As the popularity of subscription box services increases, companies are looking for ways to transform their use of cardboard packaging by making their boxes part of the brand experience. Among the companies seeking to make their shipping containers part of the consumer experience are KitNipBox, KiwiCo and Loot Crate. KitNipBox Queens-based subscription box startup KitNipBox […]
Category: National
Posted in, Amazon Fresh, Executive News, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, National, Whole Foods
New IGA President/CEO Sees Three Trends Driving Retail’s Future
On John Ross’ first day as president and CEO of IGA USA in Chicago on Oct. 17, he and his predecessor Mark Batenic took time to field some questions from Shelby Report Editor-in-Chief Lorrie Griffith. Ross already had met with members of the 38-person team at IGA headquarters before the 9 a.m. Central interview. Asked […]
Posted inAssociation News, Amazon Fresh, Equipment & Technology, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Industry News, National, Online Grocery Technology, Whole Foods, Wholesaler/Distributor News
ROFDA And Rosie To Bring Online Shopping To 2,000 Independents
Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) and Rosie, an e-commerce company, have entered into a new partnership, announced at the National Grocers Association’s Fall Leadership Meetings, that will bring Rosie’s online shopping platform to 2,000 independent grocery stores across the U.S. over the next two years. “The partnership will provide omni-channel online shopping programs, […]
Posted inNew Products, Beverage News, Grocery Store Equipment, Home Page Latest News, National
Icee Co. Will Debut New Flavors, Twisted Chill Machine At NACS Show
The Icee Co. plans to debut a variety of new flavors and a newly launched machine at the 2017 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show, Oct. 17-20. The company will be at booth No. 4944 sampling its new offerings. Since 1967, Icee has introduced more than 150 flavors, and that list will only expand in […]
Posted inAssociation News, C-Store News, National, Store News
Actor, Strategic Advisor, Motivator Are Featured Speakers For NACS Show
The National Association of Convenience Store (NACS) has announced the general session speakers for this year’s convention that starts Tuesday, Oct. 17, in Chicago, and runs through Friday, Oct. 20. Actor William Shatner of “Star Trek” fame, Chip Conley, a strategic advisor, and Eric Chester, a motivational speaker, are the headliners. On Oct. 17, Chester, […]
Posted inOrganic Natural, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, National
Kroger Hosts Natural Foods Summit, Launches Marketing Platform
The Kroger Co. on Oct. 12 hosted its first Natural Foods Innovation Summit in partnership with 84.51° (see story below), in Cincinnati, Ohio, with keynote speaker Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN. “Kroger is proud of the role we’ve played in making natural and organic products more affordable and accessible to America,” said Jill McIntosh, Kroger’s […]
Posted inAssociation News, Health & Wellness, Home Page Latest News, National
CHPA Offers Education Materials As States Ban Sale Of DXM To Minors
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) has launched a new initiative to support retailers in states that have adopted laws prohibiting the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors. The announcement comes on the heels of Nevada’s enactment of a DXM age-restriction law last week. While millions of Americans […]
Posted inAssociation News, Home Page Latest News, National, Produce News
2018 Retail Produce Manager Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
United Fresh now is accepting nominations for the 2018 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program, which recognizes 25 outstanding retail produce managers for their innovative merchandising, produce-related community outreach, increased store sales and recognition among company peers. The Retail Produce Manager Awards Program sponsored by Dole Food Co. and now in its 14th year, pays special […]
Posted inFood Service News, National
Coke Research: Offer Prepared Food Variety For Your Diverse Shoppers
The Coca-Cola Co. recently presented research about “Fresh-to-Go” meals, with the goal of helping grocers fine-tune their prepared meals programs to help families eat dinner together at home more often. Carrie Williams, senior manager of shopper insights for Coca-Cola, shared some of the insights from the research, which was fielded to help retailers participate in […]
Posted in, Home Page Latest News, National
Consumers Optimistic About Economy As Gas Prices Drop
Consumers have seen gas prices fall after the temporary supply disruptions caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, and they say they are more optimistic about the economy, according to the latest national NACS Consumer Fuels Survey from The Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing. Americans say that they have seen gas prices fall 9 cents […]
Posted in, C-Store News, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National
Kroger Considers Sale Of C-Store Business Generating $4B In Sales
Kroger plans to explore strategic alternatives for its convenience store business, including a potential sale, as part of its Restock Kroger plan, which is designed to “redefine the food and grocery customer experience in America.” “Restock Kroger” is a review of assets that are potentially of more value outside of the company than inside. “Our convenience stores […]
Posted inHome Page Latest News, Industry News, Midwest, National, Wholesaler/Distributor News
FMS Solutions To Acquire AWG’s Retail Accounting Solutions Inc.
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) has agreed to sell its wholly owned subsidiary, Retail Accounting Solutions Inc. (RAS), to FMS Solutions Holdings LLC (FMS). The effective date for closing on the Stock Purchase Agreement will be Saturday, Oct. 21. As part of the arrangement, AWG says it will continue to assist FMS by means of […]
Posted inFood Service News, Amazon Fresh, Home Page Latest News, National, Whole Foods
C-Store Operators Cite Foodservice Programs As Reason For Optimism
Convenience store retailers say that in-store sales have performed strong so far this year, and they are optimistic about their business prospects for the remainder of 2017, largely because of the growth in food sales, according to a survey of U.S. retailers released today by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). Three in five […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Home Page Latest News, National, Organic Natural
Probiotic Foods, Beverages Trending With Millennials, Natural Grocery Shoppers
Roughly a quarter of U.S. adults specially seek out foods and beverages with high amounts of probiotics or prebiotics. That finding comes from a 2017 National Consumer Survey conducted by market research firm Packaged Facts, published in the company’s new report “Probiotics and Prebiotics: Food and Beverage New Product Trends.” With the increased focus on their […]
Posted inBeverage News, Home Page Latest News, Marketing News, National, Suppliers
Coca-Cola Takes Top Spot, Pepsi Falls Behind In TotalSocial Rankings
Engagement Labs, a data and technology solutions provider, has released its TotalSocial rankings of the top-performing non-alcoholic beverage brands in the U.S. with respect to consumer conversations. The report is intended to “help brand marketers better understand the consumer conversations taking place about today’s top beverage brands both online and offline,” the company says. It […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Amazon Fresh, Home Page Latest News, Industry News, National, Whole Foods
Will Someone Win The Price Vs. Service Battle, Or Is There Room For Both?
by Art Patch/a retired retail executive & regular columnist for The Shelby Report For years, the successful retail business model featured a strong commitment to customer service. Customer service does cover a broad area but was often listed in surveys as the primary reason a customer chose a store. It was not uncommon for employees […]
Posted in, Home Page Latest News, National, Store News
Wakefern, AWG Named Among Top-Earning Cooperatives
National Cooperative Bank, which provides banking solutions for cooperatives nationwide, this week released its annual NCB Co-op 100, listing the nation’s top 100 revenue-earning cooperative businesses. In 2016, these businesses posted revenue totaling approximately $208 billion. The report also highlights the ways co-ops commit to their members, sustainability, education, impact, kindness and their community. “The […]
Posted in, Home Page Latest News, National, Packaging News
Registrar Corp Urges Advance Compliance With New Labeling Rules
On Sept. 29, the FDA proposed an extension of the compliance dates for the final rules mandating changes to food, beverage and supplement labeling. The extension would provide large food businesses (defined for these rules as grossing ten million dollars or more in annual sales) until Jan. 1, 2020 to comply, while small businesses would […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Association News, National
Pork Board: Responsible Antibiotic Use Commitment Making A Difference
Nine months after the full implementation of FDA Guidance 209 and 213, the National Pork Board (NPB) says America’s pig farmers “continue to demonstrate their awareness and commitment to doing what’s right on the farm.” FDA guidance 209 and 213 ends the use of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion and increases veterinarian oversight for […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Home Page Latest News, National, Store News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Certified Angus Beef Honors Retail, Distributor ‘Stars’
As consumer demand for beef continues to grow, retailers play an important role in satisfying their needs. The Certified Angus Beef brand recognized retailers and distributors for their leadership in product quality, marketing and sales at the group’s annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 27-29. “Quality and integrity unite their focus on delivering the finest […]