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Trade show season is in full swing, and at Superfridge and Ephex, we’re thrilled to share the latest trends and opportunities shaping the grocery and retail industries. From reconnecting with valued clients to meeting new partners in the supermarket and CPG sectors, the energy at FMI Midwinter and the NGA Show was incredible.
We’ve also had the privilege of engaging with forward-thinking store managers and directors at the Retailer Summit with Associated Supermarket Group, as well as Food Shows hosted by Tops Friendly Markets and Certco. These events are a testament to the innovative spirit of the grocery world – and we’re proud to be part of it.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to “chill out” with us. From irresistible ice cream bars to energy drinks and snacks, we created a buzz among attendees, highlighting how our turnkey Superfridge solutions paired with digital signage that add impact in retail spaces.
But the experience didn’t stop there. We also showcased Ephex’s cutting-edge in-store music and audio advertising capabilities, illustrating how a full-sensory approach can elevate shopper engagement and drive meaningful sales growth.
Transform Your Store Experience
Superfridge and Ephex are dedicated to helping you redefine what’s possible in your retail environment. Whether it’s creating eye-catching promotions or turning the shopping trip into an immersive journey, our solutions are designed to help you stand out in a competitive market.
Let’s work together to bring your vision to life. Reach out to discover how we can transform your store and enhance the customer experience.
Here are key takeaways from the recent shows:
Tom O’Reilly, CEO of Superfridge & Ephex
I was impressed by the optimism of the majority of friends and colleagues I spoke with. Despite concerns about tariffs, inflation, and the need to embrace new technologies, grocers are resilient!
Our team is inspired to help grocers adapt and excel. That’s why we’ve created solutions like the Navigator Hub and Merchandising App – tools to seamlessly connect retailers with their departments, CPG partners, and consumers for greater efficiency and engagement.
At the NGA Show, IGA CEO John Ross described the reason independent grocers are positioned for faster growth in the next decade. I echo his sentiment when he said, “It’s our ability to take care of our shoppers and our associates the way we take care of our own family.”
Dana Blessing, President, Ephex
To thrive in today’s competitive market, grocers must go beyond elevating the shopper journey – they must fully own the customer experience. This means building brand awareness, reinforcing their unique value, and creating a retail environment that shoppers can’t resist.
With cutting-edge in-store media innovations, retailers have the tools to inform, engage, and delight shoppers like never before. Think upbeat music that sets the mood, vibrant digital promotions that pop, and eye-catching signage that highlights special offers, seasonal items, and hyper-local campaigns. These dynamic tools turn ordinary stores into exciting destinations where shoppers are eager to spend their time—and money.
LeeAnn Taylor, VP of Sales & Business Development, Ephex
The NGA Show’s opening keynote, delivered by Admiral William H. McRaven, was a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork. Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Navy Four-Star admiral, he highlighted how collaboration was key to his greatest successes, including the capture of Saddam Hussein.
Teamwork is equally vital for grocers. It’s what makes their stores inviting destinations, builds loyalty, and secures profitability. At Ephex, teamwork is our core strength. We don’t just provide solutions, we become an integral part of your team.
By working closely with our clients, we help them gain a deeper understanding of their shoppers and tailor in-store media solutions to meet their specific needs. From music to advertising to signage, we ensure each store’s unique character shines through, enhancing customer experience and driving sales.
Rich Keiser, VP, Retail Partnerships, Superfridge
At NGA, IROAS (Incremental Return on Advertising Spend) was a major focus – CPG brands need to prove their promotions generate true incremental sales, not just shifts in existing volume. But for independent grocers, this is especially challenging in frozen and refrigerated categories, where merchandising can be complex and traditional in-store promotions often fall short.
At Superfridge, we solve this by combining store-level data with Circana syndicated data, meeting strict requirements to measure true incrementality. One regional grocer recently saw a 96.6% sales lift – without changing pricing or operations – simply by placing high-velocity frozen and refrigerated SKUs in a turnkey freezer solution funded by national brands.
For retailers, this means higher sales, larger basket sizes, and additional trade funding – without the typical execution headaches of promoting frozen and refrigerated items. Superfridge delivers proven, data-backed growth in categories that are historically tough to merchandise.
Allie O’Leary, VP, Retail Partnerships, Superfridge
Retail Media Networks dominated conversations at recent events, with an emphasis on the power of data-driven shopper targeting.
While online shopping steadily grows, most consumers still prefer the personal touch of their local grocery store. This is where in-store media excels, bridging the gap between digital experiences and physical retail.
Supermarkets are transforming into critical “third spaces” where communities come together. From hosting events like chili cookoffs and cooking classes to collaborating with local nonprofits, grocery stores are fostering loyalty by becoming more than just a place to shop—they’re becoming hubs for connection.
Tim Walker, VP, Retail Partnerships, Superfridge
Grocers are making bold moves when it comes to modernizing store design and adopting technology to transform the shopping experience.
The store of the future is already here, combining convenience, personalization, and innovation to create competitive advantages.
I’m excited to support our retail partners as they reimagine their stores and craft trailblazing environments to meet consumer and marketplace demands.
As you can see, the takeaways from recent events underscore the grocery industry’s remarkable progress. Our team at Superfridge and Ephex are proud to partner with food retailers and CPG manufacturers. We understand the challenges ahead and we’re here to help you elevate your stores, delight your shoppers, and drive lasting growth.
Please reach out to learn more, get a free consultation, and schedule an In-Store Media Audit.