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 […]
Category: Retailer of the Year
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
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 […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Northeast, Tops Friendly Markets
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 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
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 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Latest News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
Crest Foods President: ‘We’re Not Real Flashy, We Just Work Hard’
Like many who grew up in family-owned and -operated grocery stores, Crest Foods President Bruce Harroz got his start in the business at an early age. He was just 12 when he began working in his father’s store in Midwest City, Oklahoma, part of the Oklahoma City metro area. “The apron was too long, so […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Retailer of the Year, Wakefern
Stigers Using All Career Experiences To Lead Wakefern Food Corp.
Mike Stigers is in his second year of serving as president of Wakefern Food Corp., a role he feels he was preparing for throughout his five-decade career in the grocery industry. Stigers started out as a part-time courtesy clerk at Safeway in California in 1974. Over the years, in subsequent roles in retail and wholesale, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Northeast, Retailer of the Year, Wakefern
Wakefern – Powering Success Of Membership For Nearly Eight Decades
Wakefern President Mike Stigers took to the stage Oct. 17 at the Hilton in Parsippany, New Jersey, for Wakefern Food Corp.’s Annual Meeting. In the ballroom audience and tuning in virtually were thousands of retail and corporate team members who came together to hear important business updates from leadership and plans for the next year. […]
Posted inFood Lion, Corporate Store News, Retailer of the Year, Southeast
Food Lion Strategy Creates Culture Of Belonging
Fostering a caring and inclusive workplace has been a priority for more than three decades at Food Lion, The Shelby Report’s 2024 Southeast Retailer of the Year. Linda Johnson, SVP of human resources and communications, said Food Lion’s commitment goes beyond words, creating a culture that extends to customers, communities and their entire associate base. […]