A new year is always a time of reflection, and for small merchant owners there are no exceptions. With success coming in different shapes, sizes and even dollars, consider how you can help support your business in the year ahead to…
E-commerce accounts for less than 1% of the food and beverage industry's $600 billion in sales due in part to complex logistics and a struggle to guarantee freshness, according to a report from BI Intelligence. But with factors such as…
Social media overload is an issue for small-business owners, who face the challenge of determining whether networks such as Snapchat and Instagram are worthwhile. In this article, entrepreneurs share their experiences and offer tips for hiring social media specialists and…
Optimism Shines as National Retail Federation Forecasts Holiday Sales to Increase 4.1%Washington, October 7, 2014 – After a turbulent start to 2014, the National Retail Federation announced today it expects sales in November and December (excluding autos, gas and restaurant…
According to new data from IRI, 15% of shoppers will be boosting their purchases of natural, organic and premium products in the coming year. "The word 'premium' means different things to different consumers," said Susan Viamari, IRI's editor of thought…
Association Donates $50,000 to the Feeding America Food BanksRaleigh, NC (June 11, 2014) –As part of the 19th Annual North Carolina General Assembly Legislative Food Drive, the CFIC and the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA) joined with Senate President Pro…
In the carrot vs. stick approach for improving the impact of the food stamp program, the carrot appears to be winning in South Carolina.A pilot program approved by the state Legislature last year to double the value of food stamps…
CFIC Executive Director Lindsey Kueffner attended the recent Day in Washington, held by the National Grocers Association (NGA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI), and the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE). CFIC was well-represented by Omar Jorge of Compare Foods; Teross Young…
Food has been slow to gain momentum in online retail, but brick-and-mortar stores can find success in the space by offering a combination of home delivery and click-and-collect options. Online-only grocers may be best served by implementing "virtual stores" that…