Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest

Minnesota Grocers Grapple With Labor Mandates, Population Decline

Minnesota’s grocery industry is navigating a period of significant economic and workforce transformation. According to Patrick Garofalo, president of the Minnesota Grocers Association, the state’s stagnant economy and shifting demographics are creating challenges for businesses, particularly independent grocers. In 2024, Minnesota’s economy experienced modest growth, with its GDP reaching $394.7 billion, which is a 1.4 […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Meijer, Midwest

Meijer Media Boosts Advertising Options On Platform

Meijer Media, the retailer’s retail media network, has introduced new advertising tactics – Pinterest and Online Video (OLV) and Connected TV (CTV) – to advance its capabilities in the digital advertising industry. The offerings are designed to help brands connect with shoppers in more personalized, impactful ways that support product discovery. “By combining creative storytelling, […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Schnucks

Schnucks Markets To Remodel Seven Hills Store In O’Fallon, IL

Schnuck Markets soon will begin a total store remodel of its Seven Hills location at 970 East Highway 50 in O’Fallon, Illinois. Highlights of the remodel, which is expected to be complete by late fall 2025, include new decor throughout the store, a fresh sushi area, specialty cheese shop, Picadeli salad bar and Starbucks with […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, BJ's Wholesale Club, Midwest

BJ’s Wholesale Club Building Distribution Center In Ohio

BJ’s Wholesale Club’s fourth ambient distribution center, which is under construction in Commercial Point, Ohio, is expected to open in early 2027, joining eight BJ’s stores in the state. The center will expand the company’s supply chain capacity to support its growing footprint. Over the past five years, BJ’s has opened more than 30 stores. […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest

Jim’s Market Navigates Challenges In Minnesota’s Retail Food Landscape

Paul Huber, president of Jim’s Market in Canby, Minnesota, has spent most of his life in the grocery business. From the time he began helping at his father’s store at age 12, Huber has remained dedicated to continuing his family’s tradition of running an independent grocery store. However, as he faces a rapidly changing industry, […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest

AWG, Kellanova Donate $25K To Feeding America

Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) and Kellanova recently donated $25,000 to Feeding America network food banks. The donation was made through AWG Cares, the employee-managed charitable foundation of AWG, as part of the Kellanova Better Days Promise social purpose program.  “For the fourth consecutive year, we’re proud to continue our partnership with Kellanova in a […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Balls Foods, Midwest

Hen House To Build Flagship Store In Prairie Village, KS

Hen House is developing a flagship store in the former Macy’s building at 7070 Mission Road in Prairie Village, Kansas, that will replace a nearby location. The project commenced Jan. 14 with a ceremonial “wall-breaking,” marking the beginning of construction on the historic 75-year-old site. The redevelopment is a collaboration with First Washington Realty, which […]