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: Harps Food Stores
Harps, a cherished grocery chain, has been a cornerstone of communities in the Midwest and South since its inception. Founded in 1930 in Springdale, Arkansas, the brand has established itself as a trusted destination for quality products and personalized service. With over 100 locations across Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, Harps remains dedicated to providing customers with fresh, locally sourced produce and a diverse selection of grocery items.
In addition to its commitment to quality, Harps distinguishes itself through its forward-thinking approach to future growth and expansion. With a keen eye on the evolving needs of customers and the ever-changing retail landscape, Harps is strategically planning for the future. The company is actively exploring opportunities to expand its footprint, enhance its product offerings, and introduce innovative solutions to better serve its communities. By prioritizing growth and adaptation, Harps ensures that it remains a vital part of the neighborhoods it serves for generations to come.
Posted inIndependent Store News, Albertsons, Corporate Store News, Feature, Guest Contributors, Harps Food Stores, Southwest, The Kroger Co.
Led by Lone Star State, Southwestern U.S. Ripe For Grocers
by Diana Leza Sheehan The grocery retail landscape in the American Southwest is a dynamic and evolving ecosystem. This region – defined by The Shelby Report as Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas – is characterized by a blend of national grocers and innovative regional independents. These players are not only competing but learning […]
Posted inMeijer, Harps Food Stores, Health & Wellness, Independent Store News, Midwest
Meijer Prepares For National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
As part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 26, Meijer pharmacies are preparing for an influx of customers disposing of their unused and expired prescription medications. A national initiative organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Drug Take Back Day aims to prevent drug misuse and reduce the risk of accidental poisonings or overdoses. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Harps Food Stores, National
Birdzi Enhances Retailer Onboarding Process With Armeta Analytics
Birdzi has announced an integration with data engineering firm Armeta Analytics that streamlines workflows and reduces the technological lift for Birdzi’s retail customers. Armeta will facilitate onboarding through a simplified integration process that makes it easier for Birdzi customers to use the company’s customer engagement tools and personalized marketing solutions, including VISPER Live. “By automating data management […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Harps Food Stores, West, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AFS Bridges Technology Gap For Member Retailers With Birdzi Platform
Associated Food Stores (AFS), an Intermountain West grocery wholesaler and cooperative, will utilize Birdzi’s advanced customer intelligence and engagement platform to provide personalized engagement and advanced customer insights across its corporate and independent member supermarkets. “Early on, we recognized Birdzi’s unique ability to enhance AFS’s customer engagement and foster loyalty across our network of member […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, Harps Food Stores, Southwest
Association Executive Director Says Arkansas Economy Moving In Positive Direction
Sales tax collections and metro population totals both have been up in Arkansas over the past year, according to Steve Goode, executive director of the Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association in Little Rock. “The overall economy is doing slightly better than a year ago,” he said. Sales tax collections are up by 1.8 percent […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, Harps Food Stores, National
Independent Grocers Must Always Keep Looking Forward
NGA’s slogan is “At the heart of the community,” reflecting the important position that independent grocery stores have in so many communities around the country. I’d go out on a limb and suggest a secondary tagline, “Always looking forward,” because a significant part of NGA’s mission is to help its members prepare for whatever lies […]
Posted inHarps Food Stores, Independent Store News, Southwest
Harps Appoints Tackett, Taylor To Key Leadership Roles
Harps Food Stores Inc. has announced strategic leadership changes with the appointments of Jim Bob Tackett as the new VP of store systems and John Taylor as the new member of the executive committee. These appointments were made following the retirement of Mike Thurow, who served as the SVP of store systems and CIO for […]