Memorial Day weekend is nearly here, and grocers across the country are rolling out programs that blend savings, community support, and even a few hot-off-the-grill events. Whether shoppers are hosting a cookout, honoring service members or just stocking up for summer, retailers are offering a range of options. Here’s a look at what some grocers are doing this year.
Busch’s Fresh Food Market
Busch’s Fresh Food Market is getting a head start with “Grillfest,” taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 23-24 at all 16 southeast Michigan locations. Customers can purchase barbecue favorites hot off the grill, including full and half slabs of baby back ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, beer brats and fresh corn on the cob. Meals can be completed with homestyle sides from the deli, such as pasta salad, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. Busch’s stores will be open regular hours on Memorial Day (May 25).
Then, from June 1-14, Busch’s brings back “Kabob-O-Rama,” featuring a selection of savory and sweet kabobs for easy summer meals. Choices include marinated chicken, flank steak, salmon, shrimp, veggie, caprese and artisan antipasto kabobs, along with dessert kabobs like strawberry shortcake, strawberry brownie and fresh fruit.
The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. is holding a 4X Fuel Points event from May 20–23 for customers who clip a digital coupon, earning four times the usual fuel rewards on every dollar spent.
“Memorial Day is a time for reflection, gratitude and gathering with the people who matter most,” said Mary Ellen Adcock, EVP and chief merchant and marketing officer.
“We’re here to help customers honor the holiday weekend with fresh foods, affordable barbecue essentials and more fuel rewards that make it easier to spend time together.” Kroger stores will be open regular hours (hours vary by location).
Kroger also noted its long-standing support of military families, having hired more than 50,000 veterans in the past 10 years and becoming the largest cumulative donor to the USO in the organization’s 83‑year history.
Natural Grocers
Natural Grocers is offering {N}power members savings of up to 40 percent on select items from May 20-24. Deals include Zack’s Mighty Organic Tortilla Chips (3.29), Applegate Farms Uncured Grass‑Fed Beef Hot Dogs (4.29) and Udi’s Gluten‑Free Hamburger Buns ($4.99). Members can also save 10 percent on alcohol purchases at select locations.
All 170 Natural Grocers stores will be closed on Memorial Day (May 25) so crew members can enjoy the holiday. Stores will reopen May 26.
The Winn‑Dixie Co.
Winn‑Dixie launched an in‑store donation program supporting the USO, helping provide meals, family support services and emergency assistance to military communities across Florida and southern Georgia. Through June 16, customers can donate or round up their total at checkout. All Winn‑Dixie grocery and liquor stores will be open regular hours on Memorial Day (May 25).
“Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by the courageous men and women of our military,” said Anthony Hucker, chairman and CEO of The Winn‑Dixie Co.
“Through our ongoing partnership with the USO, we are honored to turn our gratitude into meaningful impact by ensuring local service members and their families are nourished and supported.”
“We are deeply grateful to The Winn‑Dixie Company for their continued commitment to supporting military families,” said Ben Leslie, chief development officer for the USO. “Our partnership is a powerful reminder, especially during the Memorial Day season, that those who serve are never alone.”
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What independent grocers can learn
Each of these Memorial Day strategies offers a lesson for independents:
- On‑site grilling events (Busch’s) create excitement and impulse sales. A simple tent with a few hot items can turn a parking lot into a community gathering spot.
- Round‑up donation programs (Winn‑Dixie) require little staff training but generate measurable goodwill. Partnering with a local VFW or VA clinic creates a similar connection without a national partnership.
- Fuel rewards (Kroger) are harder for small grocers to match unless they operate gas stations. Independents without fuel can offer double loyalty points or a discount on a future shopping trip.
- Closing on Memorial Day (Natural Grocers) is a statement that respects employees while reinforcing a values‑driven brand. A half‑day closure or reduced hours may be a middle ground for independents in small towns.
Across all four, the consistent theme is gratitude and gathering – a message any independent can echo with simple in‑store signs, social media posts or a small display honoring local veterans.