This year’s Retailer of the Year award skipped the corporate chains and landed with one of the country’s most trusted family-operated companies, Natural Grocers. Store Brands, a trusted industry website that tracks innovation and performance in private-label retail, announced the news on December 29th, saying the company’s dedication to affordable, healthy, high-quality items and expansion of its private-label products made it stand out among the competition. Natural Grocers responded to the award in a statement, writing, “Being recognized as Retailer of the Year by such a trusted publication within the industry is a proud moment for our team and a testament to the thoughtful work we do every day for our customers and communities.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natural Grocers (@naturalgrocers) While the company has been in business since 1955, it wasn’t until 2016 that it launched its private-label items, which include household goods, foods, body care products, and supplements. “Our private-label products are more than affordable options—they represent our values in action,” Raquel Isely, vice president of marketing at Natural Grocers, said. “Being recognized as Retailer of the Year by such a trusted publication within the industry is a proud moment for our team and a testament to the thoughtful work we do every day for our customers and communities.” Last year, Sprouts Farmers Market took the crown for Retailer of the Year. In 2023, Sam’s Club was the winner. Kroger and H-E-B have also earned the title. Natural Grocers is based in Lakewood, Colorado, and operates 168 stores throughout the Southwest, Midwest, and Mountain West. This story’s featured image is by Ninthgrid via Pexels.