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 […]
Category: Market Profile
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 […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Southeast
Louisiana Grocers Grapple With Rising Costs, Challenges From New Players
Experts tracking the supermarket industry agree that the past year has been a challenging one for Louisiana grocers. The rising cost of food and other essentials is squeezing their profit margins and consumers’ budgets. Responding to this, Louisiana grocery stores are working hard to absorb some of these cost increases to keep prices affordable. “Many […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Southwest
Edwards Food Giant’s Remodel Offers ‘Neighborhood Feel’ In N. Little Rock
The new Edwards Food Giant that opened in Lakewood Village in North Little Rock in early April was described by one observer as “Publix come to Arkansas, to be honest with you.” That’s high praise, as Publix is widely known for its clean, well-stocked, well-run grocery stores. Edwards Food Giant took the place of the […]
Posted inWakefern, Market Profile, Northeast
The Fresh Grocer Making New York Debut With Long Island Store
New York has received its first The Fresh Grocer, which opened Aug. 23 in the Long Island town of Oakdale. For residents of the tight-knit coastal community, especially during the summer influx that swells the population by 20 percent, The Fresh Grocer is a welcome sight. The new addition to the Lighthouse Commons shopping center […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
Home Of Cash Saver, Castle Retail Group Aims To Be Memphis’ Low-Price Leader
Castle Retail Group operates five grocery stores, all within the city limits of Memphis. Three of the locations operate under the Cash Saver banner. Ranging in size from 30,000 to 69,000 square feet, they operate as a cost plus-10-percent deep-discount price format. CRG also owns two smaller footprint neighborhood stores. High Point Grocery, which opened in […]