Working in partnership with Western Illinois University (WIU) through the Illinois Grocer Initiative, the CED team in Unit 27 (Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union counties in southern Illinois) conducted a statewide survey of independently owned grocery stores. This survey sought to better understand these store’s long-term viability and pain points as they try trying to compete with retail grocery giants. hey crafted a 15-item survey and distributed it via the Extension network, grocery warehouses, direct mail, and email. Sixty-one stores responded.
Additionally, this team hosted “Independent Grocer Summits” in seven communities throughout the state in partnership with various state Senators and local Extension offices. Over 30 store owners and managers attended these listening sessions where CED Educator John Shadowens reviewed key survey findings and gathered narrative insights from attendees during the 90-minute discussions.
The survey data and narrative responses were compiled into a comprehensive report submitted to WIU in October 2024. This report will likely be featured in a broader report to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois General Assembly, addressing the state of the independent grocery industry and the growing issue of food deserts in rural and urban communities.
Illinois Extension Greene County Grocer Survey Report (video)
University of Illinois Extension