U.S. consumers want a more personalized retail experience but are divided on retailers’ tactics and the types of personal information they feel comfortable disclosing, according to a new survey from Accenture. Nearly 60 percent of consumers want real-time promotions and offers, yet only 20 percent want retailers to know their current location and only 14 […]
Category: National
Posted in, Independent Store News, National, Southwest
Lucky’s Market Plans Six New Stores Nationwide
Following its most recent store opening late last month in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Lucky’s Market plans to debut six new stores across the country in the near future. The Colorado-based grocer says it will open stores in Plantation, Florida; Traverse City, Michigan; Bloomington, Indiana; Rock Hill, Missouri; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Iowa City, Iowa. Opening […]
Posted in, Grocery News, National, Store News
PLMA Study: Shoppers Showing Loyalty To Their Favorite Stores
A new nationwide study of consumers in the 25-to-45 age group indicates that these shoppers are increasingly demonstrating loyalty to the stores they use for household grocery purchases. The new Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) study, entitled “The Rise of Loyal Shoppers,” focused on 1,059 men and women age 25-45, a segment that makes up […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Survey: Food Retailers Identified As Wellness Destination
For the third year, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) surveyed food retailers on how they are meeting the needs of shoppers who are seeking healthier lifestyles, and the findings present a complex combination of corporate social responsibility and vast business opportunities for food retailers. FMI’s “Food Retailer Contributions to Health and Wellness” demonstrates exponential exploration […]
Posted in, C-Store News, National, Produce News
New Resource Builds The Business Case For Produce Sales At C-Stores
A primer to help convenience stores sell more produce was published Monday by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and the United Fresh Produce Association. “Building the Business Case for Produce Sales at Convenience Stores” combines analysis of industry and consumer trends with practical ideas to develop an enhanced produce offering in stores. The […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Extend Nutrition Rolls Out New ‘Snack-2-Health Kit’
Extend Nutrition is introducing its “Snack-2-Health Kit.” There are no lifestyle changes needed and no program to abide by, the St. Louis-based company says. Consumers eat two snacks per day. The starter kit contains 60 servings of nutritional bars, shakes and more. Each serving contains a patented blend of protein, fiber, healthy fat and complex […]
Posted in, National, Organic Natural
Study: Parents’ Knowledge Of Organic Label Leads To Increased Purchases
According to a new survey by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) of families across the nation, today’s moms and dads know more about organic are deciding to purchase organic more than ever before. OTA’s “U.S. Families’ Organic Attitudes and Beliefs 2015 Tracking Study,” a survey of more than 1,200 households throughout the country with at […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, National, Suppliers
Wegmans Makes Top 10 On Fortune’s Latest ‘100’ List, Other Grocers Also Rank
Several food retailers and food companies have made Fortune’s 2015 “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. Rochester, New York-based Wegmans Food Markets cracked the top 10 at No. 7. Another privately owned grocer, Nugget Market of Woodland, California, placed 26th on the list. QuikTrip, also a private company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, came in […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, National
Kroger Marks 45th Consecutive Quarter Of Positive ID Stores Sales
The Kroger Co. has reported its 45th consecutive quarter of positive identical supermarket sales growth, excluding fuel—as the grocer reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2014 results on Thursday. The company reported fourth quarter identical supermarket sales growth, without fuel, of 6.0 percent. “2014 was an outstanding year by all measures,” said Kroger Chairman […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, National, Store News
Save-A-Lot’s Newest Stores Focus On Fresh
Over the past month, Supervalu’s hard-discount grocery banner, Save-A-Lot, has opened 13 new stores across eight states—its latest last week in Rockford, Illinois. The banner’s newest stores, according to company officials, focus on fresh, with a “commitment to bring “fresh produce, dairy and meats” to their communities. The new stores are a combination of corporate-owned […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
GMA’s Foley Joins Government Relations Team At NGA
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has hired Matthew Foley as its senior manager of government relations. “Matt joins us with government and industry affairs experience and has a strong understanding of food policy and member relations,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA’s VP of public affairs. “NGA is pleased to strengthen our government relations team and further […]
Posted in, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, National, Whole Foods
Publix, Aldi And H-E-B Earn Top Customer Experience Ratings
Based on a study of 10,000 U.S. consumers, Publix, Aldi and H-E-B earned the highest scores in the 2015 Temkin Experience Ratings that ranks 293 companies across 20 industries. Joining those firms in the top 12 spots are Chick-fil-A, PetSmart, Amazon.com, Trader Joe’s, USAA, credit unions, Papa John’s, Walgreens and Hannaford. While supermarket chains, fast […]
Posted in, C-Store News, National
AWMA Changes Its Name To Convenience Distribution Association
The American Wholesale Marketers Association has changed its name to the Convenience Distribution Association (CDA). The big announcement was made at the 2015 AWMA Marketplace & Solutions Expo in Las Vegas. The AWMA Board of Directors approved changing the name to the Convenience Distribution Association at its Feb. 24 meeting. The announcement was made by […]
Posted in, Beverage News, Center Store, Marketing News, National, Southeast, Suppliers
Coca-Cola Celebrating 100th Anniversary Of Iconic Bottle This Year
A design so distinctive that it could be recognized by touch alone and so unique that it could be identified when shattered on the ground. This was the vision for the Coca-Cola bottle, which turns 100 this year. To mark the milestone, The Coca-Cola Co. is celebrating with a yearlong campaign that includes new advertising, […]
Posted in, Executive News, National, Northeast
Hershey Names Little CFO
The Hershey Co. has appointed Patricia A. Little as its new SVP and CFO, effective March 16. In her role at Hershey, Little will oversee the company’s global finance organization and be a part of the company’s global leadership team reporting to President and CEO John P. Bilbrey. She will have responsibility for the financial […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Executive News, National
Kroger Reveals Human Resources Succession Plan
The Kroger Co. on Friday announced its succession plan for the company’s SVP of human resources position, as Kathleen Barclay, 59, plans to retire from the role in the fall. Timothy Massa, 48, Kroger’s group VP of human resources and labor relations, will succeed Barclay in leading these functions after her retirement. Barclay joined Kroger […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Midwest, National
Mariano To Address United Fresh 2015 Attendees
Robert A. Mariano, chairman, president and CEO of Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Roundy’s Inc., will address produce retail industry executives at the United Fresh 2015 opening general session on June 9 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Mariano started out in the retail grocery business at the age of 17, working as a part-time deli clerk at Dominick’s […]
Posted in, Meat/Seafood/Poultry, National
Power Of Meat Remains Strong At Retail
Meat and poultry products remain among the top choices for shoppers at retail, but the 10th annual “Power of Meat” study published by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and North American Meat Institute (NAMI) highlights several trends in the way consumers are changing their purchasing behavior. These include: • Price per pound remains a top […]
Posted in, Industry News, National, Store News
Survey: Fresh Produce And Prices Matter Most To Supermarket Shoppers
Despite glowing headlines about America’s economic recovery, millions of people struggle with stagnant wages and an increased cost of living. As a result, nearly 60 percent of consumers say finding a deal is important when they’re food shopping, according to the 2015 Annual National Grocers Association (NGA)-SupermarketGuru Consumer Survey. Nearly 1,000 shoppers completed surveys that […]
Posted in, C-Store News, National
AWMA Launches New State Government Affairs Initiative
The American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA) has launched a new initiative to provide members with information and the ability to take action on state governmental developments that affect their businesses and the convenience distribution industry. Anne Holloway, VP of government affairs, says the initiative has two key components: • The appointment of Dirk Smith as […]