Why Independent Grocers Shouldn’t Miss Groceryshop 2025

Whether it’s keeping up with shifting consumer behaviors, addressing economic challenges, or exploring new technologies to stay competitive, independent grocers are constantly navigating a fast-changing industry. That’s where Groceryshop comes in.

This annual event, taking place September 28-October 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada, brings together grocery retailers of all sizes to learn, connect, and uncover strategies that can drive real business impact. From cutting-edge insights on the state of the industry to hands-on sessions showcasing practical applications of AI and other emerging tools, Groceryshop offers a unique opportunity for single-store operators, multi-store owners, wholesalers, and distributors to walk away with actionable ideas.

In this Q&A, I spoke with Groceryshop VP of Content Rocquan Lucas about what independent grocers can expect at Groceryshop 2025, from interactive Test Kitchen sessions and curated Meetups to peer-driven Tabletalks and the always-inspiring Store of Tomorrow.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Groceryshop is the right place for independent grocers, this conversation will give you the answers.

Retailers may qualify for free tickets, so apply here and check your inbox for approval and remaining registration instructions. Don't qualify for a free ticket? IGA retailers and brand partners can click here and use the code RBIGAUS1020 for 40% off registration and general attendees can click here and use code GAIGAUS1598 for 40% off registration.

IGA: Groceryshop is always a lot of fun, but what makes it a good fit for independent grocers specifically?

Rocquan Lucas (RL): Groceryshop is dedicated to addressing industry trends, challenges, and opportunities relevant to grocery retailers of all sizes. On the very first day of the show, leading analysts will share research on the state of the industry, exploring how economic headwinds, increasing competition, changing consumer behavior, and new technologies are impacting grocery. These research presentations will help grocers understand and respond to the forces that are shaping grocery.

In addition to providing an overview of the current landscape, our sessions spotlight the new strategies and technologies that will help grocery retailers – from single-store operators to large chains – unlock growth. Independent grocers considering launching an online grocery business, seeking tools to make their store more efficient, searching for new ways to drive customer loyalty, or in need of solutions that empower associates can gain the insights and tools at Groceryshop to help put these ideas into action immediately.

IGA: I see you’re hosting an AI Test Kitchen this year. But we’re not sampling deli salads in this kitchen, right? What are we sampling instead?

RL: The Test Kitchen is a new session format at Groceryshop where executives from retailers and consumer brands give walkthroughs of how they are leveraging new, cutting-edge technology. Rather than just talking broadly about hyped technologies like generative AI, these sessions provide detailed frameworks and case studies on how specific technology implementations are driving meaningful business outcomes for their organizations. In fact, as part of the Test Kitchen series, Groceryshop will hold a session highlighting effective AI use cases for independent grocers. Other sessions include “Optimizing Store Layouts and Shelf Space,” “AI for Negotiations with Suppliers,” and “AI Tools for Precise Forecasting and Inventory Levels.”

Each session in the Test Kitchen is interactive, allowing those in the audience a chance to ask questions to the speakers onstage and share their biggest challenges with implementing specific technologies.

Additionally, each session ends with “recipes for success,” where the facilitator of the session provides a detailed game plan and key considerations for tech adoption.

IGA: Let’s talk about Meetups. It’s like a speed dating event with different vendors. What makes it appealing for independents?

RL: Meetup is all about helping members of our community connect with others at the event in a meaningful and efficient way. Those joining us at Groceryshop complete a profile detailing their interests and availability, and then our platform schedules one-on-one, 15-minute meetings with those who are mutually interested in connecting. This results in thousands of meetings taking place across the show. 

Meetup is an excellent opportunity for independent grocers to connect with potential technology vendors that service their needs as well as set up conversations with wholesalers and distributors, CPG suppliers, and peers from around the world.

IGA: What else can independents and wholesalers expect to find valuable during this year’s event?

RL: In addition to our onstage content, Groceryshop also hosts Tabletalks, which are roundtable discussions featuring retailers, wholesalers, and consumer brands exclusively. As a part of these conversations, grocers and brands of all sizes chat about the most pressing industry challenges. This year’s Tabletalks program will include topics such as:

• Addressing the Economy, Tariffs, and Other Industry Headwinds
• Monitoring and Meeting New Consumer Needs
• Peer Group Discussion for Women in Grocery & CPG
• Embracing New Technologies that Enhance Physical Stores

The discussions are designed for 8-10 people, so it’s a great way to have candid conversations with peers and exchange ideas.

Additionally, on the show floor, there will be hundreds of exhibitor booths to check out, and our Store of Tomorrow, where we’re showcasing innovative solutions that are powering the future of physical retail.

IGA: Anything else we should know?

RL: Groceryshop will have 50+ sessions and 150+ speakers so you’ll want to check out the agenda beforehand to identify the content, events, and programs that most interest you.

Retailers may qualify for free tickets, so apply here and check your inbox for approval and remaining registration instructions. Don't qualify for a free ticket? IGA retailers and brand partners can click here and use the code RBIGAUS1020 for 40% off registration and general attendees can click here and use code GAIGAUS1598 for 40% off registration.