St. Maries grocer named 2026 USA centennial retailer of the year

ST. MARIES — Archie’s IGA is a 2026 Independent Grocers Alliance USA Centennial Retailer of the Year. The award recognizes the independent grocery store for "outstanding community leadership, customer service and commitment to independent retail excellence," a press release shared Tuesday read.

For Archie’s IGA owner Brian McGregor, the recognition reflects nearly four decades of service to the St. Maries community and a commitment to keeping the store at the heart of local life. 

“Being named an IGA Centennial Retailer of the Year is an incredible honor for our entire team,” McGregor said. “We’ve always believed that a grocery store should be more than a place to buy food — it should be a place that brings the community together and supports the people who live here.”

The honor recognizes independently owned grocery retailers nominated by their Licensed Distribution Centers and selected for operational excellence, innovation, community engagement and exceptional service to customers and employees. 

Archie’s IGA, which opened in 1986 in St. Maries, operates with a simple philosophy: take care of customers, take care of employees and take care of the community. 

"The store has built its reputation combining the amenities of a modern supermarket with the personal service and atmosphere of a small-town gathering place," the press release read.

“Our customers aren’t just shoppers, they’re our neighbors and friends,” McGregor said. “That means going the extra mile, whether it’s helping carry groceries to a car, delivering groceries to someone who can’t make it to the store, or simply taking the time to talk.” 

Under McGregor’s leadership, the store has invested heavily in technology and improvements to enhance the shopping experience, including digital coupon programs, loyalty rewards, store renovations and updated refrigeration systems. These upgrades have helped drive strong growth in both sales and customer visits while maintaining the store’s personal, community-focused approach. 

Archie’s IGA is perhaps best known locally for its extensive community involvement, as it supports dozens of events and organizations each year and regularly hosts fundraising activities. 

In the past year alone, Archie’s IGA has supported more than 60 community events and organizations and helped expand the Bite2Go program, which provides food to students experiencing food insecurity on weekends. Through events such as the store’s annual Turkey Bowling fundraiser, the community has raised thousands of dollars to sustain the program and support local families.

“In a small town like St. Maries, everyone looks out for each other,” McGregor said. “If there’s a cause that needs support or a family that needs help, our store and our team want to be part of the solution.” 

McGregor is also personally involved in numerous community organizations, including the high school booster club, the BetterCare hospital fundraising board, and the Junior Show & Sale committee, which supports local 4-H and FFA youth. 

“Independent grocery stores succeed when their communities succeed,” McGregor said. “If we can help strengthen this town and support the people who live here, then we know we’re doing our job.” 

As part of the Centennial recognition, IGA President and CEO John Ross will visit Archie’s IGA this Friday at 8 a.m. to celebrate the achievement with store leadership, employees and members of the community. 

IGA will also spotlight Centennial Retailers of the Year on its national platforms throughout the year and formally recognize them at the IGA Centennial Awards of Excellence Gala in September.