After planning to pursue an engineering career, Kim Eskew saw the opportunities that grocery retail had to offer and turned an entry-level position into a lifelong career with Springdale, Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores. Now the company’s chairman and CEO, Eskew shared his thoughts on leadership, management and getting started in the industry with NGA’s Independent […]
Category: National
Posted inSupply Chain News, National
RJW Logistics Group Gets Investment From Berkshire Partners
RJW Logistics Group, a Woodridge, Illinois-based provider of retail logistics solutions for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands, has received a strategic investment from Boston-based private equity firm Berkshire Partners. “[This] will enable us to continue providing industry-leading performance and customer service, drive future innovations, and expand our geographic reach,” said RJW CEO Kevin Williamson. “We […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Deli News, National
Picadeli, Digimarc Partner To Reduce Retail Shrink, Combat Food Fraud
Picadeli and Digimarc Corp. are partnering to tackle retail shrink and food fraud in the fresh and prepared foods market. The partnership integrates Digimarc’s advanced digital watermarks into Picadeli’s branded packaging, enabling retailers to implement secure, automated product verification and ensure pricing accuracy at self-checkout. The innovation reduces shrinkage while maintaining a seamless customer experience. Retailers […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Association News, National
NGA Foundation Shares Topic For Student Case Study Competition
The NGA Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association, has shared the topic for the 2025 Student Case Study Competition, which will be held during the 2025 NGA Show. For “A Path to Sustainable Success,” student teams will develop action plans for how the participating retailer, Colorado-based Clark’s Market, can minimize its environmental […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Executive News, Feature, National, Produce News
Kroger CEO McMullen Discusses Navigating Bifurcated Market, Future Of Food
The recent Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia, provided a platform for industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of the grocery industry. In a candid conversation with moderator Patrick Vizzone, Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen shed light on the dynamics shaping consumer behavior and the company’s strategic response. McMullen highlighted the […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, Walmart
Walmart Begins Pilot Program With Aira To Help Blind Customers
Walmart has begun a partnership with Aira, a mobile application that connects members of the blind and low vision community with sighted interpreters, who communicate visual information. Using remote access to a phone camera or piece of wearable technology, Aira interpreters act as eyes inside the store. Walmart is offering the way-finding service free to […]
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Amazon Fresh, Corporate Store News, National, The Kroger Co., Whole Foods
Report: Health-Focused Shoppers Driving Market Trends
A new Dunnhumby report reveals the rising importance of health-focused shoppers in the U.S. grocery market. The key finding of the “Better for You (Customer), You (Brand), and You (Retailer)” report is that this group of consumers represents a $285 billion annual opportunity, comprising 33 percent of the population and driving significant market trends. Top performers […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National
Education Driving Excitement At 2025 NGA Show
Independent grocers are a dedicated bunch. For many, time away from the business is time wasted, and vacations are certainly not a high priority. NGA understands that your time is precious. That’s why The NGA Show is designed to help you make the most of your time, with an education-centric program built around what you […]