Idaho independent’s “Social Deal” program turns Facebook comments into a weekly reservation system – no shopping app to download, no online checkout, no problem. When Swensen’s Markets posted a deal on 50-pound boxes of Idaho russet baking potatoes to its Facebook page in mid-February, the family-owned grocer likely expected a solid response. What it got […]
Category: West
Expert Article
What It Really Takes To Compete As An Independent Grocer In 2026
Valley Farm Market has been a fixture of East County San Diego since 1956. Derek Marso – third-generation owner, former NFL player and self-described servant leader – took over the family store with one conviction: independent grocers don’t have to compete on price. They compete on experience, specialization, and speed. Under his leadership, Valley Farm […]
Posted inGelson's, Equipment & Technology, Featured News, News, Shelby Exclusives, Sustainability News, West
Gelson’s Opens Second ReCharge Micro-Market in Costa Mesa, CA
COSTA MESA, Calif. — Gelson’s Markets has opened its second ReCharge by Gelson’s micro-market, this time inside a new Rove fast-charging hub on Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa, about a mile from the Pacific Coast and minutes from Interstate 405. The Shelby Report of the West was on hand April 8 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Featured News, Natural Grocers, News, West
Natural Grocers To Open Third Location In Rock Springs, WY
Natural Grocers will open a new store April 29 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, marking the retailer’s third location in the state. Grand opening celebrations run from April 29-May 31 with savings of up to 50 percent off select premium products. The first 150 customers on opening day will receive mystery gift cards valued between $5 […]
Posted inProduce News, News, West
Sun World International, Mission Produce Partner To Advance Mango Category
Sun World International and Mission Produce have announced a collaboration to identify and commercialize innovative mango varieties, addressing historical inconsistencies in quality and variety differentiation within the global market. The collaboration pairs Bakersfield, California-based Sun World’s fruit genetics and licensing experience with Mission Produce’s global supply chain and ripening infrastructure. The companies will focus on […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Featured News, Gelson's, News, West
Gelson’s To Rebuild Store Destroyed By Fire In Pacific Palisades, CA
Southern California grocer Gelson’s Markets has announced plans to rebuild and reopen its store in Pacific Palisades, California, following the loss of the original location during the Palisades Fire in January 2025. The company intends to return to its site at 15424 Sunset Blvd. While a construction timeline and reopening date have not been finalized, the move […]
Posted inNew Products, Albertsons, Center Store, Featured News, News, West
Lindsay Rolls Out Latin-Inspired Jarred Olives At Albertsons
Lindsay Olives is rolling out a new line of Latin-inspired jarred olives to appeal to grocery shoppers seeking global flavors. Launched in mid-March, they feature the flavors of Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the company. Designed for snacking, cooking and/or entertaining, the varieties are Sofrito Style, Pimiento Picantito and Escabeche Style. Sofrito […]
Posted inDairy News, Finance News, News, West
Francisco Foods To Acquire Rizo-Lopez Foods Assets Out Of Bankruptcy
Valley Milk a California dairy ingredient producer, has formed Francisco Foods, a new joint venture that has acquired substantially all assets of Rizo-Lopez Foods out of bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California. The deal preserves the Tío Francisco brand and keeps the Modesto, California-based operation’s workforce and customer […]