Associated Food Stores’ vendor community got a first-hand look at the progress of Project ROAR during this year’s annual Vendor Summit and that’s good news for retailers.
Vice President of Distribution Justin Johnson shared details on how the modernization project is expanding AFS’s warehouse capacity by roughly 30% and preparing the supply chain for decades of growth. But the most important takeaway for member retailers is this: our vendors understand and support what’s coming next.
By involving vendors early and often, AFS ensures they’re ready to adapt packaging, shipping, and inventory practices to match the new system. That means fewer disruptions, stronger partnerships, and a smoother flow of product from supplier to store.
“Our vendors are critical partners in this initiative,” said Justin Johnson, vice president of distribution. “By keeping them informed and engaged, we’re not just expanding capacity, we’re strengthening the entire value chain that supports our retailers.”
The new distribution system will ultimately handle up to 65,000 cases per day, build pallets by store, and make better use of every square foot of warehouse space. For retailers, that translates to greater product availability, a wider SKU selection, and more efficient deliveries that lower costs over time.
Construction has progressed with minimal impact on service, and teams expect full operation by mid-2026. By sharing updates directly with vendors, AFS is reinforcing a shared commitment to reliability and growth.
For member retailers, that partnership means confidence knowing the suppliers behind every pallet and case are aligned with AFS’s mission to serve stores more efficiently than ever before.