(NAFB News Service) A University of Illinois Extension educator has been studying the plight of small-town grocery stores. John Shadowens began studying the issue five years ago. He says it’s a challenging business model, but he believes there is a future for those type of operations
Speaking of changes, some unique concepts have gained his attention.
Shadowens says that independent grocers may also have to adjust if a chain like Dollar General arrives in town.
He says he’s seeing more examples of owners accepting change and doing things differently to sustain their businesses long term.
John Shadowens, along with us. He’s a Community and Economic Development Educator with the University of Illinois Extension. He hosted an independent grocer summit in rural southern Illinois earlier this month.
Audio from Jim Taylor, RFD Radio Network, Bloomington, Illinois
Audio with John Shadowens, Extension Community and Economic Development Educator, University of Illinois
