The Shelby Report of the Midwest recently visited with Dan Shaul, executive director of the Missouri Grocers Association, to catch up on the grocery industry in The Show Me State.
What are some of the top issues impacting grocers in Missouri this year?
“Like other states around the country, Missouri is experiencing many of the same issues, namely continued struggles to find labor, supply chain challenges and higher priced items through inflation, along with an increased level of competition from larger national chains.
“Throughout all this, Missouri retailers have proven they are resilient and continue to serve as the cornerstone for their communities. As a result, the state of the grocery industry is strong in Missouri.
“Despite challenges, Missouri’s grocers remain steadfast in their commitment to serve their communities. By prioritizing offering quality products and services to their customers they have retained a loyal shopper base.”
How intense is the competition independent grocers are up against in Missouri? 
“We have continued to see an increase in competition from national chains and discount stores. However, independent grocers across Missouri continue to rise to the challenge and have seen success across our state.
“This is in part due to the shopping experience independents offer their consumers, along with a unique product offering centered around local products.”
Are you seeing new retailers coming into the state that sell groceries?
“While retail growth may have slowed, retailers here are still searching for efficiency and sustainability, leading to further consolidation from inside and outside the state of Missouri.”
Can you describe the typical customer and the challenges they face?
“It would be hard to capsulize who the average consumer is here. Missouri is unique in the fact that every corner of the state is different, from the major cities to the farm communities of rural Missouri.
“Depending on the region, there will be a completely different customer base facing a completely different set of economic issues. These are the differences that keep our grocers on their toes.”
What key things have independent grocers been doing to remain competitive and attract customers?
“Missouri’s independent grocers are creative and focus on providing an experience to their customers that larger chains don’t offer. As you head across the state through rural Missouri, many retailers offer a full-service deli with eating areas, providing a place for the community to gather.
“In addition, we see retailers across Missouri embracing the Buy Missouri program through the lieutenant governor’s office, which promotes locally made Missouri products and services. This allows for independent retailers to offer local products exclusive to our state that consumers are not going to find at the larger national stores. These types of collaborations allow for a unique path for growth.”
As you look to the next few months, any thoughts about what dynamics might affect the grocery industry in Missouri?
“The fact that it is an election year will be of much interest to the industry, both throughout the country and in our state.
“In Missouri, we will see new state leaders in the governor’s office and across the board. This will lead to new relationships and opportunities.
“Of particular interest is a ballot initiative to increase minimum wage, along with other employee provisions such as paid time off, sick leave, vacation time, etc.”
[RELATED: Missouri Grocery Industry Gets Its Day At State Capitol]
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