by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder, principal consultant, PDG Insights In this new series, we explore the opportunity created for retailers by targeting Latino grocery consumers across the United States. In this article, we focus on the Southeast. For context, the Latino population in 2024 reached about 66 million, or about 19.5 percent of the […]
Category: Southeast
The Shelby Report of the Southeast covers grocery retailers, wholesalers and suppliers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Follow the latest store openings, remodels, leadership changes and market news from the region.
Posted inCorporate Store News, BJ's Wholesale Club, Southeast
BJ’s Wholesale Club Opens In Myrtle Beach, SC
BJ’s Wholesale Club opened a new store with a BJ’s Gas location Feb. 28 at 136 Las Palmas Drive in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina “At BJ’s Wholesale Club, we’re dedicated to serving the families who depend on us,” said Ryan Gavin, club manager. “We bring unbeatable value and savings of up to 25 percent off […]
Posted inSoutheast, Corporate Store News
SEG Celebrates American Heart Month With $130K Donation
In recognition of American Heart Month in February, Southeastern Grocers (SEG), parent company of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, donated $130,000 to the American Heart Association in support of its “Life is Why” campaign. Throughout a three-week community donation program, SEG and its associates and customers contributed to funding for research, survivor support services […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
Publix Surpasses Billion Pounds Of Donated Food
Publix Super Markets has exceeded 1 billion pounds of food donated through its Good Together program, which began in 2009. The milestone was shared at the company’s Hunger Summit Feb. 27. The event brought together Publix leaders and Feeding America partner food bank representatives from across the Southeast to collaborate on ways to get food into […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
Publix Opens New Miami Store Feb. 27
Publix Super Markets opened a new 53,287 square-foot store Feb. 27 at Briar Bay Shopping Center, 13005 SW 89th Place in Miami. The supermarket offers departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce, as well as a full-service bakery, deli, pharmacy and an adjacent Publix Liquors. There is also a seating area […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southeast
Houchens Food Group Celebrates More Store Manager Award Recipients
Houchens Food Group continued its Store Manager Appreciation Award banquets into the latter part of 2024. Consisting of 18 lunch banquets divided by region and banner, the events included individual recognition of store managers as well as a selection of other awards. In addition, a Store Manager of the Year was named. In a statement, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Piggly Wiggly, Southeast
At Garrett’s Piggly Wiggly, Understanding Customers’ Needs ‘Part Of What We Do Well’
The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Steve Garrett, president and owner of Garrett’s Piggly Wiggly stores in the Lower Alabama town of Troy, about the challenges of operating grocery stores. How did you get started in the grocery industry? My parents opened an 18,000-square-foot store in Troy in 1986, and I […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
Food Insecurity, Deserts Remain Issue For Alabama Grocers
Many rural Alabamians lack access to grocery stores, resulting in “food deserts” with limited access to fresh, affordable and nutritious food. In 2024, state leaders hosted two conferences addressing the issue – the National Rural Grocery Initiative and the Feeding Change Conference. Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association, presented at both. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast, Walmart
Helios Named First Software Winner Of Walmart’s Open Call Event
Tysons, Virginia-based Helios Artificial Intelligence has been named a winner of Walmart’s 11th Annual Open Call – the first recipient in the software category. As a result, the company has signed a deal (“golden ticket”) to provide its climate risk and price forecasting software for Walmart. Walmart held its 11th Annual Open Call event in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Piggly Wiggly, Southeast
Piggly Wiggly In Eutaw, AL, Endures As Town’s Only Grocer
For nearly a quarter of a century, Jacky and Sandra Hamilton have been fixtures in the grocery business. In 2001, they purchased the Piggly Wiggly in Eutaw, a rural town of fewer than 3,000 residents in western Alabama. Since 2021, their store has become the sole grocery provider and a vital hub for the community. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southeast
Ahold Delhaize USA Renews Circana Partnership
Ahold Delhaize USA has renewed its partnership with Circana, ensuring access to advanced analytic tools that drive innovation and foster collaboration with CPG companies. “This renewed focus underscores Ahold Delhaize USA’s dedication to staying ahead in a competitive and ever-evolving retail landscape by using data as a strategic advantage to create value for all stakeholders,” […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Grocers Highlight Louisiana Flavors For Mardi Gras Season
Grocers are embracing Mardi Gras season by stocking up on traditional favorites like king cakes, Cajun spices and seafood. They are likely to have special displays and promotions to attract customers celebrating the season. Some stores are offering catering services for parties and gatherings. Associated Grocers Inc. Eleven retail members of Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Associated […]
Posted inFeature, Exceptional Independents, Southeast
HFG Allows Teams To Be Flexible, Closer To Communities
Craig Knies, chief marketing officer, has been with Houchens Food Group for 16 years. HFG has been recognized as The Shelby Report of the Southeast‘s Exceptional Independent Retail Organization of the Year. Knies said the company provides a “great environment where the management teams are given the opportunity to run their business and make decisions […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Southeast
ECRS Expands AI Capabilities Through CATAPULT Cognition Artemis
ECRS has enhanced artificial intelligence functionality for its e-commerce solution, CATAPULT WebCart, using CATAPULT Cognition Artemis, an AI solution. Artemis is designed to provide independent retailers with consumer personalization at a fraction of the cost. By leveraging the synergistic potential of Artemis and WebCart, retailers can offer a curated browsing experience similar to scrolling through a […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Southeast
Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace Pleased With ECRS’s POS Solutions
Specialty grocer Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace, headquartered in Melville, New York, turned to ECRS for its point-of-sale solutions about three years ago. Tom Waibel, VP of technology for Uncle Giuseppe’s, said the change occurred just prior to him joining the grocer. Uncle Giuseppe’s is a family-owned independent whose 11 locations all feature kitchens, which prepare a […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Southeast
SEPC Names 2025 Vorhees Vision Scholarship Recipients
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) has named this year’s Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipients. The Vorhees Vision Scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives as they pursue their educational goals. This scholarship is named in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, founder and […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Grocers, Inc., Southeast
Associated Grocers Hosts Shopping Spree At 2 Louisiana Stores
Associated Grocers Inc. celebrated Food Club’s 80th birthday by awarding two customers with a five-minute shopping spree at their local Associated Grocers’ retail member store. The month-long entry contest culminated with the announcement of the two winners who went on a shopping spree down the aisles of their favorite Associated Grocers store. Food Club is one […]
Posted inExceptional Independents, Feature, Southeast
ESOP Status, Awards Program For Store Managers Helping HFG Shine
Houchens Food Group (HFG) is a subsidiary of Houchens Industries, an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) that includes 14 other subsidiary companies. Houchens Industries is highly diversified with businesses in construction, insurance, pharmacy, pet and retail. HFG has been recognized as The Shelby Report’s Exceptional Independent Retail Organization. The company launched a new program this […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Harris Teeter, Southeast
Harris Teeter Ranks Among Best For Customer Service
Harris Teeter has been recognized on USA Today’s list of “America’s Best Customer Service” for 2025. “Harris Teeter’s valued associates are at the heart of everything we do, and this award is a testament to their dedication and care,” said Danna Robinson, Harris Teeter’s director of corporate affairs. “We’re so proud every time we hear […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Southeast, UNFI
UNFI Celebrates Circle Of Excellence Retailers During Spring, Summer Show
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) recognized five high-performing retailers of various sizes during its second Spring and Summer Selling Show of 2025 in Orlando, Florida. According to UNFI, the retailers are driving growth, innovation and community impact across the grocery retail industry. In a ceremony Feb. 12, UNFI’s second annual Customer Circle of Excellence Awards honored […]