Meet Your Mid-Year Best Practice Finalists

Across the U.S. and around the world, retail has never been more challenging. That’s the bad news. But here’s the good news: independent grocery retailers have the creativity and flexibility to develop and test innovative retailing solutions that change the game at retail.

“The challenges we are facing are the same no matter where you are. We’re all working hard to solve for more competition, eCommerce, labor shortages, and increasingly more complex consumers. It’s not an easy place to be in, but it’s situations like these where the really innovative ideas are born,” IGA CEO John Ross says.

And nowhere is that more apparent than at IGA, where the best practice library continues to grow with creative tactics for solving the challenges we face, and IGA retailers continue to be recognized for their innovative solutions.

“The Best Practice awards at the IGA Global Rally create the perfect opportunity for our entire Alliance to hear and see what these creative and innovative entrepreneurs are doing to drive sales and literally take the playbook back to their stores to implement,” Ross says of the annual awards given out at the IGA Global Rally. “IGA is the world’s best example of localized retailing, and these best practices really showcase how our retailers are differentiating in marketplaces around the world. Creating competition around the ‘best’ best practices shines a spotlight on that innovation.”

Introducing your first group of Best Practice Finalists

Today it is our great pleasure to announce the first group of IGA Best Practices finalists for our 2020 Best Practice awards, chosen from more than 30 submissions made from January through September for their creativity, ability to save money and/or increase sales, and adaptability by fellow retailers.

1. Local Sourcing Results in Fresher Product and 40% Gross Profit | Lake Country IGA, Kevin Kothlow 
2. Ditch Money Losers and Free Space for Profitable Lines | Northampton IGA Plus Liquor, The Hasleby Family
3. App Drives Employee Connection and Satisfaction | Adams Hometown Market, Cassidy Spencer
4. Store-generated Facebook Videos Generate Awareness, Sales, and Fans | Sprankle’s Neighborhood Markets, Ryan Sprankle
5. Welcome Bags Drive 5% Coupon Redemption | Geissler’s Supermarket, Carol Carlson

From saving money and building sales with the right product selection to inspiring shopper loyalty with innovative marketing, connecting employees to share ideas and welcoming new community residents, each of these best practices offers a replicable and proven solution that will help you build your business and better serve your shoppers.

Want your store to be in the running? It’s not too late!

Any submission made from October through the end of the year will be eligible for our second group of finalists, which will be announced in January 2020. Finalists from both groups will be featured at the IGA Global Rally, and the industry and IGA will vote to determine the top three winners taking home a $1,000 cash prize.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shine a light on the innovative ideas that are helping you win at retail. Take a look at your first round finalists and the whole IGA Best Practices library for inspiration, and submit your best practice today!