Consumer trends in 2025 highlight a growing focus on health and wellness, presenting significant opportunities for independent grocers to adapt and thrive. Shoppers are increasingly prioritizing fresh, nutritious products and personalized solutions, driving a shift in how food retailers approach their offerings. Independent grocers, with their deep community connections and agility in meeting changing preferences, […]
Category: Guest Contributors
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
New Year, Fresh Start – ‘Hope’ As Positive Attitude Can Help Guide Leaders
by Steve Black A new year always brings a fresh start and renewed motivation and hope. Hope for many areas of our lives to get better. Hope that most of the impacts from COVID-19 are behind us. Hope that the employment situation will calm and turn in the right direction. Hope for our businesses to […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
What Presidential Election Means For Independent Grocers In 2025
The past several years have brought a host of policy wins for independent grocers. From progress toward antitrust enforcement and credit card reform to protection of federal nutrition programs, NGA’s advocacy efforts have made historic leaps. While we have been building momentum on these issues, there is still plenty to do. With the results of […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
Embracing Traits Of Difference-Makers Can Help Retailers Win Holiday Season
by Steve Black If we’re going to win the holidays in our business, we must have a team full of difference-makers. As we know, December is our busiest month of the year. And this year is one of the shortest time frames – 27 days – between Thanksgiving and Christmas that we’ve had since pre-COVID-19. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Corporate Store News, Guest Contributors, The Kroger Co., West
Populous West Home To Dynamic, Diverse Grocery Market
The grocery retail landscape in the western United States is as diverse and dynamic as the region itself. Across states, we find one of the most varied geographic landscapes in the country. The region presents a diverse range of climates and terrains, from deserts throughout Arizona, Nevada and California to rainforests in Washington and Alaska. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Big Y Foods, Corporate Store News, Guest Contributors, Harris Teeter, Northeast, The Kroger Co.
Opportunity For Independent Grocers Abounds In Urban, Diverse Northeast
by Diana Leza Sheehan / founder and principal consultant, PDG Insights The grocery retail landscape in the Northeast United States is dynamic and multifaceted, characterized by a complex mix of regional players and national competitors. From the bustling urban centers of Boston, New York and Philadelphia to the quaint coastal towns of Maine and Maryland, the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Education Driving Excitement At 2025 NGA Show
Independent grocers are a dedicated bunch. For many, time away from the business is time wasted, and vacations are certainly not a high priority. NGA understands that your time is precious. That’s why The NGA Show is designed to help you make the most of your time, with an education-centric program built around what you […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Feature, Guest Contributors, Harps Food Stores, Southwest, The Kroger Co.
Led by Lone Star State, Southwestern U.S. Ripe For Grocers
by Diana Leza Sheehan The grocery retail landscape in the American Southwest is a dynamic and evolving ecosystem. This region – defined by The Shelby Report as Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas – is characterized by a blend of national grocers and innovative regional independents. These players are not only competing but learning […]