Posted inMarket Profile, News, West

Favorable Job Market Intensifying Employer Competition For Talent In WA

Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist with the Washington Employment Security Department, recently spoke with The Shelby Report about the workforce challenges retailers are facing in the state.   How would you summarize the retail workforce situation in Washington state? The overall job market, while showing a slight slowdown after recovering from COVID-19 pandemic job losses, […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, News, West

Heritage Grocers Group Appoints Espinoza Chief Administrative Officer

Heritage Grocers Group has appointed Leticia G. Espinoza chief administrative officer, reporting to Suzy Monford, chairman and CEO. Espinoza, who previously served as chief legal and human resources officer, will oversee real estate, loss prevention, corporate affairs, communications, risk management and legal and human resources across all Heritage banner companies. “Leticia’s appointment is a reflection […]

Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Market Profile, News, West

ASMI Helps Build Trust, Loyalty In Alaska’s Sustainably Caught Seafood

The Shelby Report recently caught up with Amy Dukes, head of retail marketing for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, to discuss Alaska’s seafood and how grocers can build sales in the category.   What key trends should grocers be aware of with Alaska seafood? According to Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute’s Retail Consumer Research Report, 80 […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, News, West

Grocery Outlet Begins Annual Independence From Hunger Campaign

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. is holding the 15th “Independence from Hunger” food drive through July 31, collecting in-store and online donations, as well as pre-made bags of nonperishable foods, at its 540 locations nationwide. Donations benefit local food agencies chosen by the company’s independent operators. “We look forward to continuing Grocery Outlet’s storied tradition of […]

Posted inProduce News, Corporate Store News, News, The Kroger Co., West

Divert Expands Organics Recycling Program To All Fred Meyer Stores

Divert Inc. and Fred Meyer Stores, a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., have expanded their organics recycling program to support all 105 of the grocer’s locations in Oregon and Washington. “Fred Meyer and Kroger have been valued customers of Divert for many years, and we are proud to expand our collaboration to further advance the […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Southeast, West

Heritage Grocers Group, Sedano’s Supermarkets Choose RELEX Platform

Two Hispanic grocers – Heritage Grocers Group and Sedano’s Supermarkets – have selected RELEX, a provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions, to boost their pricing and promotions operations. Heritage Grocers Group By leveraging the RELEX AI-powered platform, Heritage Grocers aims to boost profitability, streamline operations and enhance product availability across its 115 […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, West

Collaboration With Residents Results In New Store For Remote Kotzebue, AK

In November, the Alaska Commercial Co. (AC) unveiled a new 26,000-square-foot grocery and general merchandise store in Kotzebue, Alaska, which lies about 26 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the northwestern corner of the state. The store plays a vital role in providing essential food and supplies to the residents of the town and […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, News, West

Grocers Bracing For Impact Of Largest Tax Hike In WA’s History

Washington is considered one of the most expensive states in the nation when it comes to the cost of gas, housing and healthcare. It has the fourth highest average grocery prices in the country, and 55 percent of residents face food insecurity. And officials from the Washington Food Industry Association note that grocers and consumers […]