Posted inIndependent Store News, Amazon Fresh, Market Profile, Southwest, Whole Foods

Smaller Independent Grocers Tapping Into Colorado’s Growing Sector

National chains such as King Soopers and Safeway may dominate market share in Colorado, but independent grocers continue to demonstrate why they are the choice for many consumers. In addition to resilience and innovation, independents have gained a loyal following through their product offerings, customer service and strong commitment to community. Not surprisingly, Colorado’s independent […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Amazon Fresh, Association News, Southeast, The Kroger Co., Whole Foods

Attracting Workers Remains Challenge For Grocers Across Kentucky

Labor continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing the commonwealth’s grocers, according to Tod Griffin, executive director of the Kentucky Grocers & Convenience Store Association. “The one constant theme is they cannot find enough workers, especially in those skilled areas such as meat cutters and drivers to transport goods,” Griffin said. “They have […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Southeast

Paducah, KY’s Midtown Market Rooted In Boston

Andrew “Andy” Carloss opened Midtown Market in Paducah, Kentucky, because the idea just wouldn’t leave him alone. Carloss was born and raised in Paducah and earned his business management degree from the University of Kentucky. He took a tech job in Boston after graduation, where he was able to bunk with his sister. While there, […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Laurel Grocery Co., Market Profile, Southeast, The Kroger Co., Wholesaler/Distributor News

Laurel Grocery Co. Keying On Retail Promotions To Boost Sales For Grocers

Laurel Grocery Co. is continually developing new merchandising and marketing programs for its retail customers as part of its commitment to always “think retail.” Based in London, Kentucky, Laurel Grocery Co. is a full-service wholesaler of groceries, meat, produce and general merchandise in addition to offering accounting and advertising services. It serves more than 200 […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Harps Food Stores, Southwest

Association Executive Director Says Arkansas Economy Moving In Positive Direction

Sales tax collections and metro population totals both have been up in Arkansas over the past year, according to Steve Goode, executive director of the Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association in Little Rock. “The overall economy is doing slightly better than a year ago,” he said. Sales tax collections are up by 1.8 percent […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

Store Count Growing – But More Needed – In Financially Strong Iowa

At its March meeting, Iowa’s Revenue Estimating Conference projected a 2.2 percent decrease in revenue in fiscal 2024 versus fiscal 2023. But the panel also forecasted increased revenue in FY 2025 and 2026, at 0.7 percent and 1 percent respectively, noted Michelle Hurd, president of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA). “Despite the slight revenue […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Albertsons, Association News, The Kroger Co., West

Retail Theft Reform Solutions Emerging In California

With less than a month to go, officials at the California Grocers Association have been busy preparing for their annual CGA Strategic Conference. The focus of the Palm Springs event, which runs from Sept. 29-Oct. 1, is emerging technologies. From informative educational sessions to retailer/supplier meetings, the three-day conference will give attendees the opportunity to […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Northeast

Retail Grocery Industry Across New York Undergoing Recalibration

It has taken a while, but the grocery industry in New York is beginning to return to normal levels. While this is positive news, grocers in the state still face some formidable challenges. Mike Durant, president and CEO of the Food Industry Alliance of New York, pointed out that grocers in the state are experiencing similar […]