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: Independent Store News
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Northeast, ShopRite
ShopRite Expands Locked-In Price Program
ShopRite has launched an enhanced Locked-In Price program featuring extended price locks of four to six weeks or longer on thousands of grocery staples throughout 2026. ShopRite, a registered trademark of Keasbey, New Jersey-based Wakefern Food Corp., said the effort aims to provide customers with predictable savings on popular items across all departments. Items will be […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, West
EcoATM To Showcase Device Recycling Kiosks At NGA Show
EcoATM will exhibit its electronic device recycling kiosks during The 2026 NGA Show in Las Vegas, demonstrating partnership opportunities for independent grocers. The San Diego, California-based company operates more than 7,000 kiosks nationwide at grocery and discount stores. The kiosks allow shoppers to recycle their phones and receive cash on the spot in less than […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Food Stores, News, West
Dick’s Market Featured In Nationwide Film “STANDOUT”
Dick’s Market in Centerville, Utah, served as a filming location for “STANDOUT: The Ben Kjar Story,” a feature film that opened Jan. 23 in theaters nationwide and won the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival. The film chronicles the life of Ben Kjar, a Utah native born with Crouzon syndrome who became a three-time state wrestling champion, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
NGA Urges FTC, DOJ To Address Buyer Power Raising Food Prices
The National Grocers Association sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Jan. 20, urging both agencies to use current antitrust authorities to address market manipulation by dominant grocery retail power buyers, especially Walmart. NGA warned that unchecked buyer power is raising rivals’ costs, accelerating consolidation and […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, Natural Grocers, News
Natural Grocers Celebrates Kansas Day With Free Tote, Coupon
Natural Grocers will celebrate Kansas Day Jan. 29-31 at its eight stores in the state with a free limited-edition reusable tote bag and a $5-off coupon for {N}power members while supplies last. The promotion, which honors Kansas Statehood Day, is available to all members of Natural Grocers’ free {N}power rewards program. The coupon is valid […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City Donates $2K To Girls Inc. Of Chattanooga
Food City presented a $2,000 check to Girls Inc. of Chattanooga on Jan. 20, continuing the Abingdon, Virginia-based retailer’s support of the organization dedicated to empowering girls to become confident leaders. Girls Inc. focuses on creating a pro-girl environment where girls can develop their strengths through three core principles – empowerment, advocacy and education. The […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Beverage News, Midwest, News, Schnucks
Schnucks To Hold St. Louis Food & Wine Event Feb. 6-7
Schnuck Markets Inc. will hold its annual St. Louis Food & Wine event Feb. 6-7 at Union Station, with the event benefiting Operation Food Search and the Repertory Theater of St. Louis. This year’s festivities will feature hundreds of wines, a selection of craft beers and culinary offerings. Attendees can purchase wine as they taste […]