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. […]
Category: Southeast
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 […]