Posted inMarket Profile, News, Southeast

Specialty Retailers Find Opportunity With North Florida’s Growing Asian Population

Driven by strong retail investments, North Florida’s grocery market is experiencing considerable change. In a reflection of the region’s robust economy and appeal to business, areas such as Jacksonville and the state capital of Tallahassee in the Panhandle are outperforming many parts of the country. A cost of living just below the national average and […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, West

Collaboration With Residents Results In New Store For Remote Kotzebue, AK

In November, the Alaska Commercial Co. (AC) unveiled a new 26,000-square-foot grocery and general merchandise store in Kotzebue, Alaska, which lies about 26 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the northwestern corner of the state. The store plays a vital role in providing essential food and supplies to the residents of the town and […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, News, West

Grocers Bracing For Impact Of Largest Tax Hike In WA’s History

Washington is considered one of the most expensive states in the nation when it comes to the cost of gas, housing and healthcare. It has the fourth highest average grocery prices in the country, and 55 percent of residents face food insecurity. And officials from the Washington Food Industry Association note that grocers and consumers […]

Posted inMarket Profile, News, Southeast

North Florida Grocers Facing ‘Persistent’ Challenges With Labor, Inflation, ORC

The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Lorena Holley, VP and general counsel for the Florida Retail Federation, to glean some insights on the state of the grocery industry in northern Florida.   How robust is the supermarket industry in North Florida? The grocery marketplace in North Florida is diverse, vibrant and buoyant. […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Midwest, News

Babbs Supermarket Has Deep, Personal Connection To Indiana Community

Babbs Supermarket in Spencer, Indiana, will celebrate its 97th anniversary in July. Third-generation grocer Robert Babbs says his family legacy is not about making money but about building community. Chester Babbs, Rob’s grandfather, opened the original store July 28, 1928, by purchasing a meat and grocery business in receivership. Over the years, the business grew […]

Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News

Indiana Economy: Stability, Setbacks And Grocery Industry’s Fight To Adapt

Indiana’s economy remained largely stable through 2024, buoyed by strong capital investments and modest GDP growth. But a forecast released in April cast a shadow over the state’s two-year financial outlook, setting the stage for challenges in the grocery and convenience store industries. According to the Indiana Business Research Center, the state’s GDP showed modest […]