Inflation pressures Valley grocery stores already fighting to compete

With inflation on the rise once again, small grocery stores across Ohio are bracing for another round of economic pressure—this time at a moment when many are already struggling to stay competitive.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for everyday goods are trending back up, while wages—boosted during the height of the pandemic—are falling back to pre-COVID levels. For independent grocers, that means higher costs to stock shelves while customers have less to spend.

“It makes it a little difficult in regards to our sales, because nobody wants to keep on paying more for everything,” said Chryl Nelson, assistant manager at the Marc’s grocery store in Boardman. “Everybody keeps complaining. And it’s terrible because… there's a whole chain before it even gets to the shelf.”

Nelson said she and her team are working closely with suppliers to hold sales and manage demand. But as prices rise, small stores can’t always offer the same variety or low costs as their big-name competitors.

“We just have to do our best to work with our suppliers, keep our store stocked, and keep up with trends and seasonal items,” Nelson said. “That way people can get what they need and still try to save a little bit of money.”

Kristin Mullins, President and CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association, said the impact is felt across the state—and especially among independents.

“That really puts that smaller, independent at risk,” Mullins said. “They just can't absorb that cost.”

She said larger chains can hold off on raising prices and weather short-term losses. But smaller grocers operate on razor-thin margins—typically just one percent—and rely heavily on foot traffic to stay afloat.

“When fewer people walk through the door, it really hurts,” Mullins added. “And if they can’t offer competitive pricing, they lose out.”

In Boardman, Nelson echoed that concern, especially as big-box stores continue to draw away customers.

“Places like Walmart and Meijer are all flashy and have things we don’t have,” she said. “But we’re a local store—and the more you put into your local stores, the more that gets put back into your local towns and your state.”

Both Nelson and Mullins hope customers will remember that shopping local doesn’t just support businesses—it strengthens communities.