NGA’s slogan is “At the heart of the community,” reflecting the important position that independent grocery stores have in so many communities around the country. I’d go out on a limb and suggest a secondary tagline, “Always looking forward,” because a significant part of NGA’s mission is to help its members prepare for whatever lies […]
Category: Guest Contributors
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
EBT Chip Cards: What Grocers And POS Providers Need To Know
In an effort to modernize EBT and reduce fraud, multiple states are planning to migrate their EBT cards from magnetic stripes to EMV chip cards. Starting with California and Oklahoma, states are planning to issue chip cards beginning as soon as August 2024. It is important that POS systems are tested to ensure uninterrupted processing […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, West
New Research Shows Effect Of WAFC Programs
Sponsored content By Pat Posey, chief operating officer of the Western Association of Food Chains Talk to graduates of the WAFC’s Food Industry Management and Retail Management Certificate programs, and you will hear story after story of life-altering personal and professional growth. We know these inspirational anecdotes are the rule, not the exception — and […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
NGA Gathering ‘A Must’ For Independent Executives
We’re living in an economy that shows positive numbers, though some still feel financial strain. Amid an election year filled with uncertainties and political divides, independent grocers may feel challenged in delivering service and value to their communities. However, NGA is here to support them through these times, helping them move forward with confidence and […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
Mastering Pricing Operations: Strategies For Independent Grocers
by Caitlin Orosz In today’s grocery market, every penny counts, especially when you’re operating with a lean team. Even if you have fewer stores or fewer SKUs than some competitors, it’s a struggle to relabel shelves with pricing updates. You can maintain a competitive edge and sell more units. You can drive profitable growth with […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Independent Grocers Ready To Celebrate NGA Foundation Awareness Week
Initiatives like diversity and inclusion, leadership development, technical assistance and support for the industry’s next generation are important to independent grocers but are often eclipsed by the ongoing day-to-day business of feeding their communities. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, the NGA Foundation supports the future of the independent community grocer […]
Posted inAssociation News, Dairy News, Guest Contributors, National
What’s Driving Dairy Purchasing Decisions?
Dairy is a destination for daily staples on most shopping trips. But, how are evolving demographics, changing nutritional requirements and the rise of alternative products influencing what winds up in consumers’ baskets? A recent webinar hosted by NGA explored consumption trends for dairy products as part of a healthy eating pattern, including potential barriers that […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
A New Look At Labor Retention For Independent Grocery Operators
Grocery has one of the highest employee turnover rates of any U.S. industry. A recent study commissioned by the Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council examined the lingering impact of the pandemic and other issues around hiring and retention. In a recent webinar hosted by the National Grocers Association and the NGA Foundation, longtime industry expert, observer […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
SNAP Choice Preserved As Deliberations Continue On Nutrition Policies
A year ago, independent grocers were looking toward a reauthorization of the Farm Bill, the nation’s nutrition policy roadmap that’s supposed to be updated every five years. Work toward a new Farm Bill has continued since last November, when lawmakers passed a one-year extension to the 2018 legislation. A politically divided Congress continues to hammer […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, Guest Contributors, Home Page Latest News, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
Taste Of The Southeast: Why The Grocery Landscape Stands Out In This Area
by Diana Leza Sheehan, founder and principal consultant, PDG Insights The grocery industry across the United States is a complex ecosystem, but the Southeast boasts a unique landscape shaped by regional preferences, strong community ties and a dominant player: Publix. In this report, part of Shelby Publishing’s Successfully Selling Regional Grocers series this month, let’s dive […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Guest Contributors, Southwest, The Kroger Co.
Simmering Southwest: Region Boasts Unique Brew Of Grocery Retailing
By Diana Leza Sheehan / founder and principal consultant, PDG Insights The American grocery landscape is a fascinating ecosystem of national giants and regional independents, learning and competing against each other. The Southwest region of the United States has evolved in unexpected ways, driven by strong independents that innovate effectively while continuing to successfully compete […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Gelson's, Guest Contributors, The Kroger Co., West
Wild West Of Grocery: A Look At Dynamic Landscape Of Western U.S.
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, […]
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 […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
NGA Foundation Scholarships Offer Boost To Students Who Are Our Future
The future of the independent grocery industry largely depends upon having talented leadership that can steer it through changing times and dynamic market conditions. Part of cultivating that leadership is encouraging today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders by demonstrating the opportunities and benefits of working in a business that uplifts communities and feeds the nation. […]