ECRS is celebrating the success of its annual Ignite Retail Success Conference, where more than 300 independent retailers, 53 ECRS staff and some 20 industry partners gathered to explore the future of retail technology, connect with peers and experience the CATAPULT community.
This year’s event in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was filled with immersive learning, keynotes and hands-on product exploration.
Sunday Ignite Kickoff and Continuing Business Legacies
Ignite 2025 began with a Sunday kickoff event, welcoming attendees with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a first look at the Product Lab. The networking opportunity set the tone for a week of collaboration, innovation and discovery.
For the independent retailers that have been carrying on their business’s legacy for more than two generations, ECRS President Caroline Catoe led a roundtable discussion of challenges and ideas, exploring ways to continue supporting each other and their communities.
Day 1: Igniting Brilliance in Retail
The conference opened with a keynote titled “Igniting Brilliance in Retail: A Collaborative Vision for the Future,” led by ECRS founder and CEO Pete Catoe.
Joined by his team of product experts and special guests, Catoe emphasized the importance of community-driven innovation and shared how the CATAPULT ecosystem is evolving to meet the needs of modern retail.
Following the keynote, participants visited the Product Lab to experience ECRS’ newest concepts, providing feedback for further refinement and development.
That evening, the CATAPULT Connect Event brought attendees together for a facilitated networking experience. Through guided discussion and reflections, participants explored questions such as “What has been your biggest challenge in the last 12 months?” and “What has ignited new success or innovation in your business?”
Attendees then gathered for a reception featuring food, beverages and demos in the Product Lab.
Day 2: Guest Keynote with Shaun Peet, Award Ceremony, Conference Party
NASCAR Pit Crew Coach and Chief Kindness Officer Shaun Peet shared lessons from professional motorsports. He encouraged retailers to build cohesive, high-performing teams with the precision and unity of a championship pit crew.
Award Ceremony
The Ignite Award Ceremony took place mid-day, honoring achievements within the CATAPULT community and recognizing independent retailers that have demonstrated excellence, innovation and leadership over the past year.
ECRS recognized the following retailers:
- Ignite Award: McCaffrey’s Food Markets;
- True North Leader Award: Eataly;
- Lighthouse Award: Marczyk Fine Foods and Marc’s;
- Golden Ambassador Award: Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace;
- CATAPULT Community Champion Award: Curby’s Express Market, Eastside Food Co-op, and B-Alive;
- Lifelong Learner Award: Karns Quality Foods and Crystal Powell and Adam Shea – Ashland Food Co-op; and
- One of Us Award: Diana Martino-Cardona and Chris Epp – Leevers Locavore, Mississippi Market Co-op and Caraluzzi’s Markets.
Day 3: Innovation in Action with Store Tours
In a new experience at this year’s conference, attendees explored three retailers that showcased how technology is transforming operations and customer experiences.
Store tour hosts included a co-op with one location, a specialty grocery chain with 28 stores and a conventional regional chain with 107 sites. Each offered insights into how they are curating a shopper experience that aligns with their mission, values and needs of their communities.
[RELATED: Marczyk Fine Foods Leverages ECRS To Grow With Purpose]