Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News

Amid Mounting Issues, Nebraska Legislation Seeks To Support Rural Independent Grocers

Nebraska’s rural grocery stores are facing increasing financial and logistical hurdles, but new legislative efforts seek to provide targeted support to sustain these essential businesses. Carlie Jonas, policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, Nebraska, has been involved in addressing these challenges. “We worked with one of the senators, Teresa Ibach, at […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Northeast

Delaware’s Harvest Market Thriving As 30th Anniversary Approaches

A college assignment helped steer Bob Kleszics into a career in the grocery business. Founder and CEO of Harvest Market in Hockessin, Delaware, Kleszics was an anthropology major at the University of Delaware in 1979 when he took a field methods class. For the course, the student goes outside the classroom and into a group’s […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast

‘Modest’ Describes Current, Future Growth In Delaware

The Delaware economy has been on a gradual growth trajectory over the past five years. According to researcher IbisWorld, the population has grown 1.3 percent leading up to 2025, reaching just under 1.06 million. Its gross state product reached $76.3 billion by the beginning of the year, reflecting 1.0 percent growth over five years, and […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southwest

West Texas Economy Growing But Still Relies On Oil/Gas Fortunes

Gary Huddleston has a rich history in the grocery business, serving nearly 45 years as director of consumer affairs at Kroger and today continuing his service as a grocery industry consultant for the Texas Retailers Association. TRA represents retail companies across Texas, including national, regional, state and main street grocery, mass, home improvement, pharmacy and […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Midwest

Jim’s SuperValu Thrives In Rural ND With Community-focused Innovation

For nearly 40 years, Jim’s SuperValu in Park River, North Dakota, has been a cornerstone of its rural community. Co-owner Diana Hahn, who has spent decades working in the store her parents purchased in 1986, understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running an independent grocery store in a small town. “My dad […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

North Dakota’s Grocers Adapting Amid Economic Shifts

North Dakota’s grocery industry is navigating changes, shaped by population growth, economic shifts and evolving consumer habits, according to John “Jiggs” Dyste, president of the North Dakota Grocers Association. “We only have some 700,000 people in the whole state,” Dyste said. “I think as far as growth, we’re probably in the top five for people […]