U.S. grocery shoppers continue to battle to affordably feed their families, wherever they live. From inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic to tariffs going into effect under the new presidential administration, prices are driving shoppers to form new habits and/or make some tough decisions. In towns along the U.S. border with Mexico – located in the […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, Southeast
At Community-Focused Hometown Food Center, ‘Fresh Is What We Do Best’
In the small Lower Alabama town of Headland, just nine miles north of Dothan – where several national grocery chains are located – one independent grocer continues to thrive by doing what the big-box stores can’t – connecting deeply with its community and focusing on fresh, local products. Hometown Food Center, owned by Jai Freeman […]
Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, Feature, News, Northeast
Trion Positions For Future On Foundation Of Innovation, Enduring Values
For six decades, Trion Industries has been a steadfast presence in the retail landscape, particularly renowned for its shelf management solutions. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the family-owned company stands as a testament to adaptability, innovation and a solid commitment to quality, deeply rooted in its American-made ethos and strong community ties. The company’s trajectory has […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Michigan Retailers Face Economic Uncertainty Amid Tariffs, Inflation, Dip In Tourists
Michigan retailers are facing a challenging economic environment marked by inflation, tariff-related disruptions and fluctuating consumer behavior, according to Vic Veda, VP of communications with the Michigan Retailers Association. “The best specific data that I have on this topic here really does talk about the impacts of tariffs,” Veda said. “We did a member survey […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Grocery Store Equipment, Guest Contributors, National, News
For Grocers, Refrigeration Management Is Often-Overlooked Lever For Profitability
by Jonathan Tan, co-founder of the Ratio Institute In 1916, Clarence Saunders opened the first self-service grocery store in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1930, the modern supermarket arrived in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York, in the form of King Kullen. These innovations birthed the need for the fourth utility in food retail – modern […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
Leadership: Learning To Lead Like A National Park Guide
We recently went on a graduation celebration trip with our oldest grandson, Dax Graham Black, to Mesa Verde National Park. We had two different guides take us through a couple of the main attractions there – the Cliff House and the Balcony House. I had this thought as they inspired and educated us on how […]
Posted inFeature, Association News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, National, News
Webinar Unpacks Trends From IDDBA 2025
Consumer anxieties, vibrant merchandising and the fast rising influence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare topped the talking points during a June 12 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association-sponsored webinar, “Digesting All the Trends at IDDBA 2025.” Maeve Webster, president of the Bennington, Vermont-based consultancy Menu Matters, and Mike Kostyo, VP, sifted through what they saw on the show floor to […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News
SNAP Incentives, Fresh Innovation And The Role Of Independent Grocers
In June, the independent grocery industry came together in force for the 2025 NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, where fresh food innovation met community commitment. From fresh-forward merchandising strategies to discussions about food safety, traceability and technology, the summit underscored what independent grocers already know – fresh food is not only a driver of growth […]