Anaheim, Calif.-based Northgate González Markets, which operates 38 supermarkets in Southern California, was the recipient of the 2014 “Ben Schwartz Retail Grocery Visionary Award” from Unified Grocers at a special awards dinner Tuesday at Tamayo Restaurant in Los Angeles. This is the ninth year that Unified has presented the award to an outstanding independent retailer. […]
Tag: Supermarkets
Posted in, National
Lady Alice Apples Arriving In Stores
Lady Alice brand apples are arriving in grocery stores in the next few weeks. Discovered as a chance seedling in the orchards of eastern Washington, over the past six years production of this apple has increased as its appeal with consumers has taken off. Lady Alice will be available through May, or while supplies last, […]
Posted in, National, West
Former Vons President Davila Passes Away
Mr. William S. “Bill” Davila, former president of Vons and past president of the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC), died Feb. 14 after suffering with Alzheimer’s for several years. He was 82. Mr. Davila began his career with Vons Grocery Co. in 1950 and became president in the mid-1980s. He retired from Vons in […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Food Retailers Recognized For Community Outreach, Charitable Initiatives
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) presented its 2013 Community Outreach Awards to six honorees. The awards recognize the creative, charitable programs established and carried out by food retailers to enhance the lives of those in the communities they serve. “These programs, and all those submitted, serve as vivid reminders that the longstanding tradition of the […]
Posted in, Executive News, Northeast
Jonathan Weis Becomes New President, CEO At Weis Markets
Jonathan Weis has been appointed as Weis Markets’ president and CEO. Weis, 46, also will retain his role as vice chairman of the Sunbury, Pa.-based company. Prior to this announcement, Weis served as the company’s interim CEO. As president and CEO, Weis will oversee all aspects of the company’s retail, supply chain, merchandising, human resources, […]
Posted in, Marketing News, Southeast
N.C. Sweet Potato Commission Holds February Promotion At Retail
The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission and North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is running a new retail promotion across the state this month in honor of Sweet Potato Month. The promotion, “52 Ways to Love Sweet Potatoes,” highlights the versatility and nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes. Components of the program include in-store […]
Posted in, National
NGA Show: Keys To Thriving As An Independent Grocer
During the 2014 NGA Show in Las Vegas Feb. 9-12, National Grocers Association (NGA) President and CEO Peter Larkin asked the outgoing Chairman Joe Sheridan, president and COO of Wakefern Food Corp., and incoming Chairman Rich Neimann Jr., president and CEO of Niemann Foods, about what it takes to be a successful independent in today’s […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Midwest
Buehler’s Fresh Foods Names Director Of Communications
Deb Wilcox has been named director of communications at Buehler’s Fresh Foods in Wooster, Ohio. Wilcox started in Buehler’s advertising department in March 1983 working on ad layout and has served as director of marketing since 1991. As director of communications, Wilcox will be responsible for community, government and consumer relations, décor and branding of […]
Posted in, Southeast, Store News
Whole Foods Inks Leases For Stores In Georgia, Alabama
Whole Foods Market has signed leases for stores in Kennesaw, Ga., and Huntsville, Ala. Both stores are expected to open in 2016. The Kennesaw store will be located in a mixed-use development at the corner of Barrett Parkway and U.S. 41/Cobb Parkway. The newest store in Georgia for the natural and organic foods supermarket will […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
Survey Shows Shoppers Want More Personalized Assistance In Supermarkets
Shoppers are spending more than half of their fresh food dollars in supermarkets and want professionals on the shopping floor to support healthier eating habits and to guide food-buying decisions, according to the 2014 annual National Grocers Association-SupermarketGuru Consumer Survey released this week at NGA’s annual convention in Las Vegas. More than 1,380 chief household […]
Posted in, National
Macey’s Bagger Best In Nation
Defeating 26 other competitors from across the nation, Andrew Hadlock, a bagger from Macey’s grocery store in Sandy, Utah, claimed the title of National Grocers Association (NGA) Best Bagger Champion. The contest, in its 28th year, with a new title sponsor, PepsiCo, and supporting sponsors Bunzl and Pan-Oston, was held Tuesday during the 2014 NGA […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Kroger Acquires YOU Technology
The Kroger Co. has purchased the assets of YOU Technology Brand Services, the Silicon Valley-based leader in digital coupons and promotions. Founded in 2008, YOU Tech’s retailer-centric, cloud-based platform bridges the gap between online engagement and in-store purchases, creating a measurable way for many of the world’s largest retailers and brands to drive consumer purchase […]
Posted in, Equipment & Technology, National
Taskle Solution Launches At NGA Show
Many retail businesses have begun utilizing store walks as a way to verify consistent and proper execution as well as to identify issues and opportunities. Yet, identifying trends such as poor performing locations and company-wide concerns is still a challenge. That’s according to execution solution Taskle. Taskle delivers a cloud-based, easy-to-use solution to communicate priorities […]
Posted in, National
NGA Reveals Creative Choice Awards ‘Best Of Show’ Winners
The National Grocers Association (NGA) has recognized its Creative Choice Awards “Best of Show” winners in the Marketing and Merchandising categories at a special reception held during the 2014 NGA Show, which wraps up today in Las Vegas. The “Best of Show” title is the highest award of the Creative Choice Awards contest. The Best […]
Posted in, Store News, West
Cardenas, Northgate Gonzalez Come Together To Purchase Pro’s Ranch Markets
Two well-known Southern California-based Hispanic retailers—Cardenas Markets and Northgate Gonzalez Markets—said this morning they have come together and reached an agreement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to purchase Phoenix, Ariz.-based Pro’s Ranch Markets, which has seven stores in Arizona, two in New Mexico and two in Texas, for $55 million. The two retailers recently formed […]
Posted in, National, New Products
Little Debbie Introduces Cosmic Cupcakes
Little Debbie snacks, maker Oatmeal Creme Pies, Swiss Rolls, Honey Buns and Cosmic Brownies, is launching a new product: Little Debbie Cosmic Cupcakes. The chocolate cakes are filled with creme and topped with chocolaty frosting and candy-coated chocolate chips. “Little Debbie Cosmic Cupcakes are light years ahead of anything else on the market today,” said […]
Posted in, National
Congress Reaches Agreement On Farm Bill
The long-awaited Farm Bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the Senate casting the final approval—in a 68-32 vote on Tuesday—before the nearly $1 trillion bill goes to the president’s desk. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law. The bill has compromises throughout, including changes […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, Southeast
Ingles’ Net Sales Increase, But Income And Same-Store Sales Down
Ingles Markets has reported net sales of $945.1 million for its first fiscal quarter ended Dec. 28, 1.1 percent higher than last year’s first fiscal quarter ended Dec. 29, 2012 ($935.0 million). Net income totaled $9.5 million for the December 2013 quarter compared with net income of $11.6 million for the quarter ended December 2012. “We wanted […]
Posted in, Store News, West
Stater Bros. Helps Salvation Army Raise $528K For Red Kettle Campaign
Stater Bros. helped The Salvation Army raise more than $528,000 this past holiday season. During the months of November and December, all 167 Stater Bros. supermarket locations in Southern California hosted the iconic Salvation Army bell-ringers at their stores. “I always tell my employees to do the right thing for the right reason,” said Jack […]
Posted in, Industry News, National
Trend Report: America’s Love Of Sweet Baked Snacks, Desserts Spurs Market
Americans’ love of sweets has propelled dollar sales of packaged sweet baked snacks and desserts by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5 percent since 2008 to reach $13 billion in 2012. “Packaged Sweet Baked Snacks and Desserts: U.S. Market Trends,” a report by market research publisher Packaged Facts, projects retail sales in the […]