Editor’s note: This is the third of a three-part series of articles intended to provide a view of the path to a brighter future for independent grocery as a whole and to independent grocers. Independent grocery is not in decline – it is in transition. The future will not belong solely to the largest players […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
DCEO Official Discusses Illinois Grocery Initiative’s Efforts To Strengthen Food Systems
As Illinois continues its efforts to ensure every resident has access to fresh, affordable food, the Illinois Grocery Initiative is leading the way in revitalizing communities and combating food insecurity statewide. Established in 2023, the program takes a multipronged approach to addressing food deserts – areas where residents face barriers to accessing fresh groceries – […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocers Face Headwinds Amid Economic Uncertainty In Illinois
The Illinois economy may be “chugging along a little bit,” but uncertainty remains high – and retailers, especially grocers, are feeling the strain. “I think I would call it shaky, but we’re certainly not in a recession,” said Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. “But as it relates to retail, […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Feature, National, News
Private Label, Public Preference – How Diverse Consumers Are Shaping Store Brand Growth
Private label products have come a long way from their early reputation as plain, low-cost alternatives to national brands. Today, they represent a strategic pillar for retailers – offering differentiation, margin advantages and a way to build loyalty in an increasingly competitive grocery landscape. As inflation and economic uncertainty continue to influence consumer behavior, private […]
Posted inMarket Profile, H-E-B, Independent Store News, News, Southwest
Central Texas Flooding: Grocers Deliver Aid, Funding and Community Support
Thirty counties in Central Texas remain disaster areas following the catastrophic flooding from rains that began to fall July 2. Flood waters rose from about 3 feet to 30 feet in just a few hours, leading to the loss of 25 girls and two counselors at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on the Guadalupe River, […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Feature, News, Southwest, West
GVH Distribution Conference Unites Grocery Leaders To Drive Innovation
Lubbock, Texas-based GVH Distribution recently welcomed wholesalers, retailers and vendors from across grocery to its annual conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Over four days, the industry partners combined business strategies with networking and social activities designed to strengthen relationships and spark innovation across the supply chain. “The GVH Customer and Vendor Conference is about much […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Midwest, News
Chester’s Chicken Chuck Returns To Much Fanfare In Spencer, IN
A community event from 1940 was brought back recently as the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Babbs Supermarket in Spencer, Indiana, hosted the Chester’s Chicken Chuck. The event, also held in partnership with the Owen County Community Foundation, Smithville and other local sponsors, took place on the courthouse lawn Sept. 6. In 1940, local […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Northgate Market, West
Miguel Gonzalez: Transitions To Advisory Role, Confident In Northgate’s Next Chapter
It’s just been a few months since Miguel González stepped away from day-to-day operations at Northgate González Market, with his brother, Jesús, succeeding him as co-president. “Jesús is smart, and he is a very hard worker and knows a lot about the business,” Miguel said. “It was my recommendation to approve Jesús as the new […]