Posted inHy-Vee, Independent Store News, Midwest

Hy-Vee To Host Quarterly Best Of Local Brands Summit May 10

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee will host its next quarterly Best of Local Brands Summit in May to expand and enhance the product offerings at its more than 285 retail stores across eight Midwestern states. Since the Best of Local Brands summits began in early 2021, more than 125 new brands have been selected and are available […]

Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest

Meijer Expands Flashfood Program To Include SNAP Benefits

In an effort to make fresh food more accessible, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer has expanded the Flashfood program, making it the first retailer nationwide to accept SNAP benefits through the app. Meijer launched Flashfood in November 2019 at a handful of its supercenters in metro Detroit. The service is used by more than 500,000 shoppers across all […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

Numbers Show – Stores In Small Towns ‘Have Gone Away’

Co-op program, locker system offer hope North Dakota has one of the smallest populations in the nation and most residents live in the state’s eastern half. Independent grocery stores, particularly on its western side, have been closing at an alarming rate, according to John Dyste, president of the North Dakota Grocers Association. “I’m old enough […]

Posted inCenter Store, Merchandising News, Midwest, New Products

Topco To Host Product Solutions Summit To Discover New Items

Elk Grove Village, Illinois-based Topco Associates will host the Topco Product Solutions Summit to diversify the cooperative’s supplier pool, discover new items and establish additional supplier partnerships to assist the organization with aggregation, innovation and knowledge management solutions that span its center store program. Topco is seeking suppliers to help expand its supplier partnership portfolio and […]

Posted inExceptional Independents, Midwest

Shelby Publishing Honors Midwest EIA Recipients

On the following pages, Shelby Publishing is proud to present its inaugural Exceptional Independents Awards. Nominations were open to independent retailers, wholesalers, technology and other service providers. “Independents are the backbone of our industry, and this new awards program is an opportunity to recognize them for their contributions,” said Stephanie Reid, Shelby president. “Independents are […]

Posted inPackaging News, Center Store, Midwest

Bounty Shares New Artwork On Paper Towel Products

As part of its Inclusive Artists Project, Cincinnati-based Bounty has partnered with three artists – surface print and accessories designer Shadé Akanbi, illustrator Reina Castellanos and graphic designer and illustrator Kingsley Nebechi – to create original artwork that will be featured on a new limited-edition collection of paper towels. “We’re delighted to partner with these talented artists who are passionate about […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

Low Unemployment Rate Leads To Legislative Win For Association

When asked for their three biggest challenges, the members of South Dakota Retailers Association were quick to respond.  “In order, they were workforce, supply and inflation,” said Nathan Sanderson, president of the organization, who added that’s been the case since 2020. “These are obviously not unique to South Dakota.” While the challenges may be nationwide, […]