Three AWG Member Retailers Recognized at NGA Creative Choice Awards for Showcasing AWG Brands

Awards program celebrates excellence in marketing and merchandising.

Three AWG member retailers were recognized recently at the 2025 National Grocers Association (NGA) Show’s Creative Choice Awards. This annual awards program highlights outstanding marketing and merchandising efforts in the supermarket industry, recognizing creative and innovative strategies that engage customers and drive results.

The winning AWG stores included:

• GES Inc. Edwards Cash Savers of Arkansas – winner in the Private Label/Store Brands category
• Moose’s Market of Higginsville, Mo. – winner in the Center Store/Frozen category
• Rhodes Family Price Chopper of Branson, Mo. – honorable mention in the Center Store/Frozen category

Edwards Cash Saver stores won in a new category to the Creative Choice Awards: Private Label/Store Brands, which evaluated how stores leverage their unique private brand products through creative marketing and merchandising. Edwards Cash Savers effectively integrated its Always Save and Best Choice private brands across multiple touchpoints, including ads, digital marketing, app features, in-store signage, and displays to drive awareness and sales. Additionally, the stores’ community outreach through its holiday giving program further solidified Edwards Cash Savers’ commitment to building customer loyalty and trust.

Moose’s Market earned recognition for showcasing private brands through attention-grabbing displays and engaging end caps, which effectively conveyed value and often featured a giant stuffed moose mascot, adding an element of fun to the store. Owner Amy Parnell, who operates the single-store business, credited the win to the collaborative efforts of her team and the strong support from the AWG family.

“Many thanks to my parents for giving me the opportunities and inspiration to create and present my single market as if it were 25,” said Parnell. “Thanks to the wonderful supporting staff at AWG for always answering the call with solutions, options, and treating us as a partner instead of just store #25. Thanks to our tremendous staff at Moose’s Market for executing our vision without fail, and presenting a storefront that consistently meets our customers’ expectations. We could not do it without you! And, lastly, thank you to the wonderful community of Higginsville, Mo. for supporting your local small business and allowing us to serve them.”

Similar to Moose’s Market, Price Chopper incorporated its store mascot, Frugal Frank, into its merchandising efforts, creating fun and engaging displays that highlighted the flagship private brand, Best Choice. With bold signage and product displays, Price Chopper successfully communicated the value and quality of its private brand to customers.

“These awards highlight the exceptional efforts of our member retailers to connect with consumers and showcase the value of their offerings in creative and engaging ways,” said Tye Anthony, AWG’s Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer. “We’re incredibly proud of these retailers, and their success is a shining example of what’s possible through creative marketing and merchandising in today’s competitive grocery industry.”

AWG celebrates the outstanding achievements of these retailers and their contribution to the independent grocery industry. Their innovative approaches are enhancing consumer engagement, increasing private brands awareness, and driving customer loyalty.