Posted inAssociation News, Marketing News, Merchandising News, National

FMI Report: Parents Buying Groceries Online More Often

The most recent survey of grocery shoppers’ spending habits and attitudes by FMI – The Food Industry Association found that parents are using online grocery shopping more than most consumers. According to FMI’s “Back to School” report, 42 percent of parents noted a year-over-year increase in frequency for buying groceries online. As a group, they […]

Posted inAssociation News, National

Benchmarking And Upgrades Via The USDA REAP Grant

Sustainability and store benchmarking can drive operational efficiencies and profit for independent grocers. Infrastructure projects designed to enhance a grocer’s energy efficiency may be eligible for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants. The Ratio Institute’s benchmarking process can provide insights into existing best sustainability workplace practices and potential practices to employ. A recent […]

Posted inOrganic Natural, Association News, National

Association Urges Vitamin D Addition To SNAP Farm Bill

In an effort to enhance the nutritional support provided through the Farm Bill’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Organic & Natural Health Association has launched the “All for Vitamin D: Building Stronger Families in a SNAP” campaign.  This initiative calls on voters to reach out to their respective members of Congress, especially those on […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, National

Report: Independents Holding Their Own In Marketplace

The 2023 edition of the Independent Grocers Financial Study, joint research between the National Grocers Association and FMS Solutions, documents small grocers’ operational and financial performance in a continued complex marketplace. Reflecting record participation, 521 independent grocers representing about 2,000 stores shared their results for fiscal year 2022, which ran through March 31.  “Independent grocers’ […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Association News, Guest Contributors, National

Exploring How Retail Grocery Can Tap Into Coming Benefits Of AI 

Remember when the buzz was all about category management? E-commerce? Block chain? Big data? Well, the new chatter is all about artificial intelligence, or AI. But this time the breakthrough tech is traveling through everything – business, consumers, governments and even artists. Unlike those other transformative technology waves, AI is something we can experience and […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Marketing News, National

Instacart Campaign Helps Parents Prep For School Year

Instacart has begun a six-week back-to-school campaign that spans more than 1,400 retail banners in the U.S. and Canada. The “You’ve Got This, Parents” program covers fresh groceries for breakfast and lunch, school supplies, sports equipment, backpacks, kids’ clothing, electronics and other everyday essentials. The effort, which marks Instacart’s biggest back-to-school campaign, includes brands such […]

Posted inAssociation News, National

NGA Unveils Online Toolkit To Help Independents Accept Healthy Benefit Cards

Healthy benefit cards, offered by some private health insurers and Medicare Advantage plans, provide a convenient way for eligible individuals to purchase groceries and over-the-counter drugs using their healthcare benefit. More than 30 million Americans are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage programs, and at least 5 million participants are currently receiving hundreds of dollars on […]