Independent grocery stores play a vital role in rural communities, but inflation, competition from big-box retailers and other challenges are putting increasing pressure on their operations. Blake Schwartz, owner of Hometown Market in St. Paul, Nebraska, said labor issues specifically are greatly impacting independents in his state. With Nebraska’s minimum wage set to rise to […]
Category: Midwest
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Market Profile, Midwest
Nebraska Grocery Industry Faces Challenges, Opportunities Amid Economic Shifts
Nebraska’s grocery industry is at a crossroads as economic conditions shift and legislative policies evolve. Ansley Fellers, executive director of the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association, highlighted for The Shelby Report key concerns facing independent grocers, including competition from dollar stores, rising labor costs and wholesale pricing challenges. Nebraska’s economy is experiencing modest growth, influenced by […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Amid Mounting Issues, Nebraska Legislation Seeks To Support Rural Independent Grocers
Nebraska’s rural grocery stores are facing increasing financial and logistical hurdles, but new legislative efforts seek to provide targeted support to sustain these essential businesses. Carlie Jonas, policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, Nebraska, has been involved in addressing these challenges. “We worked with one of the senators, Teresa Ibach, at […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Fareway, Midwest, News
Lottery Ticket Purchases At Checkout Debut In Select Fareway Stores
Powerball and Mega Millions tickets are now available for purchase in checkout lanes at select Fareway stores in Iowa, marking the option’s state debut. The Iowa Lottery purchase process, called Easy Play, soon will roll out to all Fareway locations in the state that sell tickets. Customers will be able to buy easy-pick tickets (meaning […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News
Lunds & Byerlys To Close Downtown St. Paul Location
Lunds & Byerlys plans to shutter its store at 115 East 10th St. in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, at the close of business March 26. “It’s a decision we didn’t want to make, but one we needed to make given the significant staffing and financial challenges we’ve experienced over the past five years,” the grocer […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co.
Kroger Establishes E-Commerce Unit To Accelerate Online Growth
The Kroger Co. has established a new e-commerce business unit, aligning the teams contributing to all aspects of the online customer experience under the leadership of Yael Cosset, EVP and chief digital officer. Cosset, who also will continue in his role as SVP and chief information officer, will expand his responsibilities to include the new e-commerce […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG Brands Introduces New Products Focused On Innovation, Health, Convenience
AWG Brands, the private brands program of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., has introduced a lineup of new grocery products this quarter that includes an array of flavors, health-focused options and products that cater to convenience and growing consumer trends. The new AWG Best Choice private label products include: Avocado cooking spray – A health-conscious alternative […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News, Schnucks
Schnucks Donates $112K To Support The Urban League
Schnucks Markets Inc., in partnership with its customers, donated $112,000 to support the Urban League through the fifth annual “Round Up at the Register.” The campaign ran Feb. 5-18, with customers donating $97,364 and Schnucks providing an additional $14,636. Customers had the option at checkout to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with […]