Independent grocers across the country are navigating a growing penny shortage that is disrupting cash-handling routines and raising compliance questions at the register. Months after the U.S. Treasury Department confirmed the U.S. Mint had stopped producing new pennies for circulation in late 2025, retailers are feeling the effects of a coin supply that is thinning […]
Category: Featured News
Southern Exposure 2026 To Feature Grower Panel, Product Launches
The Southeast Produce Council will hold Southern Exposure 2026 from Feb. 26-March 1 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, featuring educational sessions on agriculture challenges and consumer trends alongside new product debuts from exhibitors. The conference theme, “From Fields to Families: Nourishing Our Nation,” reflects SEPC Board Chair Sloan Lott’s platform emphasizing […]
Dunnhumby Study Finds Shoppers Shifting To Mass Retailers, Dollar Stores
Mass-channel retailers reached 79 percent penetration in December, equaling traditional supermarkets for the first time as 70 percent of working-age Americans reported difficulty covering unexpected $400 expenses, according to Wave 12 of the dunnhumby Consumer Trends Tracker released Feb. 18. The shift marks a fundamental realignment in American shopping behavior driven by persistent affordability pressures. […]
Meijer Employees Kept Stores Open During Winter Storm Fern
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer is praising employees who braved dangerous conditions to keep stores open and communities stocked during Winter Storm Fern, which swept across the Midwest in January. The historic storm dropped more than a foot of snow in many areas, shutting down roads and halting daily life across the region. In several communities, Meijer […]
Raley’s Launches Member Prices, Eliminates Digital Coupon Clipping
Raley’s has launched Member Prices, a loyalty benefit that automatically applies discounts at checkout without requiring customers to clip digital coupons or log into accounts. The West Sacramento, California-based company describes the new program as part of broader efforts to evolve alongside changing customer expectations and shopping behaviors. Shoppers enter their Something Extra phone number […]
Kroger Invests $23M To Expand Store In Marietta, GA
Kroger is expanding its Parkaire Landing location in Marietta, Georgia, with a $23 million investment that will increase the store’s size by more than 26,000 square feet. The project will grow the store from about 59,000 to 85,000 square feet by filling three adjacent vacancies in the East Cobb shopping center. A new 12-pump fuel […]
PFMA Supports Bill To Enable Third-Party Alcohol Delivery For Grocers
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association testified before the Pennsylvania House Liquor Control Committee Feb. 11 in support of House Bill 1451, legislation that would allow licensed third-party transporters to deliver beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails on behalf of licensed retailers. The trade association called the bill a necessary update to the state’s liquor code that […]
Weis Markets To Welcome New Store In Waldorf, MD
Weis Markets will open a new 65,000-square-foot store Feb. 19 at 4535 Fairway Village Place in Waldorf, Maryland, following a media preview and ribbon cutting Feb. 18. Chairman and CEO Jonathan Weis and COO Bob Gleeson will attend the ceremony, as will elected officials from Charles County and the community. To mark the occasion, Weis […]
