Greenwood Market Place in Greenwood, Mississippi, celebrated its community Aug. 21 as one of only five stores in the IGA network selected to host a Community Day Celebration as part of the alliance’s “In It for the Long Haul” campaign commemorating its 100th anniversary.
The parking lot celebration honored the store, its customers and the community they have built together over the decades, drawing a crowd of all ages for food, music and games. The event also was filmed, with interviews conducted throughout the day for an upcoming mini docuseries highlighting Greenwood Market Place and other independent retailers as part of IGA’s 100-year history.
“As part of our 100th anniversary, IGA hand-picked independent retailers across the country to visit and celebrate, and choosing just one from so many deserving stores wasn’t easy,” said Megan Drazer, associate director of marketing at IGA. “We wanted to use this milestone to shine a light on what a community grocery store really means to the people it serves: it’s where the owner knows your name and every dollar spent stays right here in town. Greenwood Market Place earned its place because it exemplifies everything an independent grocery store should be, and Derrick has spent a lifetime fostering those relationships with community organizations here.”
Consistent leadership for three decades
Derrick Simpson has managed Greenwood Market Place for more than 30 years, and his connection to the Mississippi Delta city runs deep.
“This is truly a community store. It’s a hometown grocery store. It’s a store that was built by the community and for the community,” Simpson said.
The store thanked IGA and its vendor partners, including Black Canyon, Johnsonville, Clark Bottling, Frito-Lay, Blue Bell and SKKR, for supporting the celebration. Houchens Food Group was one of the sponsors of the Community Day.
IGA, a network of independent, community grocers, marks its 100th anniversary in 2026. The “In It for the Long Haul” tour spotlights independent store owners nationwide, highlighting that the value of a community grocery store extends well beyond its four walls. The alliance’s centennial celebrations continue with its Global Rally and Awards Gala, set for Sept. 17-19 in Atlanta.
Related: IGA Opens Registration For Centennial Global Rally In Atlanta