Associated Grocers gives more than 300 independent grocers in five United States the power to buy in bulk. The company serves independent retailers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas and Alabama. It offers services such as retail accounting, advertising, equipment and design services, engineering, marketing, retail technology, procurement and merchandising. Each member store is expected to operate solely within its geographic area and generate more than $20,000 in sales each week. A majority of the company s products are provided by Shurfine International, which has more than 10,000 food items representing eight brand lines. Associated Grocers was founded in 1950 by 17 members stores. It has headquarters in Baton Rouge, La.