Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Midwest

Houchens Food Group Honoring Top Store Managers

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 […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West

With New Site In Bozeman, Town & Country Foods Continues Expansion In Montana

In an industry often marked by consolidation and competition from national chains, Town & Country Foods, a Montana-based independent grocery store chain, stands out as a beacon of growth. The company has defied industry trends, expanding its footprint across the state while many competitors struggle. Founded in 1966 by Andy Perlinski in Livingston, Montana, Town […]

Posted inPackaging News, Feature, Midwest

Anchor’s ‘Packaging That Performs’ Good For Ops, Consumer Experience

Packaging is one of those things that isn’t always the center of attention but can play an important supporting role. Kurt Richars, director of growth and marketing for St. Louis-based Anchor Packaging, said his company focuses on providing customers with “packaging that performs.” Richars, speaking with The Shelby Report shortly after the IDDBA Show in […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Midwest

Harvest Health Foods Leveraging AI To Make Best Use Of Technology

Harvest Health Foods, a family-owned grocery chain in Michigan, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize inventory management and online shopping experiences, according to Bill Reiffer, the company’s VP of purchasing. Prior to becoming an ECRS customer in 2015, Harvest Health Foods employees were pricing each item individually. “It was our first point of sale,” […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, National, Snacks Brands

The Hershey Co. Highlights New Retail Capabilities For Boosting In-Store Sales

The Hershey Co. is “perfecting perfection” with its Reese’s Big Cup, utilizing two new technologies designed to “drive decisions, track performance, collect actionable data and boost sales.” Momin Bhatti, Hershey’s associate manager of corporate communications, visited with The Shelby Report during the recent Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis, sharing how the company is using […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Cosentino's Food Stores, Midwest, Retailer of the Year

Cosentino’s Cultivating Community Through Giving, Local Partnerships

Being a part of the community is one of the core missions at Cosentino’s. From schools and sports teams to town holiday events, the Cosentino Charity Foundation helps support many groups and causes. The company also is a key supporter of local businesses, featuring many of their products in-store. As most philanthropic groups tend to […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Aldi, Meijer, Midwest, SpartanNash

Via ‘Infrastructure For Innovation,’ Michigan Leaders Plan To Foster Economic Growth

Michigan’s economy is expected to grow by 1.8 percent in 2024 – slightly higher than 2023 but lower than the national economy – according to Comerica Bank. But state leaders are not sitting still; growth plans are in place. On May 30, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, delivering the keynote address at the Mackinac Policy Conference, announced […]