Get To Know 2024 IGA Retailers of the Year: Part II

Welcome to the second installment of our 2024 Retailers of The Year profiles.

The Retailer of the Year awards are the highest honors the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) bestows upon its retailer members. They are presented annually to grocers who have delivered excellence in their stores and communities.

In this installment, learn how the leadership from Hammer & Wikan, Holt's IGA, and SPD Markets have been able to shine as outstanding independent grocers serving their communities. Find the first set of profiles here, and return to this space on February 29 for the final set of profiles on the 2024 honorees.

Jim Floyd, Gainhart Samuelson, and Bruce Westre | Hammer & Wikan | Petersburg, Alaska

IGA CEO John Ross (far right) presents an award certificate to the Hammer & Wikan team in Petersburg, Alaska

With a rich history dating back to 1921, Hammer & Wikan has firmly established itself in the Petersburg, Alaska community. What began as a small dairy and dry goods store has flourished into thriving hardware and grocery stores, catering to the evolving needs of its customers. In 1995, they took a bold step forward by constructing their current grocery store, while the original building converted into a dedicated hardware store. This strategic move allowed them to better serve their community and shoppers.

"We take a lot of pride in our store and continue to invest in making it a great shopping experience for everyone," the team said.

That is no easy feat, as the store's location poses a unique challenge. Goods are delivered twice weekly by barge from Seattle, Washington. The challenge requires the Hammer & Wikan team to be strong operators with key differentiators, which they achieve through their diverse product assortment.

"We offer a large assortment of Norwegian delicacies, a fantastic cheese assortment, gluten-free endcaps, and organic and natural products where available. Our produce and meat departments stand out and are complemented even by people that are just visiting our town."

Their differentiators continue in the way they celebrate the holidays. During the Christmas season when there is no tourism, the store honors the Norwegian tradition called Julebukking to thank the community for supporting them.

"We open our doors an offer an assortment of delectable foods including smoked salmon, pickled herring, shrimp, Norwegian cookies, a drink called Moose Milk, our own version of egg nog, and more. This is served buffet style, and last year we served over 600 people."

A testament to their commitment and loyalty, many employees at Hammer & Wikan have dedicated their careers to the company. For instance, the meat manager has proudly served the store for an impressive 45 years.

“We pay 100% of our employees’ medical benefits, we offer guardian flight services for free to our employees, [and] we offer a college scholarship to the children of our employees,” Floyd stated.

In addition to caring for their employees and community through ample donations and sponsorships, they are dependable neighbors in an emergency. When the nearby island, Wrangle, recently experienced a major landslide, the grocer reacted quickly, sending water and essential food supplies to assist first responders and residents dislocated from their homes. 

Dan Holt and Joe Lauria | Holt’s IGA | Fayetteville, Tennessee

IGA CEO John Ross presents an award certificate to Dan Holt (far right).

This small community grocer has a big mission to provide fresh food in a well-stocked, clean, and friendly store day-in and day-out. Dan Holt, Joe Lauria, and their team have lived up to the challenge every day since 2016, when Holt purchased the small shopping center and rebranded it as Holt's IGA in Fayetteville, Tennessee.

"My plan was to do a complete remodel of the store, adding new coolers, lighting, new shelving, new flooring and a new décor package," Holt said. "Most importantly, I felt I needed to rebrand the store. I had visited several IGA stores while traveling and I knew that was the brand I wanted, I did not consider any other. I met with Scott Cossiboom with AWG and he helped me make it happen."

During the store's remodel, Holt met Joe Lauria, who became an integral part of the operation.

"One day during the remodel, a gentleman I’ve never seen before walked up to me and introduced himself," Holt said. "[Joe] said he had seen what we were doing and wanted to help me. He said he had worked in the grocery business most of his life and has a lot of knowledge and experience that would benefit our store. Joe was right!"

Holt went on to praise Lauria, saying he has changed the culture at the store for the better.

"He and our other team members now treat our customers in a friendly and helpful manner. Our shelves and displays look neat and professional," Holt said. "We have our weekly specials displayed and all have the proper signage. We have a team that cares enough to have our store looking like we are ready for business each day!"

Holt’s impact has clearly made a mark in the community beyond groceries. Flintville School Principal David Golden praised the grocer’s contributions to local education, which include donating new scoreboards to the schools gym and supporting local anti-drug programs.

“I can’t say enough about Dan Holt and IGA,” Golden said. “From the time I arrived at Flintville School 14 years ago, we have not had a bigger supporter. He has constantly provided donations to help improve our facilities and our school culture.” 

Ben Painter and Greg Wasley | SPD Markets | Grass Valley, California

IGA CEO John Ross (second from left) presents an award certificate to the SPD Market team in Grass Valley, California.

Since 1959, SPD Markets have treated their customers and staff like family. Third-generation Store Owner Ben Painter and Manager Greg Wasley are motivated by that community spirit.

"We have had staff members who came to us for their first job and stayed to retirement. A lifelong commitment counts for a lot. We see generations of customers. We knew them as children; now they bring in their grandchildren. The important legacy that Lawrence Painter left with his company was the value of everyday customer service and that service continues today," Painter and Wasley said.

Their community dedication is evident in their product offerings, as SPD makes every effort to give local products shelf space.

"We welcome local products such as produce, meat, beer, wine, honey, cookies, greeting cards, and candies," they said. "There is also a special section on the magazine rack where Nevada County authors display their works."

SPD has long valued the importance of giving back to the community that made it successful. Each year, the store raises large sums of money to support the arts, schools, sports, hospital, and those in need. As part of their fundraising efforts, they introduced the SPD Loyalty Card, which gives 3% of all purchases back to the community. Customers choose which charities, non-profits, or schools receive the financial contribution. Since implementation, they have donated over $1.6 million.

They also sponsor many youth organizations, including Little League and other sporting events, and 4-H and Future Farmer activities. SPD directly donates food to the local food bank and Interfaith Food Ministry, and works with their suppliers to donate more. For example, Smart Chicken donates two pallets of product every year. SPD also provides a monthly donation to Hospitality House to help the region’s homeless population.

A member of the Independent Grocers Alliance since 1997, the team at SPD Markets truly embodies the IGA Hometown Proud spirit.

Look for more 2024 IGA Retailer of the Year profiles in The IGA Minute in the coming weeks.