The NGA Foundation, in conjunction with the Food Industry University Coalition, brings student teams from across the country to The NGA Show to participate in the annual Student Case Study Competition and other student programs. This experience gives students studying food marketing, agricultural economics, and supply chain, a firsthand look into the dynamic independent grocery industry, and a valuable networking opportunity. Additionally, the NGA Foundation provides opportunities for students to showcase their knowledge and skills.

2023 Information Coming Soon!

Woodman's currently has 19 stores spanning from Northern Wisconsin to the greater Chicago area in Illinois.  Today's stores average 230,000 square feet - almost 400 times the size of the original store! In addition to huge selections of grocery items, stores feature a large liquor selection, online shopping with pick-up & delivery services, and gas stations with oil change centers. Although the stores have changed over the years, the mission to provide customers with the best prices, selection, and service remains the same.
Woodman's has always remained headquartered in Janesville, WI.  After outgrowing the original office, a new corporate office building was built adjacent to the Janesville store in 2009.

As many retailers have rushed to offer online delivery and pick-up as an option, especially during the 2020 pandemic, the approach of selling food on multiple platforms may sometimes be seen as an adjunct to the “regular” shopping experience, instead of an additional offer in an omnichannel approach to serving customers.  A seamless journey through all channels of operation is the customer engagement and loyalty goal.  Now, adding to the complexity, there are multiple touchpoints in the shopper journey, more robust customer loyalty data available than ever, and customers adding more of a multi-channel approach to their shopping journey: in-store, online, social sites, comparison shopping engines, etc.  Inventory management, customer data management, and attracting customer attention are now more difficult than ever.

• What is the optimal setup for a complete and seamless multi-channel platform for Woodman’s Markets today and in the future?
• Considering return on investment, what are good, better, best scenarios for Woodman’s Markets to consider, to ensure they are on-trend for the next five years’ evolution of shopping?
• What must be addressed when considering the supply chain aspect of online and in-store ordering, fulfillment, and inventory management?
• How can the proposed scenarios be profitable, and ensure Woodman’s Markets does not lose its focus on the incredible in-store experience offered today?

Student teams will present their findings on-site at The NGA Show in a bracket-style competition beginning Sunday, February 27th, and culminating in a final session with the top two schools on Tuesday, March 1.

Student teams from the Food Industry University Coalition will explore the optimal setup for a complete and seamless multi-channel platform for Woodman’s Markets today and in the future.

• Sunday 2:00 - 4:00 PM Forum Rooms 106-112
• Monday 2:00 - 3:30 PM Forum Rooms 108-112
• Tuesday 2:15 - 3:00 PM Forum 115-116

Student panelists will answer your questions on anything related to the food industry and how they align with the expectations of the younger generations. Please take advantage of this great opportunity to learn from the next generation.  

• Monday 4:15 - 4:45 PM in the Thought Leadership Theater 

Students deliver their quick pitch on the products and services that stood out to them most among this year’s exhibitors.
Exhibitors: be sure to connect with the students for your chance to be featured on stage!

• Tuesday 12:15 - 12:45 PM in the Thought Leadership Theater 

For more information, please visit the NGA Foundation.