Bashas' Plans Summit for Navajo Businesses Interested in Selling Products in Stores

Navajo business owners, growers and producers interested in selling their products at Bashas’ Family of Stores will have the chance to learn the ins and outs about partnering with the grocer during an inaugural Vendor Summit. The event, presented in partnership with the Dineh Chamber of Commerce and Diné College, will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Diné College campus in Tsaile, Arizona.

During the summit, attendees will meet Bashas’ buyers and learn the unique process and critical components required to become a valued vendor partner. Prospective vendors will also hear directly from Bashas’ leadership and experts from Change Labs, which provides entrepreneurial resources and support. Additional breakout sessions will take a deep dive into crucial business development topics such as product launch, distribution, and food safety and regulation.

Representatives from St. Mary’s Food Bank’s Tribal Food Box will also be on hand to share details about their culturally relevant food distribution program, as well as their ability to purchase directly from local grocers and producers to supply their food boxes.

Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.

Since opening its first Diné Market more than 40 years ago, Bashas’ has been a collaborative member of the Navajo Nation, supporting community programs and partnerships. This first-ever Vendor Summit is about connecting directly with Navajo-owned businesses, supporting entrepreneurship and economic development. The event provides a clear path for Navajo vendors to reach more buyers and build their business with a trusted partner.

Bashas’ is one of very few non-Native-American retailers with stores on the Navajo Nation. In 1982, Bashas’ opened its first reservation store in Chinle, followed by Tuba City in 1983, Kayenta in 1985, Window Rock in 1989, Crownpoint, New Mexico, in 1990, Pinon in 1993, and Dilkon in 2002. An eighth store in Sanders opened in 2018 and the ninth location was opened in 2021 in Shiprock, New Mexico.

Pre-registration is required; no day-of or walk-up registrations will be offered. In addition, limited spaces are available; registration will be capped at 100 attendees. Registration can be completed online now at bit.ly/BashasVendorSummit.

Bashas’ Family of Stores is a division of The Raley’s Companies. The grocer operates in Arizona, New Mexico, and four Tribal Nations under five well-known brands including Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store, and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets. Founded in 1932, the grocer has a rich history of serving families with quality products and great customer service. With more than 100 supermarkets in Arizona, Bashas’ is one of the largest employers in the state and one of the Best Places to Work. Bashas’ has given back more than $100 million to the communities it serves. For more information, visit bashas.com.

Category: Community | Local / Community