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The National Grocers Association held its annual convention and trade show in Las Vegas last week and attracted 20 percent more attendees than 2009. That in and of itself is an accomplishment in today's trade show environment, but it also provided insight into the current state of the independent segment of the supermarket industry where operators are bringing a unique value proposition to the market and winning the battle with some chain stores.

Speakers at the conference covered a myriad of issues affecting community-based retailers and their wholesale suppliers, including technology, health care costs, loss prevention technology, energy and more. In addition, the 2010 National Grocers Association Consumer Survey Report was released revealing several challenges and opportunities for independents.

On the opportunities side, the survey suggests stores continue to emphasize:

* Value and competitive prices

* Attention to food safety

* Healthful assortments

* Great fruits and vegetables

* Nutritional information

* Personal safety at the store

* A kindly approach to special requests

* Smart use of technologies to tailor frequent cardholder promotions and speed checkouts

* Support of local growers and other nearby food suppliers.

In terms of challenges, the report indicates there will continue to be fierce competition from alternative retailers and other supermarkets, continued economic malaise and the aging of the population as the first of the Baby Boomers turn 65 this year.

When it comes to acting on these insights, "regional chains and independent food store operators are nimbler than their larger competitors, often homegrown local favorites and deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Much of what local consumers prefer is already embedded in their minds," the report stated.

For a copy of the 2010 National Grocers Association Consumer Survey Report, click here.

(Source: Retail Wire, 02/17/10)