Independent Operator

Independent supermarkets must be innovative and distinguished in the marketplace. We have the contacts, resources and education programs you need to grow your business.  

Independent Operator Newsletter

Monthly, FMI sends resources and updates geared to the food retail independent operator covering all areas of the food industry.



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Store Operations Webinar Series

FMI has partnered with grocery industry specialist Harold Lloyd to present an educational webinar series focused on many facets of store operations. The content of these webinars helps stores and teams operate at their greatest. These interactive virtual meetings help equip store directors, store managers, and others with invaluable insights and tools to make their roles easier and more effective

Store Operations Series: The Concept of Flow and Focus

Sep 14, 2021
This session will demonstrate how to better manage the FLOW of shoppers from the entrance of the store to the checkout, and how to control their FOCUS on items we want to sell, in the optimum order we would like to sell ...

Creating a Great First and LASTing Impression

Jul 23, 2021
The First and LASTing Impression of your business has almost nothing to do with the products or services you ...

You and Your Back Door Receiver: How to Maximize Your Store's Performance and Your Relationship with Your Receiving Manager

May 17, 2021
To Harold Lloyd, the three most important positions in a supermarket are: 1. The Store Manager. That’s easy to understand. 2. The Front End Manager. OK, I guess. 3. The Back Door Receiver. Wait. What? That’s right! No one else in the store has more ...

Store Directors Virtual Group: The Two Sides of the 'Leadership Coin'

Apr 5, 2021
The two sides of the “Leadership Coin” are Employee Recognition and Progressive Discipline. Most managers today fail to realize that these extremely vital management tools are ongoing processes and not one-time events. In most cases, we fail to ...

Store Directors Virtual Group: The Most Important Hour of Your Work Week

Nov 17, 2020
Building on Harold Lloyd’s emphasis on the importance of strong communications within your store, in this latest episode, Harold will explore the significance of the Most Important Hour of Your Work Week: the Weekly Department Manager ...

Store Directors Virtual Group: Employee Morale: Do You Know How Happy Your Employees Are?

Sep 25, 2020
Harold Lloyd dives deep to help you quantify your current employees’ morale and make sure they are set up for a happy and successful career in your ...

Self Disruption: A Path to Future Competitiveness and Profitability

During a meeting of the FMI Independent Operator Committee a presentation was given on how the retail competitive landscape continues to evolve at an increasing pace with no slowdown projected through 2025. The Committee will continue to address the ongoing scale of retail disruption coupled with the key enablers, which drive real and profitable growth going forward. 

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Share Groups

FMI hosts multiple events to link non-competitors in share groups across the country. These groups allow food retail professionals in similar subject areas to convene in specialized forums and engage in issue-specific dialogue.

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