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 […]
Category: Retailer of the Year
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Retailer of the Year
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 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Balls Foods, Midwest, Retailer of the Year
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 […]
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, […]