May 31, 2017
The independent supermarket industry and entire retail community recently scored a major victory after House Republican leadership announced lawmakers would no longer include a provision in the Financial CHOICE Act (H.R. 10) that would have repealed debit swipe fee reform. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), chair of the House Financial Services…
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May 24, 2017
The White House recently released its Fiscal Year 2018 budget that would boost spending for the military and border security while cutting social safety net programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The President’s budget request officially kicks off the formal process and lays out many of…
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May 24, 2017
Green Valley Drives Winning Strategy in Prepared Foods Freshness is essential when it comes to prepared foods. That’s a guiding principle in the successful prepared foods business of Baltimore-based independent retailer Green Valley Marketplace, whose approach underscores findings of a recent National Grocers Association study. NGA produced a research piece that details shoppers’ needs and…
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May 16, 2017
Two weeks ago, nearly 200 grocers from across the country descended on Capitol Hill for the annual Day in Washington, the supermarket industry’s annual fly-in cohosted by the National Grocers Association (NGA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI), and Food Industry Executive Association (FIAE). The lobby day included over 300 meetings with lawmakers to discuss the issues…
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Apr 25, 2017
Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) is expected to officially introduce the so-called “Financial CHOICE Act” this week, undoing one of most important legislative victories independent grocers have had in the payments space in recent years. The bill includes a repeal provision for the Durbin Amendment, which lowered debit swipe fees,…
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Apr 17, 2017
In less than three weeks, a 400-page menu labeling rule is set to take effect, subjecting independent grocers to an onerous, one-size-fits all law that was originally intended to cover chain restaurants with standard menu items. This law, which was wrapped up within the Affordable Care Act, threatens to impose burdensome and costly regulations on…
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Mar 31, 2017
As we wrap up National Nutrition Month, an annual nutrition education and information campaign to help families make informed food choices, and develop healthy eating and physical activity routines, the month’s theme, “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” serves as an important reminder that every individual holds the tools to make healthier food choices. Whether it’s…
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Mar 29, 2017
Alex Lee Inc., parent company of supermarket chain Lowes Food and wholesaler Merchants Distributors LLC, recently launched a new worksite wellness program designed to improve employees’ health and fitness. As we recognize National Nutrition Month this March, we’d like to give a hat tip to the NGA members for their efforts bring wellness initiatives to…
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Mar 21, 2017
Once again, The NGA Show witnessed its largest attendance—nearly 3,400 independent retailers and wholesalers, food retail industry executives, food/CPG manufacturers, and service providers—all sharing ideas and best practices on how independents are meeting today’s challenges head on. As I participated in the education sessions and walked the EXPO floor, I was struck by a sense…
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Feb 23, 2017
CART Reflections from The NGA Show The following blog originally ran on the CART blog HERE By: Gary Hawkins, Founder and CEO, CART Congratulations to NGA for another great show in Las Vegas this past week featuring record attendance, meaningful workshops, and a busy exhibit floor! The success of The NGA Show shows the resilience of independent retailers…
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Feb 13, 2017
While speed at the checkout lane is essential, other aspects, such as proper bag-building method, weight distribution in the bag, as well as style, attitude and appearance are what lead to superior bagging techniques. Grocery bagging, especially done well, is an important part of the operation of a successful retail grocery business. NGA is proud…
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Feb 12, 2017
For over 30 years, The NGA Show has been the place where independents gather, connecting grocery retailers and wholesalers, food manufacturers and service providers from around the world to share innovative solutions and best practices that support and strengthen the independent supermarket channel. And we are excited to once again join forces with IGA to…
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Feb 1, 2017
This month saw the swearing in of a new President and a new Republican controlled 115th Congress. Given the control of all three branches of government, Congress has set an aggressive tone for 2017 with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy scheduling this session for 145 legislative days-including five, five-day work weeks. In comparison, the House…
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Jan 30, 2017
By: Peter J. Larkin, NGA president and CEO When I joined NGA as President and CEO in 2010 we launched the Member Value Proposition (MVP) Project to learn from our members what their association was doing well, where we needed to improve and what they wanted in the future. We listened to that feedback and…
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Dec 8, 2016
CART’s Top 10 Predictions for 2017 The following blog originally ran on the CART blog HERE As we quickly approach the end of the year its time again to look forward to what 2017 will bring. Using CART’s unique perspective into retail industry interest and new innovation rushing into the industry, here are our thoughts on…
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Nov 1, 2016
This time next week will be Election Day! With the elections just days away, today’s “Decoding DC” post brings you terms that are often thrown around during election season. Jungle Primary A jungle primary is a primary election where all of the candidates for a particular office run against each other, regardless of party affiliations.…
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Oct 28, 2016
Washington, DC has long been criticized of speaking its own language – this “Decoding DC” blog series, brought to you by the NGA Government Relations team, is here to help you cut through all the political jargon and get to the core of the issues that matter to you! We’ll be providing definitions and insight…
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Oct 18, 2016
The supermarket business is not for the faint of heart. Low profit margins and constantly changing consumer preferences make it challenging even for the best operators. Uncertain economic conditions and an explosion of new store formats have caused many to speculate about the demise of the supermarket as we know it. Yet despite challenges and…
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Oct 1, 2016
As we transition from summer into fall, independent grocers continue to face challenges as they attempt to complete the transition to EMV (Europay, MasterCard, and Visa) chip readers at the point of sale (POS). October 1 marks the one-year anniversary of the liability shift that was forced upon retailers who were unable to meet the…
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Sep 16, 2016
By: Greg Ferrara Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs, NGA The Great Flood of 2016 devastated more than 20 parishes in Louisiana, inundating thousands of houses, local businesses, churches, and more with putrid flood waters. While the flood waters washed away homes and memories, it also brought out the best in communities,…
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