Challenges and opportunities in 2016

As the year comes to a close, it’s a time to reflect on the accomplishments of 2015, and look ahead to the opportunities in the new year.

From the work of the Small Business Matters Coalition, of which the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) is a member, dealing with concerns about credit-card swipe fees; pension reform; and the increasing cumulative costs of regulatory compliance to the countless hours spent on ensuring our grocery members are included in the conversation around the sale of beer and wine, CFIG remains your voice in the industry.

In regards to beer and wine in Ontario and BC: Changes brought forward by governments in these two provinces introduced long awaited openings for grocery stores to sell these products in grocery stores.  CFIG worked to ensure that the frameworks developed for selling these products were developed to level the playing field as much as possible to ensure independents had a fair opportunity to bid successfully.

And despite all the advances in today’s retail landscape, when it comes down to what makes a successful grocer, more and more it’s about getting back to the basics:  know your customers’ needs and serve them well.

This certainly is the case for many of our independents. At last month’s Thought Leadership Conference, Jeff York of Farm Boy talked about his business model focused on private label and HMR and fresh. Read more here.

CFIG continues to ensure that independents are at the table when it comes to industry issues. In the ground-breaking economic study released this year showed how vital independents are to the overall fiscal health of cities and towns across the country.

Here are some of the remarkable facts from the study: Independent grocers’ sales total $11.5 billion; they provide 105,000 jobs, $9.4 billion purchases happen in their stores; and they account for an impressive 12.4% of the market share.

In 2016, the focus at CFIG will continue to be put on Advocacy, Business Support and Collaboration.

We here at CFIG wish you all the best this holiday season!