The 2025 National Grocers Association (NGA) Show in Las Vegas was packed with conversations and insights that directly impact the future of independent grocery. From the latest in AI-powered pricing strategies to workforce engagement solutions, this year’s sessions reinforced what we at Storewise already know: Independent grocers need smarter, more efficient way to compete and win.
Let’s break down the key takeaways from NGA 2025 and what they mean for your business moving forward.
Leadership, Resilience, and the Power of Small Wins
The event kicked off with an inspiring and invigorating keynote by Admiral William H. McRaven, who spoke about the importance of discipline, teamwork, and overcoming challenges. While his stories were rooted in Navy SEAL training, the insight and lessons he shared apply just as much to independent grocery operators and really hit close to home.
Master the fundamentals
Small wins, like making your bed in the morning, build momentum for bigger successes. In the independent grocer’s world, that means tightening up operational efficiencies—whether in pricing, inventory, or workforce management.
Teamwork drives results
Just as a Navy SEAL team can’t function without trust and collaboration, a grocery store’s success depends on a well-trained, engaged staff.
Failure isn’t the end
Failure is a learning opportunity – Every challenge, whether it’s rising costs, supply chain disruptions, or staffing shortages, is an opportunity to refine and improve your approach.
Independent grocers are built on resilience, adaptability, and community trust—it’s what separates and differentiates you from national chains. But in today’s fast-moving world, those qualities alone aren’t enough. You need technology to support your business decisions and help you compete smarter, not harder.
AI-Powered Pricing: The Independent Grocer’s Competitive Edge
One of the key themes at NGA focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming price optimization for independent grocers.
Here’s what grocers like you need to know:
Automation Pricing Strategies Work
Independent retailers are using AI and automation to analyze pricing trends, monitor competition, and adjust their prices in real-time. The result? Better margins without sacrificing customer trust.
Produce Pricing is a Game-Changer
Some of the most immediate impact is found in fresh departments, where price elasticity is highest. Smart pricing in produce alone can significantly impact store profitability.
Personalization & Price Transparency are the Future
Customers increasingly expect clear, consistent pricing and personalized offers. The right technology makes it possible to deliver dynamic pricing without creating confusion.
What This Means for You:
Independent grocers don’t have to rely on guesswork when setting prices. With the right tools, you can automate pricing decisions, track profitability in real time, and remain competitive without racing to the bottom.
If you haven’t explored how automated pricing can work for your store, now is the time—it’s no longer a "big-box only"advantage.
Winning the Talent War: Retaining Your Best Employees
We all know that staffing has been one of the biggest pain points in grocery. At NGA, the conversation around employee retention and engagement was clear: Grocers who invest in their people will win in the long run.
Employee Communication Matters
Stores using consistent, clear communication tools are seeing better retention. Staff who feel informed and valued are more engaged and less likely to leave.
Leadership Visibility Makes a Difference
Some grocers have started monthly video updates from leadership, ensuring employees feel connected to company goals.
Recognition Programs Work
Spotlighting top-performing employees boosts morale and reinforces company culture. Celebrating internal promotions (like the former fastest bagger who is now a VP!) is a great way to inspire your team.
What This Means for You:
Retention isn’t just about wages—it’s about building a culture where employees feel appreciated and see a future in your company. Technology can streamline scheduling, improve communication, and simplify operations, making life easier for both store owners and staff.
Data-Driven Decisions: The Next 30 Days Matter
The future of independent grocery belongs to those who understand their data. NGA 2025 emphasized how grocers can use data-driven insights to improve store operations and financial performance.
Identify gaps in assortment
Understanding which products aren’t moving allows you to optimize shelf space and reduce waste. Make smarter promotions using past sales trends, you can predict which promotions will drive real revenue rather than just increasing volume.
Improve category profitability
When you adjust pricing on a high-margin item, how does it impact the whole category? Having the right analytics gives you the full picture.
What This Means for You:
If you aren’t leveraging data to optimize pricing, promotions, and assortment, you’re leaving money on the table. The good news? You don’t need a data science team to make it work. The right tools can bring clear, actionable insights straight to your dashboard.
Where Do We Go From Here?
NGA 2025 made it clear: The most successful independent grocers are the ones embracing technology to improve efficiency, pricing, and workforce engagement.
At Storewise, our mission is simple: Give independent grocers the tools to compete smarter, not harder.
Next Steps for Your Business:
Start evaluating AI-driven pricing solutions – If you’re still pricing manually, it’s time to explore automation.
Strengthen your employee engagement strategy – Happy, engaged employees mean better customer experiences.
Use data to drive profitability – The right insights can help you make more informed decisions about pricing, inventory, and promotions.
If you’re ready to take the next step in optimizing your grocery business, let’s talk. We’re here to help you reduce manual work, increase profitability, and future-proof your store.
