by Ron Margulis / ReposiTrak Many of the country’s largest food retailers are actively embracing full traceability under FSMA 204 as both a regulatory mandate and a critical business strategy. Driven by major chains like Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons, the push for comprehensive recordkeeping is transforming the grocery industry, setting new performance standards for the […]
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, Market Profile, News, Northeast
Council President: Season Of Change Afoot Across Maryland Grocery Market
The Maryland grocery market is in a season of change, according to Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Food Industry Council. “New stores have opened, but many have closed this year as well,” said Locklair, who also serves as president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance and the Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores. “Food is […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
Dynamics Of Grocery Leadership Rooted In Fast-Paced, People-Driven Environment
by Paulo Goelzer For over three decades, I have lived and breathed the dynamic world of grocery retail – an industry where leadership is forged not in corner offices, but in backrooms, front ends and produce aisles. In those 30 years, I have had the opportunity to work with store management that navigated chaos on […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
Honoring Uncle’s Legacy Of Leadership, Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a season of gratitude, reflection and intentional recognition of the people who have shaped our lives. As families gather around tables filled with food and laughter, we pause to remember not just for what – but whom – we are thankful. This year, my heart turns to one man whose life embodies leadership, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News
There IS A Future For Independent Grocery
Editor’s note: This is the third of a three-part series of articles intended to provide a view of the path to a brighter future for independent grocery as a whole and to independent grocers. Independent grocery is not in decline – it is in transition. The future will not belong solely to the largest players […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
DCEO Official Discusses Illinois Grocery Initiative’s Efforts To Strengthen Food Systems
As Illinois continues its efforts to ensure every resident has access to fresh, affordable food, the Illinois Grocery Initiative is leading the way in revitalizing communities and combating food insecurity statewide. Established in 2023, the program takes a multipronged approach to addressing food deserts – areas where residents face barriers to accessing fresh groceries – […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocers Face Headwinds Amid Economic Uncertainty In Illinois
The Illinois economy may be “chugging along a little bit,” but uncertainty remains high – and retailers, especially grocers, are feeling the strain. “I think I would call it shaky, but we’re certainly not in a recession,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “But as it relates to retail, […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Feature, National, News
Private Label, Public Preference – How Diverse Consumers Are Shaping Store Brand Growth
Private label products have come a long way from their early reputation as plain, low-cost alternatives to national brands. Today, they represent a strategic pillar for retailers – offering differentiation, margin advantages and a way to build loyalty in an increasingly competitive grocery landscape. As inflation and economic uncertainty continue to influence consumer behavior, private […]
Posted inMarket Profile, H-E-B, Independent Store News, News, Southwest
Central Texas Flooding: Grocers Deliver Aid, Funding and Community Support
Thirty counties in Central Texas remain disaster areas following the catastrophic flooding from rains that began to fall July 2. Flood waters rose from about 3 feet to 30 feet in just a few hours, leading to the loss of 25 girls and two counselors at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on the Guadalupe River, […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Feature, News, Southwest, West
GVH Distribution Conference Unites Grocery Leaders To Drive Innovation
Lubbock, Texas-based GVH Distribution recently welcomed wholesalers, retailers and vendors from across grocery to its annual conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Over four days, the industry partners combined business strategies with networking and social activities designed to strengthen relationships and spark innovation across the supply chain. “The GVH Customer and Vendor Conference is about much […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Midwest, News
Chester’s Chicken Chuck Returns To Much Fanfare In Spencer, IN
A community event from 1940 was brought back recently as the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Babbs Supermarket in Spencer, Indiana, hosted the Chester’s Chicken Chuck. The event, also held in partnership with the Owen County Community Foundation, Smithville and other local sponsors, took place on the courthouse lawn Sept. 6. In 1940, local […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Northgate Market, West
Miguel Gonzalez: Transitions To Advisory Role, Confident In Northgate’s Next Chapter
It’s just been a few months since Miguel González stepped away from day-to-day operations at Northgate González Market, with his brother, Jesús, succeeding him as co-president. “Jesús is smart, and he is a very hard worker and knows a lot about the business,” Miguel said. “It was my recommendation to approve Jesús as the new […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Northgate Market, West
Northgate At 45 – Focused On Family, Faith, Fresh Opportunity
When Jesús González reflects on the story of Northgate González Market, he doesn’t talk first about sales figures or square footage. He talks about family and faith. “Two things have always guided us,” he said. “From my father, we learned hard work. From my mother, we learned faith and unity. Those are still the values […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Feature, News, West
Sprouts Farmers Market Looking To Midwest, Northeast As New Growth Areas
Sprouts Farmers Market held its third quarter conference call Oct. 29, covering not only financial results but several other topics, including its plans around new store growth. By the end of this year, the Phoenix, Arizona-based grocer will have opened more stores than originally planned, and the pace will continue to ramp up, company executives […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Northgate Market, West
Emerging Young Leaders Poised To Carry Northgate Founders’ Legacy Forward
Oscar González serves as COO and co-president of Northgate González Market. Brother Miguel had served alongside Oscar at the helm of the company until his recent retirement. Now brother Jesús has moved into the co-presidency slot with Oscar. As other members of the second generation begin to retire, Oscar believes that one of the top […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, West
Idaho-Based M&W Markets Relishes History, Plans For Future
M&W Markets has its headquarters in a dairy barn about five minutes from downtown Boise, Idaho. The barn was built more than 100 years ago, complete with two silos out front. “We do take a little bit of pride in that, our agricultural roots as a family,” said Rich Tate, a member of the third […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Feature, News, Southeast
PWADC Invests In Growth, Tech, People
Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co. is investing in technology, operations and personnel to support independent retailers and drive profitability, according to President and CEO Christopher Brown. The upgrades – including an upgraded buying system, warehouse technology and digital marketing support – are designed to strengthen the cooperative’s 242 stores and attract more independent grocers to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, Midwest, News
Hungry Families Shouldn’t Be A Political Bargaining Chip
By RF Buche, president and CEO of GF Buche Co. I’ve spent my entire life in grocery stores. I am a fourth–generation grocer and president and CEO of GF Buche Co., a family business that has operated in rural and tribal communities for 120 years. Some of our customers are the poorest people in the U.S. and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Northeast
Charley Family Shop ’n Save’s Roots In Pittsburgh Area Run Deep
Tom Charley and Mike Charley are the fourth-generation owners of Charley Family Shop n’ Save, a three-store group in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area. Tom Charley spoke to The Griffin Report’s Lorrie Griffith about the company’s origins – rooted in the American dream – and how the fourth generation is working to keep the business strong […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery Fulfills Co-Owners’ Food Dreams
Bringing like-minded people together has resulted in at least eight marriages and some lasting friend groups, according to Mary Walsh, co-owner of Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery in Greenville, South Carolina. Walsh, who opened the store in fall 2011 with co-owner Jacqueline “Jac” Oliver, said, “When you build a place where people will interact with […]