Posted inMarket Profile, Northeast

Karns Foods Continues Making Difference In Its Communities

Family-owned and operated Karns Quality Foods has been serving central Pennsylvania for more than 60 years. David Karns opened the first Karns Foods store in 1959, “welcoming customers as individuals with individual needs,” said Scott Karns, president and CEO of the company. The retailer continues to provide fresh, affordable, local and quality items in 10 […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast

Outlook In Pennsylvania: Prices Up, Supply Steadying

While Pennsylvania retailers continue to face challenges such as inflation and labor issues, the overall economy in the state is seeing some improvements, according to Alex Baloga, president and CEO, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. “There certainly are signs that are positive,” he said. “…Our overall tax receipts came in considerably higher this fiscal year than […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West

Peterson’s Fresh Market Rooted In Riverton Community

Peterson’s Fresh Market in Riverton, Utah, has a long history of serving its community. Louis “Lute” Peterson and his youngest son, Bruce, founded the business in 1938, when they rented space in a local building.  When a local landmark church, “The Old Dome Church,” was torn down in 1940, Lute Peterson bought some of the […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Southeast

Naifeh’s Cash Saver Only Independent Grocer Left In Town

In the small western Tennessee town of Covington sits a landmark that has been part of the community for 112 years – the independent grocery store, Naifeh’s Cash Saver. Owner Judson William Oney Naifeh, is a fourth-generation grocer. His great-grandfather immigrated from Beirut, Lebanon, before starting a trading business under a different name. His grandfather […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West

UFIA: Inflation In Intermountain West Among Highest In Country

While Utah’s economy remains strong, there are signs it may be slowing with rising interest rates and inflation, according to Dave Davis, president and chief legal officer for the Utah Food Industry Association.  The state’s unemployment rate of 2 percent is about 1.5 percent lower than the national average, but Davis said workforce continues to […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

MGA’s Shaul Hopes Industry Learns From Supply Chain Reaction

Dan Shaul, executive director of the Missouri Grocers Association, and his members are dealing with many of the same issues that consistently trouble the industry nationwide, with supply chain challenges and labor shortages atop the list.  These issues have been exacerbated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are just symptoms of each other, according to […]