Posted inNonfood Items, C-Store News, Home Page Latest News, National

Vape Company Space Jam Expanding Into National C-Store Chains

Space Jam Juice LLC, a vape company, is expanding into national convenience store chains, growing from its current 4,000 stores to 10,000 by the end of 2017, and 25,000 stores by the end of 2018.  This year’s authorizations include: Circle K Arizona, 580 locations; Circle K West (California, Oregon, Washington), 236 locations; 7-11, 400 locations; Giant (New Mexico), 260 […]

Posted in, Grocery Industry, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Southwest, Store News

Patriarch Oral Edwards, GES Founder, Passes Away In Arkansas

He was a confidant of the future President Bill Clinton and with his wife twice met Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Not bad for “a couple of folks from Arkansas.” Mr. Oral Winston Edwards, 87, of Forrest City, Arkansas, passed away Sept. 29. A self-made man, Mr. Edwards founded GES Inc., which today operates stores […]

Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, National, Online Grocery Technology, Shelby Signature Content

Changes Are Coming To NEW As Technology, Financial Industries Approached

by Terrie Ellerbee/editor-Southwest & Midwest Sarah Alter took over as president of the Network of Executive Women (NEW) on June 5. She may be new to the organization, but not to its ideals. She has had a penchant for helping women and diverse leaders advance throughout her career, which fits perfectly with NEW’s vision to […]

Posted inMarketing News, Grocery Industry, Home Page Latest News, Southwest

Aisle 9 Retail Sells Assets To Marketing Management

Aisle 9 Retail Inc., a sales and marketing agency for emerging consumer package goods (CPG) in the grocery retail channel, has sold its assets to Marketing Management Inc. in an effort to “create a new, more resourceful company for clients.” The new entity established by Marketing Management Inc. is MMI Emerging Solutions LLC d/b/a Aisle […]

Posted inBeverage News, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, Suppliers, West

Bruhn To Join Pabst As Chief Marketing Officer

Pabst Brewing Co. (PBC), an independent brewer, has named Matt Bruhn to the role of chief marketing officer (CMO), effective Oct. 2. In this role, he will oversee marketing for the entire PBC portfolio, including heritage, imports, craft and other categories. Bruhn will take over the responsibilities of Dan McHugh, PBC’s previous CMO for the […]

Posted inFrozen Food, Home Page Latest News, Southwest, Specialty, Suppliers

Bueno Foods Gains Expanded Distribution Through Walmart

Bueno Foods, a family-owned producer of food from New Mexico, has expanded its distribution into Walmart stores throughout Texas, Colorado, California and Arizona. According to the company, the expansion is a result of increased consumer interest in “authentic products with bold flavors.” Products on-shelf now are Bueno Foods’ signature Enchiladas (SRP $3.68-$5.12); New Mexico Hatch […]

Posted inFrozen Food, Home Page Latest News, National, New Products, Specialty, Suppliers

Halo Top Unveils First Non-Dairy And Vegan Flavors

Halo Top Creamery is launching its first low-calorie ice creams that are both non-dairy and vegan-friendly. These seven new additions will hit retailers nationwide mid-October, in Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate, Oatmeal Cookie, Sea Salt Caramel, Caramel Macchiato, Cinnamon Roll and Chocolate Covered Banana flavors. “The number one request that we get from our fans is […]

Posted inExecutive News, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Merchandising News, West

Kroger Atlanta Division Director Promoted To Smith’s Merchandising VP

Kroger has promoted Deana Collins to VP of merchandising for the grocer’s Smith’s division. Collins most recently served as director of regional operations in Kroger’s Atlanta division. At Smith’s, she will oversee merchandising efforts the division’s 138 stores in seven western states. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Smith’s employs 18,000 associates. “Throughout the years, Deana […]