Indeed, the Kettering store, started 50 years ago by Bernhard's father, Robert, now sells to third-generation customers. The biggest pitfall for an independent grocer is trying to be all things to all people, Jackson said. He has to understand what his store is really good at and do it every day consistently, and extraordinarily well. Bernhard says the irradiated meat other grocery stores soon will offer actually will be a plus for his business. That's a lot of our business, and we have to do what we're doing to the highest level to survive.
Quality is our number one issue, with price right behind.
Community involvement is another aspect of the successful independent grocer, according to Glori Ann Byrd of the Independent Grocers Association alliance. We don't consider it a negative because IGA's niche is community life. IGA retailers usually support local charitable functions, events and community beautification projects. The folks at Ellis SuperValu believe in that philosophy, as well. The store's annual tailgate supper before the Waynesville High School homecoming football game provides food for hundreds of fans.