Baur family specialty store known for its array of local offerings by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer In 2005, Bob Baur and his former business partner decided to open Toucan Market, a specialty natural grocer in Las Cruces, New Mexico. There was no other store like it in the area, so Baur left Albertsons after […]
Category: Shelby Content
Exclusive, in-depth stories from the Shelby team. Explore Food Industry features, market profiles, and unique perspectives from industry leaders.
Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Slider, Shelby Originals, Southeast
Market Profile: Food Depot Content To ‘Expand By Opportunities’
by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer The year 2021 will mark EVP of Food Depot Jamey Leseueur’s 40th year with the company. He started in high school, worked through college and never left. “I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said. Asked what’s kept him there, he said he enjoys the dynamics. “This industry, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Bashas', Home Page Slider, Shelby Originals, West
Bashas’-Navajo Nation relationship ‘spectacularly personal’
Independent grocery chain supports community, services in Navajo Nation by John McCurry / contributing writer One of the more compelling stories to come from the COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona is the efforts of independent grocery chain Bashas’, which operates eight stores within the Navajo Nation. Mark Miller, president of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance, was […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Online Grocery Technology, Southeast
Acosta Exec: Shopping Experience ‘Redefined With Lasting Impact’
Seamless integration of in-store and online likely by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer As part of January’s technology and e-commerce feature, The Shelby Report interviewed Shauna Bowen with the Jacksonville, Florida-based Acosta for insight into the ever-growing importance of e-commerce and technology in the grocery industry. What is your title with Acosta? Briefly describe your history and […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Amazon Fresh, Home Page Slider, Northeast, Online Grocery Technology, Whole Foods
Rosie Helps Independent Retailers, Wholesalers Adapt To Shifting Market
New service called Cater debuted before holidays by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer In 2012, Nick Nickitas founded Rosie, an e-commerce solution for independent retailers and wholesalers. His goal was to “level the playing field,” giving local businesses the tools to compete with national chains and online marketplaces. “We’ve seen the music industry get completely reshaped as […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Online Grocery Technology, Southeast
ECRS’ Unified Experience Keeps It Ahead Of Changing Landscape
Company’s software is based on best practices, not customization by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Peter Catoe founded ECRS in 1989. Thirty-something years later, he remains the president. While a lot has changed with technology in the grocery business during that time, his strategy has remained the same. “We consider ourselves a transaction company, and we […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, National
Freshop Committed To ‘Learning, Living And Breathing Grocery’
Focus includes self-checkout, touchless store environments by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Freshop is an e-commerce solution for grocery and retail. And as one might expect, CEO Brian Moyer said the platform has grown an incredible amount in 2020, acquiring thousands of new stores. But why Freshop? According to Moyer, retail partners say the company “really knows […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Midwest, Snacks Brands
Market Profile: KLN Family Brands Exemplifies Adage ‘Treat People Like Family’
Candy, snacks company has roots in pet food by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Perham, Minnesota-based KLN Family Brands, the parent company of Kenny’s Candy & Confections, produces various kinds of licorice and popcorn snacks, both branded and private label. These include Wiley Wallaby licorice and Sweet Chaos popcorn brands, which can be found nationwide in […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Independent Store News, Midwest
Market Profile: Longtime Minnesota Grocers Enter 2021 On High Note
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Coborn’s show staying power by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Mackenthun’s Fine Foods was founded in Waconia, Minnesota, in 1917. Today, co-owners Jaime Mackenthun and Jessa Theis, brother and sister, are fifth-generation grocers of the family’s three stores in Waconia, Lonsdale and Montgomery. “It’s pretty exciting for our family to have been in business […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Northeast
The Griffin Report Names Weis Markets Retailer Of The Year
In this special section, The Griffin Report of the Northeast honors Weis Markets as its 2020 Northeast Retailer of the Year. The Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based company has nearly 200 stores in seven states. Click below to read what key executives have to say about Weis’ culture, community involvement, associates and response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Northeast, Retailer of the Year
At Weis Markets, ‘We’re Really In The People Business’
Customer service unlike any other; opportunity abounds for ‘everybody at every level’ by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Weis Markets’ go-to-market strategy permeates the whole company. “If you treat your associates well, they in turn will take care of your customers,” explained Amy Zimmerman, store manager. Zimmerman began her Weis career as a part-time cashier, working […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Amazon Fresh, COVID News, Home Page Slider, Northeast, Retailer of the Year, Whole Foods
COVID-19 Pandemic Can’t Alter Weis’ Overall Approach
CEO proud of safety, swift response and that stores ‘still all about serving the public’ by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Asked to reflect on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the U.S. grocery industry, Weis Markets COO Kurt Schertle deferred to the company’s CEO and president, Jonathan Weis. “Candidly, I think my boss […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Northeast, Retailer of the Year
Weis Markets – A ‘Deliberate Company That Is Very Nimble’
Execs also cite family atmosphere, support for grocer’s bright future by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer In this special section, The Griffin Report of the Northeast honors Weis Markets as its 2020 Northeast Retailer of the Year. The Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based company has nearly 200 stores in seven states. We begin by hearing from some of Weis’ key […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Northeast, Retailer of the Year
Community Involvement Key To The Culture At Weis
Makes good business sense to take care of those who ‘take care of us’ by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Since 1912, Weis Markets has been a substantial giver at many different levels – hospitals, soup kitchens, religious institutions, veterans’ agencies, schools and universities. That generosity extends throughout the company itself, via a scholarship fund for […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Southeast
Profile: Meet Phyllis Johnson With Catalina USA
The Shelby Report and The Grocery Group together present this series, People to Watch, to focus on current and future leadership in the grocery industry. In this installment, Grocery Group Founder and CEO Cindy Sorensen interviews Phyllis Johnson, senior director of business development (own brands) with Catalina USA. Tell me a little bit about yourself. […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Southwest
Grocers Supply Company Salutes Its People
Hometown Heroes competing in country’s ‘toughest retail grocery market’ by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer People. Grocers Supply Company is a wholesaler that serves independent retailers. But when stripped down, the most important part of this 90-year family business is the people. And GSC’s people are quick to share that. Eric Winn, president of retail independents […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Southwest
Arlan’s Market Embraces Neighborhood Approach
Expands to areas where grocery stores are needed by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Ames Arlan started sacking groceries at age 16, where he fell in love with the business. He knew for some time he wanted to own a grocery store. Today, he owns and operates several Arlan’s Market locations in Texas with his son, […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, International Foods, Southwest
At Border Town, Pena Views Growing Company As ‘By Family For Family’
‘Economic reality’ varies, but merchandising mix consistent From staff reports Amando Pena Jr. got into the grocery business working for his father. He carries on the tradition now with his own family. “I managed my parent’s grocery stores since 1981,” Pena said. “I dreamt of owning my own group of stores one day. Despite huge […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, Southwest
Food Town Celebrates Diversity Of Communities
Takes pride in representing ‘all the flavors that make Houston unique’ by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer “People always tell you that, when you retire, you should do something you love,” Mike Lewis said. “My father, Ross Lewis, might have taken that a little too literally. He was a lifelong groceryman who loved the business, and […]
Posted inShelby Originals, Home Page Slider, International Foods, Southwest, The Kroger Co.
Malone’s Cost Plus Multicultural, Full-Service
Boasts ‘generational’ roots in area, can adapt quickly by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Rhonda Davis describes Malone’s Cost Plus in Dallas, Texas, as “generational,” both in its associates and customer base. Malone’s has been in the Dallas area since 1973. The store adopted the Cost Plus concept in ’81. Today, there are three store locations, […]