Mike Johnson, VP of merchandising for King Soopers and a member of the Western Association of Food Chain’s board of directors, spoke with The Shelby Report’s VP Jan Meade at the WAFC Convention about the benefits of the organization. Johnson, who also has worked for The Kroger Co.’s Fred Meyer and Kroger banners, said the […]
Category: West
Posted inAnniversary Issues, Beverage News, Center Store, West
Large, Varied Liquor Selection Boosts Traffic With Popular Sales
Harry Cherkesyan has been with Super King Markets for 17 years. He is the director of center store, which includes liquor, dry groceries and mixed nuts. Cherkesyan worked for Jon’s Markets for 16 years before starting at Super King. He said he had decided it was time to see what else was out there. While […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, West
Stater Bros. Launches ‘Kids 4 Hope’ Donation Campaign
San Bernardino, California-based Stater Bros. Markets is joining forces with its charity foundation for a third year to raise funds to support pediatric cancer patients at City of Hope. Through May 21, all locations will participate in the Kids 4 Hope in-store campaign. City of Hope is a research and treatment center for cancer, treating blood […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Anniversary Issues, West
Produce Is Driver, ‘The Heart’ When It Comes To Stores
At Super King Markets, produce is king. Eddie Avila, director of produce, joined the company in 2017, with more than 30 years of industry experience. Avila, who had worked for Albertsons in Southern California for 32 years, said he didn’t realize what a produce buyer was until he got into the independent grocer arena. “When […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Food Stores, West
Associated Food Stores, Symbotic Implement Automation System
Associated Food Stores has entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s A.I.-powered robotic warehouse automation technology in its Utah distribution center. Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to improve a variety of retail-facing experiences, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores. “We appreciate the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Feature, West
WAFC Convention Setting Records For Attendance
The Shelby Report’s EVP Bob Reeves caught up with Joe Perez, headlite of the Illuminators, on May 7 during the Western Association of Food Chain’s Convention in Palm Desert, California. Perez said he is extremely excited, noting there is “a lot of high energy and momentum in the industry.” The convention began May 6 with […]
Posted inAnniversary Issues, West
Super King Matriarch Keeps Finances – And More – On Track
Although her official title with Super King Markets is CFO, Mary Fermanian has done a bit of everything since the company’s start. She and her husband, Peter, along with his brother, Vache, built the business from its original Anaheim location to eight stores in Los Angeles and Orange counties. She and Peter met through their […]
Posted inBeverage News, Albertsons, Executive News, West
Talking Rain Names Giesler As VP Of Sales, National Accounts
Seattle, Washington-based Talking Rain Beverage Co. has appointed Katie Giesler as VP of sales, national accounts. In this role, Giesler will oversee the team calling on retail accounts, such as Kroger, Albertsons Safeway, Walmart, Target and the convenience channel. Giesler started her career in sales operations at Coca-Cola Enterprises as a district sales manager and […]