Houchens Food Group continued its Store Manager Appreciation Awards for the second year, culminating with the announcement of the 2025 HFG Store Manager of the Year. The company recently hosted 15 lunch banquets divided by region and banner. The events included individual recognition of store managers, as well as a selection of other awards. In […]
Category: Midwest
Posted inCorporate Store News, Fresh Thyme, Midwest, News
Fresh Thyme Market Extends Health, Hunger Relief Partnerships Into 2026
Fresh Thyme Market is continuing its partnerships with Vitamin Angels and Feeding America in 2026 while extending its Price Lock initiative, the Downers Grove, Illinois-based grocer announced Feb. 13. The retailer marked a decade-long partnership with Vitamin Angels in 2025, helping provide essential vitamins and minerals to more than 7 million women and children in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News
Mom’s Organic Market To Enter Chicago With Naperville, Mount Prospect Stores
Mom’s Organic Market will enter the Chicago market with stores in Naperville and Mount Prospect scheduled to open by the end of 2026, marking the organic grocer’s first expansion into the Midwest. The Rockville, Maryland-based retailer will open a location at 1163 E. Ogden Ave. in Naperville this fall, with a Mount Prospect store to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Independent Grocers Face Pricing Pressures, Rural Store Closures In ND
Independent grocers across North Dakota face mounting pressure from several directions, according to John “Jiggs” Dyste, president of the North Dakota Grocers Association. “Independent grocers are being squeezed by big-box stores and food manufacturers,” Dyste said. “Unfair pricing is the main problem driving consumers to big-box stores.” The challenges come as North Dakota’s economy undergoes […]
Posted inSupply Chain News, Lipari Foods, Midwest, News
Lipari Foods Selects RELEX Solutions For Supply Chain Planning
Lipari Foods has selected RELEX Solutions to transform its supply chain planning and improve replenishment operations across its distribution center. The Midwest distributor will use RELEX’s artificial intelligencer-driven platform and Advanced Diagnostics to manage more than 23,000 SKUs across grocery, deli, bakery, natural and specialty categories. Lipari Foods supplies thousands of retailers with fresh, natural, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Health & Wellness, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Offers GLP-1 Medications Through Savings Program
Meijer is making Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) more affordable through NovoCare savings programs, offering the two lowest-dose injection pens for $199 per month for the first two months at its pharmacies. The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based retailer announced Feb. 10 that patients who haven’t used a coupon for these products previously can access the introductory pricing […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Appoints Foran As CEO, Ends Interim Leadership
The Kroger Co. has appointed Greg Foran as CEO, effective immediately, ending Ron Sargent’s tenure as interim CEO that began in March 2025. Foran, who brings more than 40 years of experience leading large consumer businesses, will also join Kroger’s board of directors. The Cincinnati-based grocer made the announcement Feb. 9, following an extensive search […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Natural Grocers, News
Natural Grocers Celebrates Iowa Day With Free Totes, Coupons
Natural Grocers will celebrate Iowa Day Feb. 8-10 at its six stores in the state with free reusable tote bags and $5-off coupons for {N}power members. The celebration honors Iowa Statehood Day and marks the Colorado-based company’s decade-long presence there. Natural Grocers expanded to Iowa in February 2016, opening a store in Clive, followed by […]