by Peter J. Larkin/president and CEO, NGA Special to The Shelby Report Three decades ago, a new organization was created to represent the independent sector of the supermarket industry. Today, the National Grocers Association (NGA) remains the only national trade association exclusively focused on representing the independent sector of the food industry. Over the past […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted in, Guest Contributors, National
What If…The Holiday Sales Spirit Lived All Year?
You are just about to finish the most exciting sales season of the year. Starting in early October and running through New Year’s Day, seasonally merchandised supermarkets can expect a lift in transaction count and, more importantly, an increase in the average sale amount. Further, there is a spirit that prevails in most stores that […]
Posted in, National, The Independent Perspective
Grocers Take Notice: FDA Tobacco Compliance Checks Are On The Rise
by Peter J. Larkin/president and CEO, NGA Special to The Shelby Report The Tobacco Control Act, signed into law by President Obama in June of 2009, gave the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explicit power to regulate the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco products. Since then, the retail industry has been subjected to new […]
Posted in, Center Store, National, The Independent Perspective
Ezekiel Bread Rolls Out Sprouted Flax Variety
Food for Life’s Ezekiel 4:9 bread is now available with sprouted flax. Like all Food for Life products, Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Flax Bread is 100 percent flourless and free of conditioners, additives, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. It also is made with filtered water and no added fat and is low-glycemic, diabetic-friendly, pH-balanced and kosher-certified. […]
Posted in, Market Profile, Northeast
New Jersey Struggles As Income Drops, Public Assistance Increases
[gn_note color=”#b1cbde”]The 2012 New Jersey Profile originally ran in the October 2012 edition of The Shelby Report of the Northeast.[/gn_note] by Kristen Cloud/staff writer New Jersey’s economy is struggling. Few would argue that. The Garden’s State’s unemployment rate hit a 35-year high of 9.9 percent in August, soaring over the national rate of 8.1 percent. […]
Posted in, Lipari Foods, Market Profile, Midwest
With Wisconsin In Political Spotlight, Grocers Ready For Home Stretch
[gn_note color=”#FFCC00″]The 2012 Wisconsin Profile originally ran in the October 2012 edition of The Shelby Report of the Midwest.[/gn_note] by Terrie Ellerbee/associate editor Wisconsin has been “under a tsunami of political activity,” says Brandon Scholz, president of the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA). Since the 2010 elections, four state senators and the lieutenant governor have faced […]
Posted in, Market Profile, Southwest
Tiered Offerings Keep Oklahoma Shoppers Happy
[gn_note color=”#ff3333″] The 2012 Oklahoma Market Profile originally ran in the October 2012 edition of The Shelby Report of the Southwest.[/gn_note] by Terrie Ellerbee/associate editor Hank Binkowski, CEO of Oklahoma City-based Buy for Less, has been in the food business all his life. His parents are Polish immigrants who came through Ellis Island, and they […]
Posted in, Market Profile, Northeast
Pennsylvania 2012 Profile: Proposed Cap on Sales Tax Vendor Allowance Dies in State House
[gn_note color=”#b1cbde”]The 2012 Pennsylvania Profile originally ran in the September 2012 edition of The Shelby Report of the Northeast.[/gn_note] by Kristen Cloud/staff writer Retailers in Pennsylvania earlier this year dodged what could have had a “catastrophic” impact on their businesses, according to Randy St. John, senior VP of association services for the Pennsylvania Food Merchants […]