Harps Food Stores will deploy SmartMeals, AWG’s artificial intelligence-powered shopping assistant built by Breez AI, across its network of more than 150 stores. The announcement came during the AWG Innovation Showcase, where independent grocers gathered to explore technologies shaping the future of grocery retail. The rollout makes Harps one of the largest operators in the […]
Category: Featured News
Posted inAssociation News, Featured News, National, News, Nonfood Items
Inspired Home Show 2026 Draws Buyers From More Than 100 Countries
The Inspired Home Show 2026 wrapped its three-day run at Chicago’s McCormick Place on March 12, bringing together more than 1,000 exhibitors, thousands of brands and attendees from some 100 countries. U.S.-based buyers represented more than 100,000 retail locations and nearly $75 billion in buying power. The show, produced annually by the International Housewares Association […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, Midwest, News
AWG Celebrates 100th Anniversary At 2026 Innovation Showcase
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) launched its centennial celebration during its 2026 Innovation Showcase, marking 100 years since independent retailers united in 1926 to compete against the growing power of chain stores. Today, the cooperative serves 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations across 33 states, making it the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler. The Innovation Showcase […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Featured News, News, Northeast
Wawa’s Edwards Joins PFMA Board Of Directors
The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has added Christopher Edwards, director of store operations for Wawa, to its board of directors. Edwards, who brings more than 20 years of hospitality and retail leadership experience to the board, leads Wawa’s store operations across Delaware County through Central Pennsylvania. Since joining Wawa in 2014, he has held […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Volunteer Registration Open For Meijer LPGA Classic For Simply Give
Volunteer registration is open for the 12th Annual Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, set for June 18-21 at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan. The tournament is seeking more than 1,400 volunteers to support the event, which combines LPGA Tour competition with hunger-relief fundraising through Meijer’s Simply Give program. The fee to volunteer is […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Anniversary Issues, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Feature, Featured News, Finance News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year
AWG’s Cooperative Strength Positions Independent Grocers For Future
As Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, the cooperative is reflecting on a century defined by independent spirit, shared success and an unwavering commitment to its members – while keeping its focus firmly on what comes next. Founded in 1926 by a group of independent grocers who believed they were stronger […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co.
Kroger, Peoria Area Anti-Hunger Coalition Launch Annual Canathon Food Drive
The Peoria Area Anti-Hunger Coalition launched its 40th annual Canathon food drive March 19 at area Kroger stores, collecting donations through the end of March with a goal of 50,000 pounds of food for 11 participating central Illinois food pantries. Kroger opened the drive with $1,000 in non-perishable food donations and $1,500 in Kroger gift […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, News, Northeast
Price Rite Marketplace Raises $27.5K For Regional Food Banks
Price Rite Marketplace raised nearly $27,500 for local food banks through its annual Check-Out Hunger campaign, which ran November-January across all 53 stores. The campaign has now raised more than $2 million for hunger relief since its launch in 2002. The top fundraising store was Price Rite Marketplace of Fall River, Massachusetts, which collected $4,600 […]