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: Store News
Posted inC-Store News, Grocery Research, National, News
U.S. Convenience Store Count At 151K, Down From Last Year
There are 151,975 convenience stores in the United States, a slight decrease of 280 stores (0.2 percent) compared to the year prior, according to the 2026 NACS/NIQ TDLinx Convenience Industry Store Count. While the overall store count dipped, the number of convenience stores selling fuel increased by 768 stores (0.6 percent) to 122,620, the highest […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, West
The Save Mart Cos., Keurig Dr Pepper Raise $650K For Hunger Relief
Modesto, California-based The Save Mart Companies and Keurig Dr Pepper raised more than $650,000 for food banks across California and western Nevada through their Friends Feeding Friends holiday hunger relief campaign. The campaign combined more than $533,000 in shopper donations with $120,000 in corporate contributions. The Save Mart Companies and Keurig Dr Pepper each gave […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, National, News
Grocery Outlet Provides 2M Meals Through Feeding America Holiday Campaign
Grocery Outlet raised enough funding through its holiday campaign with Feeding America to provide two million meals, the Emeryville, California-based extreme value retailer announced Jan. 26. The initiative ran from mid-November through Dec. 31. Customers donated at checkout, and store operators chose which local food bank or community organization to support. Grocery Outlet matched a […]
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, Finance News, 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 inCorporate Store News, BJ's Wholesale Club, News, Southeast
BJ’s To Open Wholesale Club Jan. 30 In Chattanooga, TN
BJ’s Wholesale Club will open its sixth store in Tennessee on Jan. 30 at 401 Northgate Mall Drive in Chattanooga. An on-site BJ’s Gas station opened Jan. 14. “We’re bringing unbeatable value and savings of up to 25 percent off grocery store prices every day to families in Chattanooga,” said Dave Shaw, club manager for […]
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 […]
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 inIndependent Store News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City Donates $3K To Camp Hope Youth Program
Food City presented a $3,000 check on Jan. 21 to Partnership for Families, Children & Adults Inc. of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to benefit the organization’s Camp HOPE project, a trauma-informed summer program for youth. Partnership for Families, Children and Adults is a nonprofit human services agency serving southeastern Tennessee and North Georgia since 1877. The organization […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Finance News, Gelson's, News, West
Gelson’s To Open Small-Format Store In Toluca Lake, CA
The 10,000-square-foot small-format store Gelson’s will open Jan. 28 at Riverside Drive and Mariota Avenue in Toluca Lake, California, will serve as the centerpiece of a mixed-use development that includes 37 studio apartments. Toluca Lake is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes and proximity to entertainment landmarks like Warner Bros. Studios. The area blends old Hollywood […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City Enlarging Store In Blountville, TN
Food City is expanding its store on Highway 394 in Blountville, Tennessee, adding more than 7,000 square feet of retail space that will increase the total footprint to nearly 50,500 square feet. The project, which is scheduled to wrap up this fall, will create 40 new jobs. “We are excited to have the opportunity to […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Harris Teeter, News, Southeast
Harris Teeter Recognized On Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces Lists
Matthews, North Carolina-based Harris Teeter has been recognized by Newsweek as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community” for 2026. “We appreciate Newsweek recognizing our workplace culture, which is grounded in respect, collaboration and a shared sense of purpose,” said Martha Tayor, VP of human resources. “Supporting our associates and creating an […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
Publix Named To Fortune’s Most Admired Companies List For 31st Year
Publix has been recognized on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for 2026, marking the 31st consecutive year the Lakeland, Florida-based grocer has received the honor since 1996. The list acknowledges companies that prioritize employees’ well-being, community engagement and sustainability efforts, as well as being a great place to work, among other criteria. “At Publix, […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National, News
NGA Backs Congressional Push For Antitrust Enforcement
The National Grocers Association is backing a bipartisan congressional effort to investigate discriminatory pricing practices that disadvantage independent grocers. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Rep. Mike Rulli (R-OH) this week sent letters to the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission urging enforcement action. The letters call for investigation […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, News, Southwest
GES Inc. Shares Promotions At Edwards Food Giant, Cash Saver
GES Inc., owner and operator of Edwards Food Giant and Edwards Cash Saver stores, has made key executive promotions as part of its leadership succession planning. Paul Rowton, previously EVP and CFO, has been promoted to president of Marianna, Arkansas-based GES Inc., while Gary Proffitt has been promoted to VP and COO. Steve Edwards will […]