by Diana Leza Sheehan While many factors help to shape the state of grocery retailing in the Midwest, geography plays a critical role in how retailers have evolved and thrived over time. National chains such as Walmart, Kroger and Aldi continue to hold a significant share in the market, yet the region features many small […]
Category: Guest Contributors
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
Thanksgiving Celebration And Laws Of The Harvest
Thanksgiving, as we know it today, is rooted in a harvest feast celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag in 1621. This marked a moment of giving thanks for a successful harvest after a tough year. The Pilgrims, who had settled at Plymouth Rock, were ill-prepared for the harsh New England winter. They suffered from […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National
Time For Independent Grocers, Their Communities To Give Thanks For Each Other
Being the heart of the community takes on a deeper meaning at this time of year, as the fall and winter holidays traditionally center around the family table, and independent grocers bear a great responsibility in helping folks fill that table. This year, as Thanksgiving approaches, we should pause to consider our fellow Americans impacted […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National
Industry Veteran Releases First Book On Leadership, ‘The 5 Rules’
Wouldn’t it be great if you could lock in on some simple life rules for success that you and your circle could easily understand and follow? Even better, what if everyone knew that those were the same rules you follow? And what if those rules could actually be applied at home? What follows is a […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
Getting Involved Reaps Benefits For Independent Grocers’ Priorities
Making oneself heard can be a challenge, especially as a single voice in the political wilderness. And in an election year, the noises around us competing for attention can be deafening. But while being united makes us stronger, it’s still vitally important for our individual members to participate in the process at the local level. […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
Traceability Resource Center Gives Independent Grocers Food Safety Boost
September is National Food Safety Education Month, a perfect opportunity for independent grocers to pay extra attention to and raise awareness of an issue that’s already a top priority in their daily business. This boost in awareness is particularly timely in the wake of a recent listeria outbreak affecting deli meats and the presence of […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, Harps Food Stores, National
Independent Grocers Must Always Keep Looking Forward
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 […]
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 […]