By Jim Dudlicek / NGA Managing Editor and Content Strategist The post-pandemic period is offering independent grocers challenges that operationally may pale in comparison to those of the COVID era but are adding pressure to the bottom line and the way supermarket operators are perceived by consumers. Inflation has driven up the cost of most aspects of doing business in a way that has made it impossible for grocers to fully shield their customers from the impact. In fact, while the inflation rate is about half of what it was a year ago, prices at the grocery store remain inflated far above pre ..read more

By Julia Landcastle / NGA Coordinator, Political and Government Relations On April 9, 2024, the USDA released the final WIC food package for the first time in over a decade. Changes in the food package aim to provide participants with more choices and flexibility as they shop to meet their needs. Now, states will have two years to implement their specific food packages.  The USDA has listened to many of NGA’s requests for pack size flexibility and the usage of existing package sizes. The changes are highlighted by the food group with an additional explanation as to the impact this will ha ..read more

By Jim Dudlicek / NGA Managing Editor and Content Strategist The fresh perimeter is responsible for most of the sales and growth in the grocery channel. But it’s not enough for independent grocers just to be fresh – you have to do fresh right and in a way that sets you apart from your national and big-box competitors. And doing fresh right starts with that swath of color and fragrance that hits shoppers the moment they enter most supermarkets. “Produce sets the tone for the overall shopping experience,” Dave Holloway, director of produce and floral at Busch’s Fresh Food Market in southeastern ..read more

By Jim Dudlicek / NGA Managing Editor and Content Strategist Are independent grocers really independent?  Let’s take a look at NGA’s own definition. Independent community grocers are …  Entrepreneurs? Check.  Passionately committed to their customers, their associates and the markets they serve? Check.  Differentiate in the marketplace based on the needs of the local community, while showing a strong commitment to civic life and providing their neighbors quality goods and nourishing foods. Double check.  At the recent 2024 NGA Show, longtime retailer, author, observe ..read more

By Jim Dudlicek / NGA Managing Editor and Content Strategist Ensuring the safety of customers and associates is a primary concern for grocery retailers. From retail theft to active shooters, it’s essential that grocery operators have procedures in place for dealing with potentially harmful scenarios. NGA hosted a recent webinar to help grocers identify and navigate concerning behavior, suspicious activity or potentially escalating situations in order to resolve them safely, or disengage and report them to local law enforcement. Daniel Genua, protective security advisor for the U.S. Department ..read more

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By Stephanie Johnson, NGA VP of Government Relations A February 29 commentary published by the American Enterprise Institute offers up a four-point argument claiming industry groups are making false claims about a congressionally proposed pilot program restricting items that can be purchased under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Author Angela Rachidi of the Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility offers some counterpoints, but broadly fails to demonstrate that any of the concerns shared by the National Grocers Association and other industry groups are wrong — let alone ..read more

By Jim Dudlicek / NGA Managing Editor and Content Strategist Have you ever considered how pest movement can impact food safety? We live in a world of movement, and food and food products are no exception, traveling along channels of production, processing, packaging and distribution. Food and ingredients can move thousands of miles from their source until they find their way onto store shelves. Keeping food safe along this journey can be a challenge when combined with the presence and movement of pathogens, foreign material and pests. A recent webinar, part of NGA’s food safety partnership wit ..read more

By Jim Dudlicek / NGA Managing Editor and Content Strategist Consumers have more choices and information than ever before when it comes to making food purchase decisions that meet their needs and the needs of their families. The retailers who win with these shoppers deliver assortment and service that better meets their needs. Independent retailers are the heart of communities across the country and are at their best when they reflect this unique community insight. It’s the difference between independents and “one-size-fits-all” big box/discount retailers and “never-ending aisle” online retail ..read more

Kansas City barbecue or San Francisco sourdough? This year’s Super Bowl offers an opportunity to feature them both in your store – along with all the other game day favorites as your customers shop in preparation for enjoying the Chiefs-49ers matchup on Sunday, Feb. 11. Three in five consumers plan to watch Super Bowl LVIII, most of them at home, according to a recent survey by the market analysts at Numerator. So, that means they’ll be buying groceries – plenty of snacks and beverages to sustain them through every play and commercial. Topping the list of treats you’d be wise to stock up on: c ..read more