Ryan Draude has spent nearly 15 years building nationally-recognized loyalty programs at brands like Choice Hotels, RITE AID, and now Giant Food — where he currently serves as the head of loyalty. But as cross-shopping, value-seeking behavior becomes the norm, earning loyalty from grocery shoppers is getting harder every day. We spoke with Ryan about […]
Category: News
Expert Article
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, National, News
Lidl U.S. Opening New Store Feb. 4 In Totowa, NJ
Lidl U.S. will open a new store Feb. 4 at 545 US-46 in Totowa, New Jersey, expanding the discount grocer’s presence in the state. The store will welcome customers at sunrise with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:40 a.m. The grand opening will feature freshly baked croissants and coffee. The Totowa location will feature Lidl’s curated […]
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 […]
Expert Article
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 […]