
Shelby Publishing is accepting nominations for its second annual Exceptional Independents Awards program, which honors the role independent grocers play in the industry. These grocers “grow local and regional economies by creating jobs and generating taxes while providing unique offerings and supporting their community partners,” said Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Feature, Independent Store News, Southeast, Sustainability News
Publix Removes Invasive Plants From Florida Everglades
Publix is contributing $2 million to remove invasive trees and plants in 1,000 acres of wetlands in the Florida Everglades. These trees and plants use more than their share of water, interrupting Florida’s natural water system. The company is funding projects at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the saline glades in Everglades National Park that will […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Feature, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix’s Caring Culture Begins With Hearts, Minds Of Associates
Publix was founded in 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida, by George W. Jenkins (Mr. George) on the concept of community first. Executive Chairman Todd Jones said while food is the “backbone” of the company, “we wanted to make sure that we’ll take care of our customers and our communities.” Talking with Shelby Publishing President and […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Feature, Independent Store News, Southeast
Kentucky New Territory For Growth Leader Publix
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix has been named Shelby Publishing’s 2023 Growth Leader. Now operating more than 1,360 stores, the employee-owned company has opened 45 new locations this year and completed more than 100 remodels. Executive Chairman Todd Jones said Publix is averaging 40-50 new stores per year. The company has recently entered a new market, Kentucky, […]