H-E-B is accepting entries through April 23 for its 12th annual “Quest for Texas Best,” a competition to find the top products made in the state. Participants will compete for a combined $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to land their products on H-E-B shelves across the state. Over the past decade, H-E-B has […]
Category: Southwest
The Shelby Report of the Southwest covers grocery retailers, wholesalers and suppliers in Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Follow the latest store openings, remodels, leadership changes and market news from the region.
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Southwest, Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market Donates First Electric Food Rescue Van In Austin, TX
Whole Foods Market has shared a major milestone in its Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program with the donation of its first electric food rescue vehicle, made in the company’s hometown of Austin, Texas. Since launching in September 2020, the program has provided 60 refrigerated vans to food rescue organizations across the U.S. and Canada. Moving forward, […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, BJ's Wholesale Club, Southwest
BJ’s Wholesale Club To Expand Into Texas Over Next 2 Years
BJ’s Wholesale Club has shared plans to open 25-30 clubs over the next two fiscal years, including several clubs set in Texas’ DFW area starting in early 2026. “We are eager to continue our expansion by bringing unbeatable value, convenience and assortment to the Dallas-Fort Worth community,” said Bob Eddy, BJ’s chairman and CEO. “Economic […]
Posted inFeature, Southwest
Harnessing Power Of Latino Market In Southwest
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. For context, the Latino population in 2024 reached about 66 million, or about 19.5 percent of the total U.S. population. Spending power among this diverse […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Produce News, Southwest
United Family, Rainier Fruit Donate Socks To Texas Nonprofits
The United Family and Rainier Fruit donated 5,000 pairs of socks to Texas nonprofits in February through their Apples and Pears on a Mission initiative, the companies announced. The donations, intended to support the homeless community, were made possible by a portion of proceeds from Rainier Fruit pear and apple sales during the fall and […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Southwest
Destination Grocery Store To Open At New Address In Marathon, TX
Some grocers are born into the business and some choose it. Some just seem to have it in their blood and are able to create not just stores, but destinations. Sam Stavinoha has created such a place in the tiny West Texas town of Marathon, a stop on the way south to Big Bend National […]
Posted inExecutive News, Southwest
TRUNO Names St. Clair As New CEO
Lubbock, Texas-based TRUNO Retail Technology Solutions has named Chris St. Clair its new CEO. The company said Brad Ralston, who has served as CEO since 2011, will remain actively involved in TRUNO’s strategic planning and leadership. “Chris has lived through the challenges our customers face every day. He knows firsthand how to successfully run a […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southwest
West Texas Economy Growing But Still Relies On Oil/Gas Fortunes
Gary Huddleston has a rich history in the grocery business, serving nearly 45 years as director of consumer affairs at Kroger and today continuing his service as a grocery industry consultant for the Texas Retailers Association. TRA represents retail companies across Texas, including national, regional, state and main street grocery, mass, home improvement, pharmacy and […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Southwest
Viva Fresh Launches New Website To Celebrate 10th Anniversary
The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) has introduced its new Viva Fresh Produce Expo website as the expo celebrates its 10th anniversary. The 2025 Viva Fresh Expo will take place April 10-12 in Houston, Texas, bringing together produce industry leaders from across North America. Founded in 2015, Viva Fresh has grown into a premier event […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Harps Food Stores, Southwest
Harps Taps Lesso As Information Systems Director
Harps Food Stores has promoted Chris Lesso to director of information systems, where he will oversee the company’s technology infrastructure and lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. Lesso’s career at Harps began in summer 1998 at Store 177 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he worked part-time as a sacker while attending high school. […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
Albertsons Market Coming To Lovington, NM
Representatives from The United Family joined city officials and other community representatives Feb. 25 to break ground on an Albertsons Market grocery store and fuel station in Lovington, New Mexico. Slated to open in 2026, it will be the first United Family location in the market. “It is always exciting to enter a new community, […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Executive News, Southwest
Tyson Foods Promotes Cole, Stewart As Part of Development, Succession Planning Process
Tyson Foods Inc. has promoted Devin Cole and Brady Stewart as part of its development and succession planning process. The company said Cole’s and Stewart’s leadership has been instrumental in helping fortify its foundation, build brands and grow globally, strategic pillars they will continue to focus on in their new roles. Cole has been named […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Natural Grocers, Southwest
Natural Grocers Introduces Private Label Organic Raw Tepache, Kombucha
Natural Grocers has introduced organic kombucha and organic raw tepache to its private-label lineup, both brewed with Certified Colorado Rocky Mountain Spring Water and flavored with organic fruit juices. The Natural Grocers Brand Organic Raw Kombucha is fermented with tea sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas and combined with organic evaporated cane sugar and organic […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Southwest
HAC Inc. Adds Local Express’ Made-To-Order Solutions To Stores
HAC Inc. is deploying Local Express’ made-to-order omnichannel solution at 36 Homeland and 11 United stores in Oklahoma and Texas to modernize their prepared foods, catering and foodservices operations. HAC Inc. shoppers can place orders for holiday family meals, party trays, vegetable and seafood platters and butcher bundles. The Local Express system also enables the […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Dollar General, Southwest
Dollar General Opens Distribution Center In North Little Rock, AR
Dollar General opened a new distribution center Feb. 22 in North Little Rock, Arkansas, that will support its traditional supply chain, DG Fresh network and DG Private Fleet. The facility, which totals about one million square feet, represents a $160 million investment in Pulaski County and is expected to create about 300 new jobs at […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
The United Family Donates 1K Socks To Faith Mission
Two of The United Family’s banner stores – United Supermarkets and Market Street – donated 1,000 pairs of socks Feb. 18 to Faith Mission of Wichita Falls, Texas. This is the sixth year The United Family has teamed up with Rainer Fruits to make this donation. The donation stems from a program called “Apples and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, H-E-B, Southwest
H-E-B Opens E-Commerce Fulfillment Center In Houston
H-E-B has opened a new e-commerce fulfillment center in Houston, Texas, a project that further expands the retailer’s commitment to integrate technologies that drive omnichannel growth and provide a better shopping experience for customers. The 100,000-square-foot facility will support H-E-B curbside and home delivery orders throughout Houston and surrounding cities. Building on H-E-B’s presence in […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Southwest
The United Family Seeking Applications For Annual Discovery Showcase
The United Family is accepting applications for its second annual Discovery Showcase, which connects the company with local and regional vendors interested in doing business together. Businesses can submit an online application for the Discovery Showcase through March 10. The United Family will evaluate applications based on product fit and readiness for the market across […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Harps Food Stores, Southwest
Harps Food Stores Prepares For Grand Opening In Conway, AR
Harps Food Stores will hold a grand opening March 12 for a new location at 3500 Dave Ward Drive in Conway, Arkansas. The 39,000-square-foot store will offer a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including organic items; USDA Prime beef, all natural pork, poultry and seafood; deli and signature bakery products; and fresh sushi […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southwest
La Montañita Food Co-op Growing Roots In New Mexico
Known locally as the grocery store with a soul, La Montañita Food Co-op is making a name for itself with four locations in New Mexico – two in Albuquerque and one each in Gallup and Santa Fe. The Gallup store is La Montañita’s smallest at just 1,000 square feet, while the largest totals 20,000 square […]