US grocery retailer Stater Bros. Markets connects with In-Store Marketplace for in-store retail media launch

In-Store Marketplace has announced a partnership with Stater Bros. Markets, the largest privately owned grocery retailer in Southern California. 

Stater Bros. will leverage ISM’s programmatic platform for in-store media integration combined with Mood Media's existing hardware footprint, enabling streamlined campaign activation, centralised inventory management, targeting and programmatic buying capabilities.

The first phase of the roll-out will focus on in-store audio, delivering timely, contextually relevant messaging to shoppers at the moment of purchase. Future phases will expand the network to include digital screens, creating a unified in-store media ecosystem that enables brands to engage Stater Bros. shoppers through multiple touchpoints using a single point of entry. 

“Regional grocers like Stater Bros. represent one of the most compelling opportunities in retail media today,” says Paul Brenner, SVP of Global Retail Media and Partnerships for ISM. “Their focused footprint and trusted customer relationships enable brands to connect with shoppers in ways that feel relevant and impactful. By bringing together ISM’s retail media platform and Mood Media’s in-store technology, we’re building a scalable solution designed to support Stater Bros.’ long-term growth.” 

“Stater Bros. Markets has always been focused on service to our customers and our community,” says Denise Singler, VP of Integrated Marketing at Stater Bros. Markets. “This partnership enables us to thoughtfully introduce in-store media in a way that complements the shopping experience while supporting our community and our vendor partners in a way that stays true to our 90-year history as Southern California’s local grocer.” 

Inventory for the in-store audio network will be sold through Vibenomics. Early success for the partnership will be measured by advertiser demand, shopper receptivity and the ability to deliver meaningful value without disrupting the in-store experience, laying the groundwork for future expansion as digital screens come in-store later this year.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Retail media will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.