Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Vallarta Supermarkets, West

Vallarta Supermarkets Prepares For Grand Opening In Hemet, CA

View Photos from the March 26th Grand Opening here! The grand opening for Vallarta Supermarkets’ first new store of 2025 is set for March 26 at 2825 W. Florida Ave. in Hemet, California. The 53,140-square-foot location will offer fresh produce, everyday goods and several additional departments. It also will be the grocer’s second location to […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Feature, National, News, Private Label Brands

FMI Committees Doing Important Work On Private Brands, AI, Asset Protection

Doug Baker, VP of industry relations for FMI – The Food Industry Association, spoke to The Shelby Report during the association’s recent Midwinter Executive Conference on Marco Island, Florida. Baker touched on three topics that are of interest to FMI’s membership and the food industry as a whole – private brands, technology advancements and asset […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News

Instacart Adds AI-Powered Smart Shop Technology

Among the new features Instacart has recently introduced to its platform is Smart Shop, which leverages generative AI and machine learning to create a more personalized grocery shopping experience. With Smart Shop, Instacart analyzes customer habits and dietary preferences to find the most relevant products faster. In addition, Instacart unveiled new AI-powered Health Tags, which […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Midwest, News, SpartanNash

SpartanNash Shares Progress In Corporate Responsibility Report

SpartanNash has published its 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, providing details on how the company continues to strengthen its “People First” culture through advancements in employee safety, development, engagement, sustainability and governance. “The progress we’ve made is a testament to the dedication of our associates and leaders in shaping a vibrant ‘People First’ culture,” said SpartanNash […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News

Meijer To Open 3 Northeast Ohio Supercenters May 8

On May 8, Meijer will open three supercenters – each totaling 159,000 square feet – in the northeastern Ohio cities of Austintown, Medina and Richmond Heights, increasing its store count in the state to 58. The stores will feature an assortment of fresh produce and grocery staples, including bakery, meat, seafood and deli departments, floral area, garden center, […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News

Hometown Market Committed To Community, Family Connection

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 […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, National, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News

Topco Honors Members With Awards, Recognizes Anniversaries

Topco Associates LLC recently held its Annual Membership Conference, where the cooperative honored several members that achieved significant sales and volume growth across its programs during 2024, while also introducing a new award.   “The membership experienced a record year in growth, not only through the performance of Topco and member own brands but in key […]