Region-specific items sourced from local growers and producers help set the stores apart.
Category: Retailer of the Year
Albertsons Southern Market VP Keeps Focus On Execution, Community
“My passion is building high-performing teams that create exceptional experiences for our customers and bring that mission to life in every store, every day,” said Eureka McCrae.
Heritage, Hyper-Local Execution Drive Albertsons Southern Division
The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s Retailer of the Year operates 146 stores in four states under three banners.
For ‘Experience-Based Retailer’ Food City, Every Element Of Store Matters
Walk into a Food City store and the first thing you see is a thank-you note. A tribute to the town – whatever one it happens to be – right there in the lobby, where the company has made a habit of saying thank you to the community before asking anything of it. “I just […]
Food City Growth Brings ‘Fun Challenge’ Of Managing Distribution, Culture
When an ice storm hits and the news tells everyone to stay home, Greg Sparks knows exactly what happens next. “Our drivers are out there,” he said. That mindset – part duty, part pride – helps explain why Food City is The Shelby Report of the Southeast’s 2026 Retailer of the Year. Having served friends […]
Food City CEO Reflects On Legacy, Growth, Art Of Running Best Store In Town
Having served friends and neighbors for more than 100 years, Food City is proud to be locally owned and operated. With 164 retail outlets spanning five states, the company’s dedicated team of more than 19,200 associates is committed to the mission it was founded upon: to “run the best store in town.” That commitment to […]
Vallarta Moving To Broader Appeal – ‘We’ve Got To Give Everybody Something’
In 1985, the Gonzalez family opened a small market in Van Nuys, California, called Carnicería Vallarta. The family focused on selling traditional cuts of meats popular in their native Mexico. They worked hard to build a name for themselves by offering high-quality authentic products, providing a high level of customer service and treating employees as […]
Bringing Public Company Discipline To Longtime Family-Owned Business
In 1985, the Gonzalez family opened a small market in Van Nuys, California, called Carnicería Vallarta. The family focused on selling traditional cuts of meats popular in their native Mexico. They worked hard to build a name for themselves by offering high-quality authentic products, providing a high level of customer service and treating employees as […]
SoCal-Based Vallarta Supermarkets Charts Path Of Growth, Change
In 1985, the Gonzalez family opened a small market in Van Nuys, California, called Carnicería Vallarta. The family focused on selling traditional cuts of meats popular in their native Mexico. They worked hard to build a name for themselves by offering high-quality authentic products, providing a high level of customer service and treating employees as […]
H-E-B Celebrates Leadership, Milestones
Over its storied 120-year history, H-E-B has become synonymous with the grocery industry in Texas. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year continues to expand into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as other areas of the Lone Star State, and remains […]
H-E-B Celebrates Expansion, Growth In Texas
Over its storied 120-year history, H-E-B has become synonymous with the grocery industry in Texas. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year continues to expand into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as other areas of the Lone Star State, and remains […]
Partners Key To H-E-B’s Success, ‘Make Everything We Do Possible’
Over its storied 120-year history, H-E-B has become synonymous with the grocery industry in Texas. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year continues to expand into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as other areas of the Lone Star State, and remains […]
‘Publix Will Take Care Of You’ – Opportunities Aplenty For Associates Of All Ages
At Publix Super Markets, ownership isn’t just a financial arrangement – it’s a mindset that leaders say has fueled the grocer’s success for 95 years. As the largest employee-owned company in the U.S., Publix has more than 260,000 associates across eight states. Each has the opportunity to become an owner through the company’s employee stock […]
‘A Place For Everyone’ – Publix Offers Sense Of Family, Belonging, Career Paths
When Marcy Benton walked into Publix for what she thought would be a summer job while in graduate school, she didn’t expect to find a lifelong career. After all, it seemed as though her entire hometown of Lakeland, Florida, worked for the company, and she wanted to escape the familiar for a bigger city. “They […]
Publix Super Markets Expands Kentucky Presence With ‘55 Model’ Prototype
Publix Super Markets, The Shelby Report of the Southeast’s 2025 Retailer of the Year, is continuing its expansion into Kentucky with the opening of another store – part of a new market for the Florida-based grocer but one CEO Kevin Murphy says is already exceeding expectations. The second Lexington store, which opened June 4, is […]
BFS Transitioning Focus From Customer Service To Hospitality
Balls Food Stores has been recognized as The Shelby Report of the Midwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year, an honor that celebrates the company’s dedication to innovation, community service and operational excellence. Scott Bayne, EVP of operations, attributes this recognition to the company’s forward-thinking leadership, commitment to its teammates and ongoing transformation into a teammate […]
BFS Charts Future With Employee Ownership, Growth Initiatives
Kansas City, Kansas-based Balls Food Stores (BFS) – The Shelby Report of the Midwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year – is embarking on an ambitious new chapter, marked by employee ownership, a strategic growth initiative and deep commitment to its teammates. The independent grocer, which operates 25 stores under the Hen House, Price Chopper, Sun […]
Tops Reimagines In-Store Experience Through Remodels, Upgrades
With more than $40 million dedicated to the remodeling and upgrading of more than a dozen supermarkets and fuel stations across its footprint, Tops Friendly Markets has taken substantial steps to modernize its facilities and improve accessibility and convenience for its customers. Recent remodels in key locations such as Baldwinsville, Grand Island and Williamsville, New […]
Tops Friendly Markets Thriving As Neighborhood Staple With Timeless Tradition
For over six decades, Tops Friendly Markets has been more than just a grocery store. It’s been a community hub, trusted neighbor and purveyor of quality products. With nearly 150 locations across New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, Tops is woven into the fabric of the community. From fresh produce to everyday essentials, Williamsville, New York-based […]
Crest Foods Will Always Remain ‘Home Of Rock Bottom Prices’
Kevin Ergenbright, VP of Crest Foods, has worked with the company throughout his career. He recently shared some of his history and insights into the company, which has been named The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2024 Retailer of the Year. Can you give a brief history of your career in the grocery industry? Crest […]
