Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

Indiana ‘Beset’ With Same Economic Problems As Rest Of U.S.

Indiana’s economy is experiencing a period of sustained growth. According to IBISWorld, the Hoosier state’s gross domestic product reached $353.9 billion in 2023, with a 20.3 percent increase over the past five years. Manufacturing remains a significant driver, with sectors like motor vehicles, metals and electronics leading the way. However, the recent “Feeding the Economy” […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Aldi, Corporate Store News, Home Page Latest News, Southeast, The Kroger Co.

Aldi To Begin Winn-Dixie, Harveys Assimilation Process

North Florida’s biggest retail grocery news over the past year arguably came out of Jacksonville. Following a deal announced in August 2023 and completed in early March this year, Southeastern Grocers’ Winn-Dixie brand, along with sister banner Harveys Supermarkets, now are owned by Aldi, the value-focused retailer headquartered in Batavia, Illinois. Aldi said the deal […]

Posted inH-E-B, Corporate Store News, Independent Store News, Market Profile, Southwest

H-E-B Still King, But New Grocers Spicing Up Region’s Landscape

Spanning nearly 38,000 miles, some 2.4 million people live in South Texas. While San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Brownsville are among the largest cities, most of the towns located within this expansive region are much smaller.  Grocery powerhouse H-E-B dominates the region, with a nearly 50 percent market share, according to Shelby Report data. […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West

Jack’s Country Store Honored By WFIA For Community Service

Jack’s Country Store’s roots in Ocean Park, Washington, date back to 1885, when the area was still known as the Washington Territory. Founded by John Morehead, Jack’s is believed to be the oldest continuing retail business in the state. Over the years, leadership and location changed (the store burned down in 1937 and was relocated, […]

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

Hammer & Wikan Celebrates ‘Simpler Life’ In Alaska’s Petersburg

Independent grocers across the U.S. face many challenges, but additional obstacles face those operating in Alaska. Hammer & Wikan is an independent grocer in Petersburg, Alaska, which is located on Mitkof Island in the southeastern part of the state. Hammer & Wikan was founded in 1921 by John Hammer and Andrew Wikan, two Norwegian immigrants. […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West

Alaska’s ‘Famously High Food Prices’ Result Of Logistical Hurdles, Weather

Alaska’s grocery industry faces a unique set of challenges. The vastness of the state, coupled with a relatively small and dispersed population, creates logistical hurdles for getting food onto shelves as well as higher prices. This complex environment necessitates a diverse grocery landscape, with national chains, regional players and independent grocers all vying for a slice […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest

Lack Of Workers Poses Challenge For Businesses In South Dakota

Business owners in South Dakota are “cautiously optimistic” for 2024, according to Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association. He noted that 2023 was better than most expected but, thus far, things in 2024 “are flat.” “They’re generally seeing better foot traffic, but that increased foot traffic doesn’t necessarily result in more […]