Posted inGuest Contributors, Featured News, Finance News, National, News

Crossroads: How Cap Rates, Lease Terms Affect Grocery Store Property Value

In a previous column, we discussed building businesses to last and some of the factors that influence valuation. Today, we will take a closer look at one area that often creates confusion – the valuation of real estate in the grocery industry. Nerd alert: This one is a little more technical, but I believe it […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, Featured News, Market Profile, Midwest, News

Ohio Grocers Navigate Consolidation, Rising Costs, Changing Consumer

Ohio enters 2026 as one of the nation’s most economically competitive states, though a mix of national headwinds and shifting federal policy creates uncertainty in the year ahead. The state’s gross domestic product reached $979 billion in the third quarter of 2025 – the highest on record, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Feature, Featured News, Midwest

Lipari Foods Debuts Global Strategy At ‘Passport To Flavor’ Event

Lipari Foods marked its largest-ever trade show March 25 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, welcoming 11,000 retailers under the theme “Passport to Flavor” as the company unveiled a comprehensive rebrand centered on global foods. The event featured about 750 booths with 13,000 items on display, 1,300 of which were new to Lipari’s […]

Posted inCorporate Store News, Feature, Finance News, West

Store Closings Part Of Grocery Outlet Turnaround

Grocery Outlet’s top executive was candid in his remarks to the investment community during the grocer’s earnings call March 4. Jason Potter, who took over as president and CEO of Emeryville, California-based Grocery Outlet in February 2025 after nearly five years as CEO of upscale retailer The Fresh Market, said, “I joined Grocery Outlet because […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Anniversary Issues, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Feature, Featured News, Finance News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year

AWG’s Cooperative Strength Positions Independent Grocers For Future

As Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, the cooperative is reflecting on a century defined by independent spirit, shared success and an unwavering commitment to its members – while keeping its focus firmly on what comes next. Founded in 1926 by a group of independent grocers who believed they were stronger […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Featured News, National

National Rural Grocery Summit Focusing On Innovation

The National Rural Grocery Summit will be held May 5-7 in Fargo, North Dakota. The event was created by the Rural Grocery Initiative out of Kansas State University, with the first summit held in 2008 in Kansas. Since then, the summit has grown to attract rural grocers, community leaders, food suppliers, academic researchers, healthy food […]