Celebrating Excellence: Independent Grocers Powered by AppCard Honored at 2026 SpartanNash Expo

At the 2026 SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo, independent grocers demonstrated that deep community roots and modern digital transformation are a winning combination. Leading the way in retail innovation, independent grocers powered by AppCard claimed the majority of awards presented in the prestigious Vision Awards category.

The Vision Awards recognize exceptional retailers that seamlessly blend local legacy with modern customer engagement. Demonstrating the power of data-driven shopper insights, AppCard-powered grocers secured 3 out of the 5 top honors in this flagship category:

• Oleson's Food Stores — serving Northern Michigan since 1926
• Leppinks Food Centers — serving West Michigan since 1928
• Lueken's Village Foods — serving Minnesota since 1966

These achievements highlight a defining trend in today's grocery landscape: independent retailers do not have to choose between honoring their legacy and staying competitive. By leveraging modern loyalty platforms, personalized digital offers, and shopper analytics, local grocers can drive measurable growth while maintaining their deep community ties. Initiatives like Leppinks Rewards serve as direct proof, scaling to over 46,000 active shoppers.

When century-old roots meet modern technology, independent grocers win. Congratulations to Oleson's, Leppinks, and Lueken's on this well-deserved industry recognition!

To learn more about the Vision Award honorees and event details, visit the official coverage on Progressive Grocer and the SpartanNash Expo Awards Page .