The NGA Show 2025 brought together grocery leaders, retailers, and innovators to discuss the future of the industry.
Webstop just returned from an energetic NGA Show 2025 in Las Vegas, where the independent grocery industry came together in record numbers.
With over 4,000 attendees (the largest show in NGA history), this year’s event was packed with insightful discussions and innovative strategies, punctuated by several standout moments that resonated with attendees.
From the standing-room-only Tech Summit on Sunday (moderated by our favorite industry pundit Kevin Coupe) to a Monday filled with education sessions and a bustling show floor, this year’s show left no doubt: independent grocers are laser-focused on digital transformation and finding ways to win.
Webstop’s CEO Shawn Tuckett, attending his 15th consecutive NGA Show, and Go-To-Market Executive Gauri Munuswamy were on-site to take it all in.
Shawn also took the stage three times as a moderator and panelist on topics including retail media execution, digital advertising spend, and eCommerce. He and other industry experts discussed how these specific areas are reshaping the grocery industry.
Grocers Are Making Digital Transformation Their #1 Priority
Digital initiatives dominated discussions at NGA 2025. Independent grocers and wholesalers know they are battling inflation, mega-chain monopolies, and shifting consumer expectations, and they are making digital transformation a top-down priority.
Grocers are making major moves to upgrade their core technology, especially ERP and WMS systems. They’re getting serious about food tracking too, implementing specialized solutions that help manage products made in their facilities.
From ownership and executive leadership to store-level teams, everyone is working toward the same goal: modernizing operations and leveraging digital to stay competitive.
Retailers recognize they need solutions that drive engagement, increase loyalty, and enhance the customer experience. The focus is no longer on just adopting new technologies but on optimizing and integrating the tools they already have.
Unified Commerce, Not Digital Frankensteins
Over the past decade, retailers have invested heavily in digital solutions like eCommerce, digital coupons, loyalty programs, digital circulars, and more.
But instead of a seamless experience, many grocers now have what Michael La Kier, IGA’s Vice President of Brand Development, called “digital frankensteins”—a collection of disconnected features that don’t work together.
At Tuesday’s Unified Commerce education session, eCommerce leaders, including Webstop CEO Shawn Tuckett, emphasized that retailers must move beyond fragmented tools and create a truly integrated digital experience.
The industry has been talking about omnichannel retail for years, but now it’s about executing a cohesive, unified commerce strategy where all digital elements work in sync. Grocers who streamline their digital platforms will see higher engagement, improved customer retention, and increased operational efficiency.
Retailers Need Trust, Not False Promises
A recurring theme at NGA 2025 was the need for trustworthy partners and actionable analytics. Many independent grocers have been sold grand promises of easy-to-run digital programs, only to find that the reality is far more complex.
Casie Broker, CMO of Price Chopper Kansas City, pointed out that the number one digital challenge for retailers is a lack of resources. When retailers are this stretched, they need partners who they can lean on as an extension of their team. Secondarily, they also need easy-to-understand analytics that can help guide their decisions and investments.
Beyond limited internal bandwidth, retailers also shared frustrations about technology providers that failed to deliver on their commitments. But, it wasn’t all negative by any means.
Harps Food and Lowe’s Market, two Webstop partners, shared their own experiences from the NGA stage, emphasizing how strong partnerships and the right technology providers can ease internal strain and improve the digital experience.
The key takeaway? Retailers need partners who not only provide solutions but also actively support their execution.
It’s an Uphill Battle, But No One is Losing Hope
Independent grocers face more competition than ever, fighting for every shopping trip in a landscape dominated by national chains.
But the energy at NGA 2025 made one thing clear: this industry isn’t backing down.
The show was a powerful reminder that independents have a unique value proposition. Their deep community ties, personalized service, and flexibility can’t be replicated by corporate giants.
During the opening keynote, Retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral William McRaven shared a compelling message: As long as you have hope, you can keep going. While he was referring to the Navy SEALs, the sentiment resonated deeply with attendees. Independent grocers may face steep challenges, but they are resourceful, resilient, and committed to evolving.
Final Thoughts
From unified commerce strategies to digital-first retail solutions, the NGA Show 2025 made it clear that independent grocers are stepping up to the challenge. Those who embrace digital transformation, prioritize trust in their technology partners, and refine their operations for a seamless customer experience will thrive in the years ahead.
- A unified digital experience that eliminates fragmented tools
- Retail media networks that drive new revenue streams
- Personalized marketing strategies to boost shopper loyalty
- AI-driven insights that optimize operations and promotions
Stay tuned for more insights from Webstop as we continue to help grocers navigate the digital future!
For a copy of the slide deck from our presentations, reach out to shawn@webstop.com!