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 inOnline Grocery Technology, Harps Food Stores, Health & Wellness, Northeast, ShopRite, Wakefern

Grocery TV Expands In-Store Retail Media Network In ShopRite Pharmacy

Grocery TV has expanded its in-store retail media network into pharmacies, providing brands and retailers with another touchpoint to engage shoppers and provide valuable health-related information to pharmacy customers during their store visit. Grocery TV’s in-store digital pharmacy solution has been rolled out with a number of the retailers in its network, including ShopRite Pharmacy, […]

Posted inHarps Food Stores, Executive News, Independent Store News, Southwest

Former Harps Food Stores Chairman, CEO Collins Dies At 75

Springdale, Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores has announced the July 1 death of its former Chairman and CEO Roger Collins. He began his career at Harps in December 1986, serving as VP of finance. From his initial role, Collins quickly became an integral part of shaping the future of Harps Food Stores.  Under his guidance, the […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Harps Food Stores, Southeast

ECRS Introduces EBT Chip, Tap Technology For Retailers

Recognizing the need for enhanced security measures, ECRS has spearheaded the transition to chip and tap technology for EBT payments. Through collaboration with industry experts, ECRS’ E-Payments team has implemented support for the new SNAP EBT chip cards, allowing payment acceptance to retailers running ECRS’s CATAPULT Retail POS software. This initiative not only demonstrates ECRS’s […]

Posted inHarps Food Stores, National, Online Grocery Technology

ECRS, Birdzi Partner On API Integration With Harps Food Stores

Birdzi has begun an API integration with ECRS, alongside their joint customer Springdale, Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores. Grocers that utilize Birdzi’s and ECRS’ integration, such as Harps Food Stores, can enable their customers to redeem digital coupons, loyalty rewards and Birdzi’s VISPER offers in real time as they shop. Since its founding, Birdzi has worked with its retail […]

Posted inAssociation News, Harps Food Stores, National

NGA Focuses On Fresh For Independent Grocers At Ops Summit

Fresh departments in supermarkets were in the spotlight for nearly 100 operations-focused grocery leaders attending the National Grocers Association’s 2024 Store Operations Summit: Focus on Fresh, held June 17-19 in New Orleans, Louisiana.   Attendees found the summit to be a worthwhile experience. “Fresh is a priority for independent grocers, and the content presented during NGA’s […]