John Stokes and his brother, Steve, are fourth-generation grocers who have spent their lives immersed in the family business, Stokes Markets. Their work ethic and dedication to excellence are a direct result of their upbringing in the industry and the influence of those who worked alongside them. Stokes credits their customers with pushing them to […]
Tag: independent grocer
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, News, Southwest
Brookshire Brothers To Implement Cognira’s PromoAI Platform
Brookshire Brothers, a Texas-based employee-owned grocery retailer, has partnered with Cognira to implement PromoAI, an advanced platform for promotion planning, optimization and analysis. The grocer selected Cognira for its AI-driven forecasting, workflow automation and deep promotional performance analytics, all of which will help deliver more relevant offers, improve collaboration and enhance promotional ROI. “After extensive […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Rouses Market, Southeast
Fast-Growing Lafayette Leading Way As Rouses Expanding In Louisiana
For this month’s Market Profile, The Shelby Report of the Southeast visited with Donny Rouse, the third-generation CEO of Rouses Markets, to talk about the company’s newest location in Lafayette and its strategic expansion in its home state of Louisiana, where it has 53 stores. What can you tell us about your newest store […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, West
Zupan’s Markets Celebrates 50 Years As Family-Owned Grocer
Zupan’s Markets is celebrating 50 years as “Portland’s locally-owned destination for specialty groceries, gourmet ingredients and exceptional service.” Since opening its doors in 1975, the family-owned grocer has evolved into a neighborhood market known for its curated product selection, top-tier ingredients and commitment to quality. Throughout 2025, Zupan’s will honor its golden anniversary with a […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, Southeast
At Community-Focused Hometown Food Center, ‘Fresh Is What We Do Best’
In the small Lower Alabama town of Headland, just nine miles north of Dothan – where several national grocery chains are located – one independent grocer continues to thrive by doing what the big-box stores can’t – connecting deeply with its community and focusing on fresh, local products. Hometown Food Center, owned by Jai Freeman […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Meijer, Midwest, News
Meijer Lowers Prices On Back-to-School Essentials
As families begin back-to-school preparations across the U.S., Meijer is dropping prices on school supplies for students of all ages. This year, shoppers can find all their back-to-school basics, such as notebooks, crayons, pencils, folders and glue, for $1 or less at Meijer. Examples include: Meijer 2-Pocket Paper Folders: $0.25 Meijer Washable Glue Stick 2-pack: $0.25 Meijer […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, News, Southeast
Sedano’s Supermarkets Launches Digital Circular Platform With Ideal
Sedano’s Supermarkets has partnered with Ideal to offer a mobile-first, personalized digital circular and an expanded digital media reach. “With more of our customers on mobile than ever before, it was time to evolve,” said Ken Ninomiya, VP of e-commerce at Sedano’s. “The Ideal platform turns our weekly ad into a rich, interactive experience – featuring […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Food Stores, West
Reynolds Market Celebrates 100 Years Of Serving Montana Communities
Reynolds Market is marking a major milestone this year as it celebrates 100 years in business. What started in 1925 as a small grocery store in Glendive has grown into a trusted name in eastern Montana, known for its strong community ties, reliable service and commitment to customers. “This milestone reflects generations of hard work, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Harps Food Stores, Southwest
Harps Food Stores To Acquire James Super Save Foods
Harps Food Stores Inc. has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire James Super Save Foods, an independent grocery store in Mena, Arkansas, with an expected closing and reopening as Harps later this summer. James Womble, owner of James Super Save Foods, recently informed his employees that the store’s operations, employment and day-to-day functions will […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Fareway, Midwest, News
Fareway Holds Ribbon Cutting, Grand Opening In Lisbon, IA
Fareway Stores Inc. hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony July 8 for a new store at 930 Commercial St. in Lisbon, Iowa. Fareway acquired the 18,000-square-foot store from Brother’s Market in March and has since completed a full renovation of the property. The store officially opened for business July 9. “As Fareway grows, […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News
SNAP Incentives, Fresh Innovation And The Role Of Independent Grocers
In June, the independent grocery industry came together in force for the 2025 NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, where fresh food innovation met community commitment. From fresh-forward merchandising strategies to discussions about food safety, traceability and technology, the summit underscored what independent grocers already know – fresh food is not only a driver of growth […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Foodtown, News, Northeast
Allegiance Retail Services Celebrates Growth At Annual Membership Meeting
Allegiance Retail Services, a retailer-owned grocery cooperative, held its annual membership meeting June 25. The gathering, one of the largest in recent years, reflected the strong support and unity among the cooperative’s independent retail members. Joseph Fantozzi, president and COO of Allegiance Retail Services, praised the exceptional leadership now in place – describing it as […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Southeast
Presidente Supermarkets Opens Fourth Store In Hialeah, FL
Presidente Supermarkets, one of the largest Hispanic-owned grocery chains in the U.S., recently celebrated the grand opening of its fourth store in Hialeah, Florida. The new 26,000-square-foot location at at 3750 W 18th Ave. features a cafeteria and employs about 80 people. It aligns with Presidente’s commitment to provide diverse Florida communities with high-quality products at […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Babbs Supermarket Has Deep, Personal Connection To Indiana Community
Babbs Supermarket in Spencer, Indiana, will celebrate its 97th anniversary in July. Third-generation grocer Robert Babbs says his family legacy is not about making money but about building community. Chester Babbs, Rob’s grandfather, opened the original store July 28, 1928, by purchasing a meat and grocery business in receivership. Over the years, the business grew […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, H-E-B, Southwest
H-E-B Reveals Winners For Excellence In Education Awards
H-E-B announced the statewide winners May 4 for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards during a ceremony in Austin with hundreds of educators and community leaders. Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired four-star admiral and former Chancellor of the University of the Texas System, gave the keynote address and helped distribute awards to the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Harps Food Stores, News, Southwest
Harps Food Stores Acquires Independent Grocer Craven Foods
Harps Food Stores Inc. has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Craven Foods, a grocery store in the Fairfield Bay, Arkansas. Craven Foods will close at the end of the day May 19, and reopen two days later as a Harps Food Store. Craven Foods has been a cornerstone of the community, known for […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News
Buche Foods Expands Food Access Through Grocery Lockers
The community of Marty, South Dakota, has welcomed the launch of Marty Food Lockers, a grocery delivery solution from Buche Foods that aims to address the challenges of grocery accessibility in the rural community. In a recent meeting held at the Marty Community Center, residents learned they can shop online at buchefoods.com and select the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
B&T’s Food Fresh Market Exemplifies Independent Spirit
John Triplett is co-owner of B&T’s Food Fresh Market – a growing independent grocery company with 11 locations in Georgia and South Carolina and more planned – with Clark Brunson. The two are self-described “conservative entrepreneurs” and own other businesses in addition to raising young families. Triplett also is a vocal proponent for tort reform […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Southwest
Woods Supermarket Expands To Johnstown, CO
Woods Supermarket held a ribbon cutting and grand-opening celebration March 19 for a store at 4330 Ledge Rock Drive in Johnstown, Colorado – the first out-of-state expansion for the 75-year-old family-owned Missouri business. “We are thrilled with the community support we have found in the vibrant Johnstown area and honored to be a part of the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Northeast, ShopRite
ShopRite Promotes ‘We Are Here’ Marketing Campaign
Keasbey, New Jersey-based ShopRite has launched an integrated marketing campaign, “We Are Here,” spotlighting the family-operated businesses at the heart of the brand and their deep community ties. Rolling out across a variety of media channels, the campaign showcases a montage of images and stories. Viewers will see familiar faces – including the families who […]