Were you a math kid or a reading kid? Right brain or left? As retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and technology partners, we clearly need a hearty dose of right brain creativity to be successful in the grocery business. Just as important, we also need some good math chops. We wouldn’t survive long if we couldn’t count […]
Category: Guest Contributors
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
Never Too Busy To Make Time For Boosting Store Operations
It’s no secret that being an independent community grocer is hard work. Grocers aren’t strangers to long days on the job, fulfilling their commitment to ensure customers are not just satisfied but surprised and delighted every time they visit. As such, opportunities to spend time away from the store can be few and far between. […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Albertsons, Association News, Guest Contributors, National
Exploring Possible Deal Thesis Behind Proposed Albertsons/Kroger Merger
I’ve been asked a lot lately about the Albertsons/Kroger merger and what it means for our industry. Every time I think, “What is the deal thesis behind the merger? What can they do together they can’t already do separately?” For example, would combining them save a bunch of costs? They won’t need two CFOs or […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Time To Remind Policymakers What Independent Grocers Mean Back Home
Independent community grocers are everywhere – in all 50 states, in every legislative district. They are at the heart of every community, from rural to urban. Business is very much local for independent grocers. Yet so much of what influences that business happens in Washington, D.C. The past year in Washington has been busy and […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
Industry Predictions Include Housing, Shopper Behavior, China
It’s still early in 2023, and I can’t help but think how strange the last few years have been. Just three years ago, Americans were hearing about a virus in China, but perhaps not thinking much about how it would impact their lives. My, how things have changed. Decades from now experts will talk about […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Scholarships Help Foster Leadership, Drive Diversity, Promote Inclusion
NGA is committed to nurturing the independent grocery industry’s next generation of leadership. Under the direction of the NGA Foundation, our career-development initiatives start with college-age people, include store-level associates and management and extend up through the executive level. By the time of this publication, we will have announced the winner of our annual Student […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Investing In Team Remains Wise Strategy For Grocers
Cultivating a new generation of leaders is key to the ongoing success of any business, and independent community grocers are certainly no exception. Innovative thinking and diverse perspectives that reflect a multifaceted consumer base are necessary to meet and exceed the dynamic expectations of the communities we serve. NGA is committed to career-enhancement initiatives through […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
What Does 2023 Have In Store For Independents?
Winston Churchill once said, “A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen.” The same could very well be said of grocery market analysts. Who could have predicted a global pandemic, war […]