Orcas Island Market named 2026 IGA USA Centennial Retailer of the Year

||| FROM JESSICA VICIAN for IGA |||

Orcas Island Market has been named a 2026 IGA USA Centennial Retailer of the Year, an honor recognizing independent grocery retailers who demonstrate excellence in operations, innovation, employee development, and community leadership.

Presented by the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), the Retailer of the Year award recognizes independently owned grocery stores nominated by their Licensed Distribution Centers and selected for outstanding store operations, innovative merchandising and branding, strong community engagement, and commitment to serving customers and employees.

For Orcas Island Market, nominated by J.B. Gottstein, the recognition reflects more than a century of service to the Orcas Island community. The store’s family of grocers has been serving residents since 1897 and is now operated by the fifth generation of the Linnes family.

“Being named an IGA Centennial Retailer of the Year is incredibly meaningful for our family and our team,” said Jacob Linnes, co-owner of Orcas Island Market. “For nearly 130 years, our mission has been to connect our community through food and service. This recognition honors the people who make that mission possible every day.”

The store’s mission — “A family of grocers devoted to the time-honored tradition of connecting our community, one bag at a time” — guides every aspect of its operations, from employee culture to community partnerships.

With more than 90 year-round employees, Orcas Island Market focuses heavily on building a workplace culture where team members feel respected, supported and empowered to grow professionally. Leadership regularly gathers employee feedback through annual surveys and uses the results to strengthen the work environment and customer experience.

“Our employees are the heart of this store,” said Jason Linnes, co-owner of Orcas Island Market. “If we want to create the best experience for customers, we must create the best place for people to work. When our team feels valued and empowered, they naturally take incredible care of the community we serve.”

Operating on a remote island also requires innovation and strong partnerships. The store works closely with suppliers to maintain reliable inventory despite ferry transportation and geographic challenges, while also prioritizing partnerships with local producers throughout the San Juan Islands.

“Island retail presents unique challenges, but it also creates unique opportunities to strengthen relationships,” Jacob Linnes said. “Supporting local producers and keeping dollars circulating in our island economy is one of the most meaningful ways we can serve our community.”

Environmental responsibility is another defining part of the store’s operations. Orcas Island Market works to minimize waste and energy use through programs such as backhauling food waste to be converted into energy, heat recovery systems, LED lighting investments and stormwater management improvements.

Community partnerships also play a central role in the store’s identity. Orcas Island Market supports local education, arts, athletics and social service organizations while working directly with youth programs and community nonprofits to improve food access and fundraising efforts.

One example is the store’s Happy Healthy Kids program, which provides grocery discounts to youth organizations to help ensure island children have access to nutritious food.

The store also partners with local nonprofits and schools to support student programs and community services.

“At the end of the day, we’re not just a grocery store — we’re part of the fabric of this island,” Jason Linnes said. “Everything we do comes back to strengthening the community we’re proud to call home.”

As part of the Centennial recognition, IGA President and CEO John Ross will visit Orcas Island Market on March 11 to celebrate the achievement with store leadership, employees and community members. 

Throughout 2026, IGA will highlight the Centennial Retailers of the Year across its national platforms and formally recognize them at the IGA Centennial Awards of Excellence Gala in September.

Founded in 1926, IGA is a global alliance of independently owned and operated grocery retailers dedicated to local ownership, community service and retail excellence.