Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast

Retailers Find Influx Of Carolinas Newcomers With No Pre-Existing Loyalty ‘Fair Game’

The Shelby Report recently checked in with Lindsey Kueffner, executive director of the Carolinas Food Industry Council, to learn about the key issues poised to impact the region in the coming months. The populations of North Carolina and South Carolina continue to grow. With that, so does the number of grocery stores. Most food retailers […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Southeast

Houchens Food Group Honors Food Giant MS Store Managers In Hattiesburg

Houchens Food Group’s Store Manager Appreciation Awards events continued in August for both Food Giant divisions. Events were held in Biloxi and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Dothan, Alabama. A luncheon was held Aug. 15 at Doubletree by Hilton in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Special speakers included Stephanie Reid from Shelby Publishing, Shane Allison from Alliance Retail Group and […]

Posted inAssociation News, Festival Foods, Market Profile, Midwest

WGA Optimistic For Wisconsin Grocery Industry Despite Lingering Challenges

The Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) is reporting a positive outlook for the state’s grocery industry, despite ongoing challenges such as workforce shortages, rising costs and increasing competition. According to Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the WGA, the Wisconsin economy remains surprisingly stable, with the state seeing higher collection numbers and a rebound in workforce interest […]

Posted inBeverage News, Amazon Fresh, Feature, West, Whole Foods

Commitment To Quality, Consistency Key to Gaviña Coffee Co.’s Success

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, The Shelby Report of the West recently visited with Lisette Gaviña Lopez, a fourth-generation coffee roaster at her family’s business, Vernon, California-based Gaviña Coffee Company. Company history For those unfamiliar with Gaviña Coffee Company, can you provide a brief overview of the company’s history?  The Gaviña coffee legacy began […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Northeast

Authenticity, Discovery Foundations Of Friends’ Marketplace In MA

Reflecting on the past eight years of running Friends’ Marketplace in Massachusetts and the decision to buy the two stores from his father, Brian Junkins and wife Monila have encountered challenges along the way but are proud of what they have created. Among the changes the pair have made since taking over include expanding the […]