IGA USA Retailers of the Year Nick, Greg, and Kari Hansen of Hansen's IGA Markets

The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has awarded Nick, Greg, and Kari Hansen, owners of Hansen's IGA Market in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, with the IGA USA Retailer of the Year and the NRAB Chairman Excellence in Leadership Awards.

IGA CEO John Ross, Nick Hansen, Kari Hansen, Greg Hansen, and IGA Chairperson Mark Batenic (left to right)

The Hansens were recognized at the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony on February 24, 2025 in Las Vegas along with seven other U.S. retailers and IGA Australia and South Africa's Retailers of the Year. The awards are the highest honors IGA bestows upon its retailer members and are presented annually to grocers who have best provided leadership and excellence in their communities. Hansen's IGA Markets was nominated by their licensed distribution center Associated Wholesale Grocers.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the Hansens and their 14 Wisconsin stores.

Hansen's IGA Markets have grown from a single store opening in 1968 to a 14-store regional chain in 2025, with stores from the shores of Lake Michigan in southeast Wisconsin to Chequamegon Bay on Lake Superior 370 miles north. With over 650 full- and part-time employees, the store is now led by brothers Nick and Greg Hansen and Greg's wife Kari Hansen, who have earned IGA's 2025 USA Retailer of the Year title. 

The Hansens are surrounded by their team during IGA CEO John Ross' visit to the Elkhorn location.

From the moment one walks in to Hansen's IGA Market, they are greeted by a bright and beautifully merchandising produce department with a huge range of cut fruits and vegetables, bundle packs, and more clever merchandising and innovation everywhere.

Turn the corner into the deli department, and shoppers can’t help but be floored by the incredible range, creativity, and quality offerings. That effort extends to all departments — the meat department and scratch bakery make the word "artisan" feel weak by comparison.

Hansen's IGA Market has perfected smoked meats in their commissary in Bangor. The Bangor Smokehouse supplies all 14 stores with fresh bratwurst, smoked bacon, summer sausage, double smoked hams, jerkies, and many other delicacies. Their signature double smoked bone-in hams are a customer favorite during holidays. Being a destination for smoked meats in Wisconsin sets an extremely high standard that no others have been able to replicate.

With so many moving parts, not everyone can run a store (or 14!) like the Hansens do and deliver consistent high quality and value. Their leadership team is focused on continuous improvement, demonstrated in their embracement of modern technology, social media, and digital marketing and relationships with suppliers like volume commitments to egg producers to maintain supply and lower costs. Hansen's IGA Markets are the example of what a modern, high quality grocer should be.