I got verklempt reading this. When I opened New City Market in Chicago in the 80s, we were exactly this. 50% Supplements that took up 25% of the space due to dollar density of the merchandise. We had a nutritionist on staff to sell and counsel people, and we ‘paid the rent’ with supplement sales so we could be 100% virtuous in the grocery aisles, subsidized, really. We had picked the right neighborhood and we knew it. So did Whole Foods Market who came to town 2 blocks away and then bought up the Fresh Fields stores and I knew we were toast. I left to join the vendor side of the industry and my prior business partner lasted a few more years but WFM eroded the customer base and the store went under. I’m so glad NGVC is still doing this, though I wish there was one near me. On the bright side, after 10 years of trying, the Wild Onion Co-op opened a few months ago 2 blocks from my house. So full circle, back shopping small format and I hope the Co-op succeeds. Chicago has never been a co-op town; maybe we’ll get lucky this time.
I couldnt agree more with your take on Natural Grocers, Errol. They have been a great fit for Equal Exchange bulk coffee and they work with Cornucopia Institute to carry their OG scorecards for shoppers who want to do more research on the brands they carry. Still independent and family owned at their scale. Because they are publicly traded you can access their financials and management reports. They make hard decisions to close a few stores as they open new locations and appear to (gasp!) invest back in the business instead of stock buy backs! it is the 70s! thank goodness they are here to remind us of how the grocery business can still be.
Curious to know if the A2 genetics trend/claims are valid in your opinion. Seems to be gaining a bit more traction (e.g. Hershey's A2 chocolate milk) in addition to the availability of non fluid dairy products like yogurt, butter, cheese, whey protein etc.
I got verklempt reading this. When I opened New City Market in Chicago in the 80s, we were exactly this. 50% Supplements that took up 25% of the space due to dollar density of the merchandise. We had a nutritionist on staff to sell and counsel people, and we ‘paid the rent’ with supplement sales so we could be 100% virtuous in the grocery aisles, subsidized, really. We had picked the right neighborhood and we knew it. So did Whole Foods Market who came to town 2 blocks away and then bought up the Fresh Fields stores and I knew we were toast. I left to join the vendor side of the industry and my prior business partner lasted a few more years but WFM eroded the customer base and the store went under. I’m so glad NGVC is still doing this, though I wish there was one near me. On the bright side, after 10 years of trying, the Wild Onion Co-op opened a few months ago 2 blocks from my house. So full circle, back shopping small format and I hope the Co-op succeeds. Chicago has never been a co-op town; maybe we’ll get lucky this time.
I couldnt agree more with your take on Natural Grocers, Errol. They have been a great fit for Equal Exchange bulk coffee and they work with Cornucopia Institute to carry their OG scorecards for shoppers who want to do more research on the brands they carry. Still independent and family owned at their scale. Because they are publicly traded you can access their financials and management reports. They make hard decisions to close a few stores as they open new locations and appear to (gasp!) invest back in the business instead of stock buy backs! it is the 70s! thank goodness they are here to remind us of how the grocery business can still be.
Curious to know if the A2 genetics trend/claims are valid in your opinion. Seems to be gaining a bit more traction (e.g. Hershey's A2 chocolate milk) in addition to the availability of non fluid dairy products like yogurt, butter, cheese, whey protein etc.
Sure. Devil in the milk is a good read. Thanks for checking in.