One of the most exciting opportunities in grocery retail is helping customers build a bigger basket – not just by increasing produce sales but by bringing the entire store into the equation. When departments work together, they create meal solutions that make shopping easier for customers while driving sales across multiple categories. Why cross-merchandising works […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Midwest
North Dakota’s Grocers Adapting Amid Economic Shifts
North Dakota’s grocery industry is navigating changes, shaped by population growth, economic shifts and evolving consumer habits, according to John “Jiggs” Dyste, president of the North Dakota Grocers Association. “We only have some 700,000 people in the whole state,” Dyste said. “I think as far as growth, we’re probably in the top five for people […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Northeast
Maine’s Rural Character, Aging Population, Shrinking Workforce Affect Grocers
In fall 2023, Costco opened its first and only store in Maine. A few months later, value-based retailer Market Basket opened a new location in Topsham. At the time, the buzz among shoppers in the greater Portland area was palpable and left many hopeful this would signal a wave of other food retailers wanting to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Piggly Wiggly, Southeast
At Garrett’s Piggly Wiggly, Understanding Customers’ Needs ‘Part Of What We Do Well’
The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Steve Garrett, president and owner of Garrett’s Piggly Wiggly stores in the Lower Alabama town of Troy, about the challenges of operating grocery stores. How did you get started in the grocery industry? My parents opened an 18,000-square-foot store in Troy in 1986, and I […]
Posted inAssociation News, Feature, National
NGA To Build Upon Momentum Of In-Roads On Antitrust Reform, Enforcement
Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association, recently took time from his busy schedule to talk with The Shelby Report about the state of the grocery industry and the many challenges facing independents in 2025. While it may be some time before the new administration’s policies begin to have their full […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Southeast
Food Insecurity, Deserts Remain Issue For Alabama Grocers
Many rural Alabamians lack access to grocery stores, resulting in “food deserts” with limited access to fresh, affordable and nutritious food. In 2024, state leaders hosted two conferences addressing the issue – the National Rural Grocery Initiative and the Feeding Change Conference. Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association, presented at both. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, National
IGA Chief Talks Top Independents, Herculean Wholesalers, Fighting Food Deserts
IGA stores range from 10,000 to 100,000 square feet and are located in big cities, small towns and everywhere in between. But John Ross, president and CEO of IGA, has observed some attributes shared by retailers that achieve the alliance’s highest honor, IGA USA Retailer of the Year. They all begin with C: Curiosity: “When […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, Northeast
Maine’s Bow Street Market Known For Prioritizing Local Products
About 20 minutes from Portland, Maine, on the shores of Casco Bay, is Freeport, home of LL Bean and popular discount retail outlets. For nearly 80 years, this charming coastal town also has been served by Bow Street Market. Established in 1946 as a small, family-run shop, Bow Street Market has become a local institution […]