Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Northeast

Charley Family Shop ’n Save’s Roots In Pittsburgh Area Run Deep

Tom Charley and Mike Charley are the fourth-generation owners of Charley Family Shop n’ Save, a three-store group in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area. Tom Charley spoke to The Griffin Report’s Lorrie Griffith about the company’s origins – rooted in the American dream – and how the fourth generation is working to keep the business strong […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southeast

Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery Fulfills Co-Owners’ Food Dreams

Bringing like-minded people together has resulted in at least eight marriages and some lasting friend groups, according to Mary Walsh, co-owner of Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery in Greenville, South Carolina. Walsh, who opened the store in fall 2011 with co-owner Jacqueline “Jac” Oliver, said, “When you build a place where people will interact with […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest, News

Economy Stable, Food Retailers Strong In Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s grocery industry is holding steady, but independent grocers are closely watching labor, inflation, consumer confidence and regulatory and legislative issues, according to Mike Semmann, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association. “I think the economy right now is fairly stable in Wisconsin,” Semmann said. “From an industry perspective, we’re hoping to make sure […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southwest

Clark’s Continued Serving Meeker Community Despite Encroaching Wildfire

When wildfires threatened Watt’s Ranch Market in Meeker, Colorado, this summer, two executives from the company that owns the store – Aspen-based Clark’s Market – stepped in to keep it operating while team members went home to prepare for possible evacuation. Clark’s COO Jim Clapp first arrived on the scene, later joined by Director of […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, News, Southwest

Association: Overregulation Biggest Threat To Colorado’s Independent Grocers, C-Stores

“I guess I would say that it is getting harder and harder to hold the line.” That’s the assessment of Grier Bailey, executive director of the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, referring to the livelihoods of smaller retailers in Colorado such as convenience stores and independent grocers. “There aren’t a lot of good things to […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southeast

HFG Empowering Employee-Owners, Supporting Communities

A 100-percent employee-owned company, Bowling Green, Kentucky-based Houchens Food Group (HFG) operates in the grocery, convenience, hardware and restaurant industries. It has more than 400 locations across 15 states, including Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Alabama. HFG is a subsidiary of Houchens Industries Inc., one of the largest and most diversified wholly-owned S Corp employee […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Midwest, News

Moose’s Market Owner Enjoys Freedom Of Being An Independent Grocer

For Amy Parnell, being an independent grocer isn’t just a business model – it’s her passion. As owner of Moose’s Market in Higginsville, Missouri, she has spent the past nine years shaping the store on her own terms, guided by lessons learned growing up in the grocery business and her love for serving people. “I […]

Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News

Grocers In Missouri Navigating Uncertainty, Regulation And Market Shifts

Missouri’s grocery retailers are navigating a period of uncertainty shaped by federal trade disputes, state-level legislation, labor shortages and shifting consumer demand. “I would say we’re pretty much like the rest of the country, in that we’re a little nervous,” said Dan Shaul, executive state director of the Missouri Grocers Association. “Everybody wants it to […]