As some of the most resilient business owners in the country, independent community grocers know they don’t thrive by working in a vacuum. The strength of our industry comes from its robust sense of unity.
Few organizations embody that sense better than the National Grocers Association and the California Grocers Association. By bringing independent retailers and wholesalers together, our two organizations transform individual stores into a collective force that can shape the future of food retail.
The numbers tell the story. While many independents serve their customers one community at a time, they collectively contribute more than $250 billion to the nation’s economy, represent a third of the grocery market and support more than a million jobs nationwide.
In California, where grocery is heavily regulated, CGA unites hundreds of retailers, wholesalers and suppliers under one banner. Together, the NGA and CGA give independents the scale and leverage needed to be heard in political circles of all sizes, ensuring that locally owned, Main Street businesses remain a vital part of the American economy.
But the benefits of membership go far beyond influence. NGA and CGA are platforms for learning, sharing and adapting to an ever-changing retail landscape. NGA’s share groups, for example, allow executives to connect with one another to troubleshoot challenges and discover growth opportunities across various industry sectors.
CGA adds another layer of support with training modules, compliance resources and scholarship programs that help members and their employees build long-term skills.
From the rise of artificial intelligence to the implementation of burdensome regulations, the connections provided by NGA and CGA are not just professional development; they are lifelines for grocers navigating an evolving retail environment.
That spirit of collaboration and innovation comes to life each year at The NGA Show, the industry’s premier gathering for independent retailers. With more than 350 exhibitors and dozens of education sessions, the show provides a first look at new technology, products and strategies shaping the future of grocery.
From unified commerce platforms and digital advertising tools to fresh merchandising ideas, the event is a catalyst for progress, giving independents a competitive edge and helping them stay nimble in response to evolving consumer demands.
For many retailers, attending the show is about inspiration as much as practical tools they can bring home and implement.
Equally important is the role NGA and CGA play in representing independents where it matters most, at the state capitol in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C. Policy decisions made in those halls can have enormous consequences for grocers, whether it is antitrust enforcement, SNAP policy, labor laws or swipe fees.
NGA is a national voice fighting to level the playing field, hold dominant chains accountable and ensure that independent retailers are not disadvantaged in supplier negotiations or consumer programs.
In Sacramento, California, CGA tracks hundreds of bills each legislative session and advocates for commonsense policies that protect grocers’ ability to operate successfully in the state’s complex regulatory climate.
Events like Grocers Day at the Capitol and CGA’s networking forums further empower members to engage with lawmakers and policymakers, strengthening the industry’s voice and influence.
For independents, membership in NGA and CGA is not simply a professional association; it is a strategic investment in endurance and success. Our two organizations provide the tools to grow, platforms to learn, connections to innovate and advocacy needed to protect our industry’s future.
Most of all, they prove that while independent grocers may stand apart in their communities, together they are part of something much larger – a united force ensuring that Main Street supermarkets remain strong, resilient, competitive and indispensable to the American families and communities they serve.
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