After a high-profile debut and a splash in Times Square, CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of USA Pears, says the organization’s new look is successfully bridging the gap between vintage charm and modern nutritional demands.

The grocer says the free, monthly interactive events help customers shop with confidence.

Carol Barsotti will oversee public relations, government affairs and community impact. She’ll hold the role while continuing as president of fieldTRUE, a farm-box subscription business.

The online share of total grocery spending reaches 19% as order frequency rates continue to climb, with more than half of monthly users placing three or more orders during December, according to Brick Meets Click’s Grocery Shopper Survey.

Whatever you do, from store remodels to special orders, first consider how it affects your customers, says columnist Armand Lobato.

The National Grocers Association praises a push for federal investigations into discriminatory pricing practices, arguing that enforcing antitrust laws is essential to leveling the playing field for independent grocers.