Minnesota maintains one of the nation’s strongest independent grocery networks, but increased government mandates driving up costs, stagnant population growth and a shrinking workforce are creating significant headwinds for retailers across the state, according to Patrick Garofalo, president of the Minnesota Grocers Association. “There’s a lot of pressure on those individual stores,” he said. “We’re […]
Category: Market Profile
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
Funding, Support Go Long Way For Grocers In Underserved Atlanta Areas
In December 2024, Invest Atlanta – the official economic development authority for the city of Atlanta – announced millions of dollars in grants to bolster fresh food access in underserved areas around the city. The first announcement was Invest Atlanta providing $8 million in funding for two stores to be operated by independent operator Savi […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, News, West
Hawaii Grocery Industry Adapts During Uncertain Times, Mounting Challenges
The grocery industry in Hawaii is facing mounting challenges as food insecurity remains high and transportation costs continue to climb. Approximately 30 percent of Hawaii’s residents report some level of food insecurity, according to Alexis Chapman, director of operations for the Hawaii Food Industry Association in Honolulu. The situation is even more dire in certain […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, West
Okimoto Corp.’s Longstanding Values Guide Everyday Operations Of Its Stores
Hawaii grocer Okimoto Corp. celebrated 75 years in business in 2024, built on a foundation of honesty, integrity, humility and unity. Led by the third generation – Kris, Kyle and Kit Okimoto – the company operates two stores on Oahu and one on Molokai. Kit Okimoto, who in addition to his CFO duties in the […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Associations, Midwest, News
Kansas Independents Served Well By Innovation, Creativity With Fresh Foods, Great Service
The Shelby Report of the Midwest recently caught up with Jon McCormick, president and CEO of the Retail Grocers Association of Greater Kansas City, for the latest updates on the grocery industry in Kansas. How is the economy in the state? Unemployment is lower than the national average. That helps our independent retailers in […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocery Industry Navigates Expansion, Rural Challenges Across Kansas
The grocery landscape across Kansas tells two stories: one of aggressive growth in metropolitan corridors where national chains are planting flags and another of persistent struggle in rural communities where the independent store remains threatened by economics and changing demographics. Kansas State University’s Rural Grocery Initiative shared a post from KCUR News of an independent […]
Posted inMarket Profile, News, Northeast, ShopRite
Klein’s Celebrates Milestone Year With Plans To Keep Moving Forward
Shoppers will find a blend of heritage and progress when shopping Klein’s Family Market’s nine ShopRite stores in Maryland. Whether shopping a Klein’s store in a larger city like Baltimore or a smaller town like Cardiff, customers will find a broad selection of Maryland-grown and -made products (and everything else they need) in modern stores […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, News, Northeast
Council President: Season Of Change Afoot Across Maryland Grocery Market
The Maryland grocery market is in a season of change, according to Cailey Locklair, president of the Maryland Food Industry Council. “New stores have opened, but many have closed this year as well,” said Locklair, who also serves as president of the Maryland Retailers Alliance and the Maryland Association of Chain Drug Stores. “Food is […]