07/13/2021

Ohio Shoppers May Soon Pay More for Groceries

OGA defends the decision to raise prices

Most small and medium-sized grocery stores are operating on razor-thin profit margins, as low as 1 or 2 percent. So seemingly minor price fluctuations can have a major impact, and they try to minimize the sticker shock whenever possible.

"It's an individual decision, it's not one that's taken lightly," said Kristin Mullins, president and CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association (OGA). "They do take a long time to decide what they're going to do."

Mullins said the supply chain is in good shape right now, but there are still some challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, some smaller grocers have no choice but to raise prices, hoping customers remain loyal. The latest consumer price index for food shows a 2.2 percent increase over the past year.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Fox 8-Cleveland.