Question why they’re responsible for abandoned shopping carts that were stolen from their property A 9,000-square-mile, 13-county region, North Texas is home to 7.5 million people. It is made up of 150 cities – including Dallas and Fort Worth – with 15 of those boasting a population of more than 100,000. Grocers in North Texas, […]
Category: Market Profile
Posted inMarket Profile, Southeast
Investment From Fed, State Governments Accelerating Hurricane Recovery
FRF educating grocers, other members to ensure they’re prepared to optimize savings While Florida’s economy has been emboldened by increased tourism, the southern part of the state is still reeling from last year’s hurricane season. But during a recent special session of the state legislature, retailers began to see some light at the end of […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Southwest
Beloved ‘Grocer-ant’ In Fort Worth Hangs Its Hat On Customer Service
Unique experiences, excellent care continue to set Roy Pope Grocery apart from competition Roy Pope Grocery has been a fixture in the Fort Worth, Texas, neighborhood of Westover Hills since 1943, when the business’ namesake and native son returned from service during World War II to open the store. In the spring of 2020, the […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
Numbers Show – Stores In Small Towns ‘Have Gone Away’
Co-op program, locker system offer hope North Dakota has one of the smallest populations in the nation and most residents live in the state’s eastern half. Independent grocery stores, particularly on its western side, have been closing at an alarming rate, according to John Dyste, president of the North Dakota Grocers Association. “I’m old enough […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
Low Unemployment Rate Leads To Legislative Win For Association
When asked for their three biggest challenges, the members of South Dakota Retailers Association were quick to respond. “In order, they were workforce, supply and inflation,” said Nathan Sanderson, president of the organization, who added that’s been the case since 2020. “These are obviously not unique to South Dakota.” While the challenges may be nationwide, […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Midwest
Daily’s Market Finds Niche In Bustling Downtown Fargo
Nestled in downtown Fargo, North Dakota, sits Daily’s Market, a family-owned retail convenience store where the shelves are packed with much more than Tic Tacs and Gatorades. The business also carries a small selection of groceries and everyday essentials. Owners Than and Charlotte Young, a pharmacist by trade, are high school sweethearts who opened the […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast
Delaware, Neighbors Targeting Retail Theft
There is no denying it – thieves have become smarter. And grocery retailers in Delaware are not immune to the trend. “All retailers are facing an uphill battle dealing with organized retail crime,” said Julie Miro Wenger, executive director of the Delaware Food Industry Council. The DFIC has been working with other retail associations to […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Southwest
Little Burro Country Store Thriving ‘Here At The End Of The World’
Last-chance stop for visitors en route to Big Bend National Park The Little Burro Country Store in West Texas is about as remote as you can get. “They say we’re the last frontier, a warm Alaska,” said Pam Gordon, owner. The store sits about 40 miles north of the Mexican border. And while it has […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Northeast
‘Gourmet And Everyday,’ Janssen’s Market Known For Prepared Foods
Janssen’s Market in Greenville, Delaware, is celebrating 70 years of business. The store’s tagline – “gourmet and everyday” – appeals to its main demographic. “I like to say that we’re a draw for our specialty foods, but you can still pick up your Tide and your toilet paper in the same trip,” said Paula Janssen, […]
Posted inMarket Profile, West
Business Analysts, Observers Offer Overview Of State’s Economy
Recession may become self-fulfilling prophecy if worried consumers lower spending While Nevada economist Stephen Miller is not predicting a recession in 2023, he said that doesn’t mean there is no risk of one. Miller, research director at the University of Nevada Las Vegas’ Center for Business and Economic Research, presented a fall economic outlook report […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Southeast
Renfroe’s Market Offers Customers ‘Best Shopping Experience’
Renfroe’s Market, based in Montgomery, Alabama, focuses on providing great customer service. Rob Renfroe, VP of Renfroe’s Market, said that may sound cliché but it is one thing that sets the company apart. “We still operate with the idea that each customer should be greeted when they enter the store, while shopping and upon checkout,” […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southwest
Retailers Across Lone Star State Are ‘Optimistic But Still Cautious’
The economy in the Lone Star State continues to improve but is hindered by inflation, supply shortages and workforce gaps, according to Gary Huddleston, a grocery industry consultant for the Texas Retailers Association. Independent grocers have the larger challenge as wholesale distribution becomes less reliable compared to larger chains, which have their own dedicated supply […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Midwest
Success Presents Expansion Opportunities For G.F. Buche Co.
Buche Foods is much more than a grocery chain in South Dakota. It began in 1905 with Gus Buche in a town called Lake Andes on the Yankton Sioux Reservation. “My great-grandfather just answered an ad to come over and be a manager for this grocery store. A year later, he bought them out,” said […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
AGA, Auburn University Partner On Economic Impact Study
The Alabama Grocers Association partnered with Auburn University in 2022 to conduct an economic impact study of the grocery industry in the state. Total grocery industry employment is more than half a million people, with an annual payroll of over $2.5 billion, said Ellie Taylor, president of AGA. Total state tax revenues are more than $1.1 […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
Turnover In Legislature Puts GFIA’s Focus On Preparation
Group targeting policies that could address labor, supply chain issues The Georgia Food Industry Association is dealing with many new faces – 53 to be exact – as the state legislature gathers in Atlanta for its annual session. That influx of new lawmakers makes preparation critical, according to GFIA President Kathy Kuzava. “GFIA members are […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Southeast
Hometown Foods IGA Thriving In Northeast Georgia
Powered by meat department, store surpasses expectations On the main street of McCaysville, Georgia, with the Tennessee border in its back yard, sits Hometown Foods IGA. Edward Vest and his wife, Lisa, have owned the picturesque mountain town’s sole grocery store for nearly 21 years. Vest, who grew up in McCaysville, began his life in […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Midwest
Independent Grocer Most Enjoys ‘Creating New Niches’ For Customers
Red’s Hometown Market IGA also features craft brewery, barbecue eatery and coffee shop Patrick Longmire, owner of Red’s Hometown Market IGA in Spring Grove, Minnesota, grew up in the grocery business. His parents purchased a small grocery store and bar in 1953 in St. Joseph, Wisconsin. They sold that business in 1963, then opened a […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Northeast
New Year, Ongoing Challenges For Grocers Across Pine Tree State
MGFPA director: Rising costs ‘continue to make for a taxing time to be in business’ While the economy in Maine continues to be challenging, the state entered the new year with a more than $280 million budget surplus, according to Christine Cummings, executive director of the Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association. While this is […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Southwest
Economy In New Mexico Has Made ‘Major Improvement’ Over Past Year
While New Mexico’s economy is not bad, it’s also not very strong, according to Breck Stewart, executive director of the New Mexico Grocers Association. Stewart also is an independent grocer in Albuquerque. “Our unemployment percentage is pretty good in the state, but it seems that most businesses have ‘help wanted’ signs posted. The supply chain […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Northeast
Brackett’s Market Focuses On Personalized Customer Service
Owner credits employees for store’s success in downtown Bath Bath, Maine is a coastal town of some 8,700 people located about 40 miles north of Portland. “Or as we always like to say, we’re 20 minutes north of L.L. Bean, because everybody knows L.L. Bean,” said Kimberly Brackett, co-owner and VP of Brackett’s Market. Located […]