by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder and principal consultant, PDG Insights The grocery store aisles of the American West provide a unique picture compared to the rest of the country. Beyond familiar national brands, the diversity of its population and storied history of the region has shaped shopping habits and a demand for non-traditional ingredients, […]
Category: Guest Contributors
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Guest Contributors, National
Inflation, Diversity and Other Hot Buttons
The post-pandemic period is offering independent grocers challenges that operationally may pale in comparison to those of the COVID-19 era but are adding pressure to the bottom line and the way supermarket operators are perceived by consumers. Inflation has driven up the cost of most aspects of doing business in a way that has made […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Why You Should Be A Part Of The Independent Community
Becoming a member of the National Grocers Association makes you a part of a community based on relationships. NGA is a collaborative network built on trust, with each member helping to make each other, and the collective, stronger as one. The association helps to amplify the story of independent operators and their vendor partners throughout […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Store Ops Summit Helps Grocers Sharpen Their Focus On Fresh
The fresh perimeter is the epicenter of growth and excitement in the grocery store. For most supermarkets, it’s the front door of the shopping experience – it’s where retailers make their first impression, offering a feast for the senses, from fruits and vegetables to bakery and deli to meat and seafood. And it accounts for […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Strategic Partnerships Key To Surprising And Delighting
Are independent grocers really independent? Let’s take a look at NGA’s own definition. Independent community grocers are … Entrepreneurs? Check Passionately committed to their customers, their associates and the markets they serve? Check Differentiate in the marketplace based on the needs of the local community, while showing a strong commitment to civic life and providing […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Fly-in For Fair Competition Puts Face On Issues Important To Independents
An association is only as strong as its members. That’s why NGA is blessed to have members who are so generous with their time and effort that they put toward advocating for our industry in the halls of government. There is strength in numbers, and even with as many as we have, there’s always room […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Guest Contributors, National
Recognizing Lifelong Service Of Grocery Industry Executive
By Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO, FMI In February, we celebrate Supermarket Employee Day, which recognizes the unsung heroes within our industry who feed and foster communities. Hopefully, some of these amazing people will be inspired to become the next generation of executive leaders, as evidenced by history and how many of our board […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Making Pest Control A Priority
Have you ever considered how pest movement can impact food safety? We live in a world of movement, and food and food products are no exception, traveling along channels of production, processing, packaging and distribution. Food and ingredients can move thousands of miles from their source until they find their way onto store shelves. Keeping […]