How Independent Retailers Can Maximize Refrigeration Performance, Profitability

Independent retailers face tight budgets and rising operational costs. These pressures are felt even stronger these days as consumers remain hyper-focused on grocery prices and affordability. Refrigeration equipment – critical for merchandising fresh and frozen products – represents a significant investment for retailers. Getting the most out of that investment starts with investing in the […]

Posted inFrozen Food, Association News, National, News

NFRA Penguin Pitch Spotlights Emerging Frozen, Refrigerated Brands

The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association’s (NFRA) Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest is returning for its third year, recognizing innovative frozen and refrigerated food brands redefining their categories through product development, creative packaging and strategic market execution. Launched Jan. 1, Penguin Pitch provides emerging brands with an opportunity to gain visibility among retailers, distributors […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Festival Foods, Midwest, News

Festival Foods’ Munns Retiring, Whitney Promoted To Chief Merchant

Festival Foods shared two personnel moves Jan. 30, including the upcoming retirement of Randy Munns, EVP and COO, and the promotion of Adam Whitney to chief merchant. Munns will retire Feb. 13 after a 40-year career in the grocery industry, including 35 years with the Wisconsin-based chain. Munns joined Festival in 1991 as a third-shift […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News

IGA Debuts Community Development Program To Address Food Desert Crisis

The Independent Grocers Alliance has launched IGA Community Development, a new initiative designed to expand access to fresh, affordable food in underserved urban and rural communities across the U.S. The new area of focus for IGA involves matching funding from communities, nonprofits and other developmental entities with independent retailers. This allows those retailers to open […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Costco Wholesale, National, News

Costco Launches Same-Day Instacart Delivery Websites In France, Spain

Costco  (Nasdaq: COST) members in France and Spain can shop online and receive same-day delivery through Costco’s first European websites powered by Instacart’s Storefront Pro commerce platform and fulfillment solutions services, the companies announced Jan. 30. The initial rollout includes delivery from all Costco locations in the two countries, including stores in the Paris metropolitan […]

Relationship Advice For Independent Grocers

How many times have you had an interaction and left feeling misunderstood? Experts say, communication and finances are the top downfalls in relationships. Now you may be thinking, this only applies in our personal lives. Your relationship with shoppers could be suffering here as well. For example, Craig never buys chocolate and is not likely […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Midwest, News, The Kroger Co.

Kroger Expands Simple Truth Protein Line With 24 New Products

Kroger added 24 new Simple Truth Protein products to store shelves in January, expanding the line to more than 110 items as customers focus on wellness goals in the new year. The expanded line features protein-packed options designed to support nutrition goals, from establishing everyday habits to building strength. All products are free from unwanted […]