Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, Home Page Slider, National, Shelby Exclusives

Toolkit Can Help Independents Set Up, Offer SNAP Online Purchasing

by Greg Ferrara / President and CEO, National Grocers Association The ethos of the independent grocer includes a commitment to the community. In the grocery business, that often means helping families that are faced with food insecurity. One of the cornerstones of this mission is the public-private partnership of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for which retailers play […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Shelby Exclusives, Southwest

Phoenicia Specialty Foods ‘Further Carved Out’ Niche To Differentiate Itself

Owner praises team for ‘collective positive effort’ through challenging times by Eric Pereira / staff writer  The COVID-19 pandemic pushed grocery stores across the country to bring more convenience to their customers. As a result, Phoenicia Specialty Foods in Houston sees opportunities in the realm of pre-packaged meals, said Ann-Marie Tcholakian, manager and owner. “COVID […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Midwest, Shelby Exclusives

Grocers In Buckeye State ‘Had Our Good Days And Our Bad Days’

Online ordering, safety likely to stay; samples, salad bars out by Eric Pereira/ staff writer While customers have found convenience and other advantages in online ordering, so too did Ohio independent grocers, especially during the frantic peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Jennifer Williams, owner of Weiland’s Market in Columbus, Ohio, praised her store’s partnership with […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Latest News, Lipari Foods, Market Profile, Shelby Exclusives, Southeast

Grocer: Suppliers Finally Realized Importance Of Smaller Independents

by Eric Pereira / staff writer Nakul Patel, owner of Mt. Plymouth IGA Market in Sorrento, Florida, said consumers and the supply chain have gained a deeper appreciation for independent grocers during COVID-19 pandemic  – and that feeling is likely to continue. “I truly believe that the independent grocer will thrive this decade,” Patel said. […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Home Page Slider, National, Shelby Exclusives

Omnichannel And E-commerce ‘Here To Stay’ For Meat Industry

by Kevin Atwill / editor The third day of the virtual Annual Meat Conference wrapped up Wednesday with concurrent workshops on a variety of topics affecting the industry. In a session titled, “The New Future of Omnichannel and E-Commerce,” two leading experts addressed how omnichannel retail is helping boost the lifetime value of customers, increase […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Home Page Slider, National, Shelby Exclusives

Journalist Tells AMC Food Insecurity Is Potential Capitol Hill Target

by Eric Pereira / staff writer Ron Elving, National Public Radio Washington’s senior editor, predicts a “a very productive time” for people who want to address inner-city food deserts and communities where running a retail grocery operation is difficult. “I think [food insecurity] is one of those places where you’re going to see very good […]