Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Lowes Foods, Southeast

Lowes Foods’ In-Store Atmosphere Offers Sense Of Community

The Community Table is the heart of a Lowes Foods store. Constructed of reclaimed wood from local barns, the table is designed to bring the community together through events like food pairings, tea parties and floral arranging classes. Private events ranging from birthday parties for kids to beer and wine pairings for adults (Beer & […]

Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National

What Presidential Election Means For Independent Grocers In 2025

The past several years have brought a host of policy wins for independent grocers. From progress toward antitrust enforcement and credit card reform to protection of federal nutrition programs, NGA’s advocacy efforts have made historic leaps. While we have been building momentum on these issues, there is still plenty to do. With the results of […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Central Market, Southwest

‘Unique Food-Focused Format’ Helped Scratch H-E-B’s Itch For Innovation

Stephen Butt, H-E-B’s president of shareholder relations and the Central Market division, talks about the origins of Central Market and how it has evolved over the years. What prompted the creation of Central Market? How did the idea for this concept come to be? In the mid-1980s, H-E-B was becoming “restlessly dissatisfied” with the lack […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Central Market, Southwest

‘Let’s Renew Our Wows’ – Central Market Celebrates 30 Years Of Sharing Love Of Food

With its launch 30 years ago in Austin, Texas, the foodie-focused Central Market format put H-E-B on the path to becoming the highly successful multi-format retailer it is today. Central Market was born out of the retailer’s desire to create something new and exciting for its shoppers. Inspired by European markets, the stores have winding […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southeast

Employee-Owned Food Giant Serves Rural MS By Focusing On Price, Quality

Location, customer service, price and quality are just a few of the attributes that help Food Giant stores in northern Mississippi stand out. The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with David Holcomb, division manager, to learn more about the company’s competitive strategy. How long has Food Giant been operating in Mississippi? Kenneth Storey, […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Albertsons, Feature, National

Ibotta Digital Promo Network Powers Loyalty Programs

Denver-based Ibotta powers cash-back rewards for companies including Albertsons, Dollar General, H-E-B, Instacart, Kroger, Schnuck Markets, Sprouts, Walmart and many others. Shoppers download the app and can get rewards by scanning a receipt or linking their store loyalty account to the app to earn points. To date, 50 million people have downloaded the app and […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Amazon Fresh, Northeast, Whole Foods

High Per Capita Income Of Maryland Residents Makes For Competitive Grocery Market

It may be the 42nd largest state, but Maryland has consistently ranked among the nation’s top in terms of per capita income over the past few years. Its economy benefits greatly from its proximity to Washington, D.C., where many of its residents work. This higher-than-average income level continues to positively impact spending in the state. […]