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September 1, 2009Ukrop’s coming to Shockoe?
Another from the wtvr video vault: a January 13, 1995, story speculating that Ukrop’s was coming to Shockoe Bottom. Remind me how that turned out again? 67 Responses to “Ukrop’s coming to Shockoe?”Share a CommentPlease remember that you are talking to your neighbors.
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So they wouldn’t be buying The Market? They would be building someplace else? That would put The Market out of business pretty quick I think.
[...] has vintage news footage speculating a Ukrop’s store in Shockoe Bottom. Oh, if [...]
Johnny Johnson claimed he had some sort of rights to the city and Ukrops should not come into his so called territory. Ukrops backed off, Richfood backed Johnson for the Market, then it went out of business, so Richfood took it over. I may have some parts wrong but I am just trying to piece it together from memory. I am no big fan of Ukrops but it would be better than the rotting fruit of the Market. The only thing the Market has going for it is no competition. If they put a trader joes in next door, the market would be out of business in two months. Something will come in eventually. Too bad the Church Hill Market never happened. Would be nice to have a small, clean, neighborhood joint to buy some local stuff. Don’t even get me started on the Farmer’s Market. Needs a complete overhaul.
The Market is also overpriced, however, the work staff is very kind.
Brett #3, my memory is pretty much same as yours. Except I think, could be wrong, but didn’t Ukrops loan him some money, like 200,000, for the market? And I clearly recall one of the Ukrop’s cousins somehow being involved originally then backing out.
And somehow Supervalu ended up being the owners, after Richfood. Did Richfood get bought by Supervalu?
Actually, word was that Ukrop’s backed Mr. Johnson, which is why his market looked so much like the Ukrop’s stores of the era, even down to the signage.
Seems I remmber that Mr. Johnson was VERY disappointed when Ukrop’s brothers weren’t at the grand opening.
As far as the Famers Market overhaul, be careful what you ask for. it was a going concern 24/7 before the City got involved and ran all the farmers out in order to “clean it up”.
And the plain fact is, what with all the successful farm outlets popping up all over like the great South of the James market, we don’t need to be spending any more tax payer dollars on that ungrateful lawsuit happy crew down in Shockoe Bottom.
Enough is enough.
The Market is horribly overpriced with little selection – especially in produce. Something else would be fantastic!
@Daniel – The video is from 1995.
I thought Ukrops was selling? I would rather see a specialty store (like a natural foods chain) rather than another grocery store. I agree that it would hurt the Market even if it doesn’t open on Sunday or sell beer. And the Market has a marvelous beer freezer.
Ukrops has been bought by a supermarket from up north. The employees were notified maybe a week ago. A friend of mine works in their warehouse.
#10:
Is it SuperValu? They are a Minneapolis food concern that also owns the Market at Tobacco Row.
The 17th Street Farmers’ Market would do well if it held weekday evening hours like the Byrd. People getting off work/out of school could pick up dinner. I’m usually working during weekday mornings and early afternoons and I feel like escaping the urbanscape on the hot weekends.
@Mark, not so much.
The video predates the Johnny Johnson – Market situation. When Johnny Johnson opened The Market at Tobacco Row in 2003, it was supposed to be Up Scale and didn’t want to be linked to his Community pride chain. It was nice, even had live jazz bands and singers every Thursday and/or Friday nights indoors on the loft where Starbucks is now. Not sure the background but do know that he was way behind in payments to his suppliers and so they cut him off only a year later. Then Richfood (or TruValue) demanded payment or the deed to the store so they ended up getting the store. Now it is owned by Farm Fresh.
I have to agree, they are over priced and rarely have any competing sales like Kroger. The only thing I think they have going is their Seafood Department. Coleen is the best and always looks out for us when we buy steamed shrimp in bulk. Their steamed shrimp is not overcooked like Ukrop’s.
After the elder Ukrop’s died, stores went to the children and they didn’t have interest in running them leading up to the recent sale. My issue would be if the new owners will strive for outstanding customer service that Ukrop’s was noted for?
As for customer service at The Market, it stinks. I have had several run-ins there and mostly over items not being restocked upwards to months at a time. Not being able to find or get floor help. NO ONE has ever offered to carry packages to your car. Cashiers half of the time never say one word. Signs advertise their Express lanes are ALWAYS open and often they are not! And don’t get me started about their parking lot. Looks like it should be at the land fill… caked with grease, dirt, and trash. It has never been power washed and doubt their shopping carts have either.
I think The Market is in a perfect location but there needs to be another up-scale owner who has pride in what they sell and give above and beyond customer service. Not just a bunch of people going through the motions operating a grocery house.
Eric
Eric,
As an historian, your details suck.
OK, tell me where I am wrong? I know I read as things were happening and visit the store often. Any Google search will also bring up historical entries about the situation where he owed money to suppliers and lost the store and ultimately his Community Pride chain to boot. That too was in writing in the newspapers.
And, for your information. I moved to Church Hill in 1999, shopped at the Check Mart where Buzzy’s is now until The Market opened. The grand opening was on January 6, 2003. By April 27, 2004 it was closed. Supervalu took it over for bak money owed and left it closed until they found a buyer – Farm Fresh.
Check my facts if you wish but think you will find that my “details” do NOT suck.
Quik-Check was the name prior to Buzzy’s I think.
Eric’s details are reasonably accurate with a few miscues, but, in the end, it doesn’t change the story very much.
We gave it a go for a while. We found out of date food, poor fresh produce and crummy service. The final straw for us was a cake we bought that molded overnight. We got the third degree for bringing it back-with the receipt. It is a quick beer/bread/convenience run for us and little else. We drive to Carytown rather than “deal” with it.
JJ was spending way to much time garnering awards vs. running a grocery store. SuperValu funded a good portion of his stores and the renovations as he sold their Richfood product. He got over his head, lost sight of the business and slowly started closing stores-including the one on 25th he said he wouldn’t close. Ukrop’s bought the fan store from him to help him out and battle Kroger at the Lombardy location.
Part of the problem with the Market is it is too small to offer all the products of a modern grocery store. Today’s store is 45-65,000 SF. This one is much smaller so it is difficult to make a profit. These guys operate on 1-3% profit on the food portion.
The smaller size was a “bow” to the preservationists who wanted to save the adjacent building for apartments. Ironically, that building was also foreclosed on several years ago by the lender.
So we have a grocery store that is too small to carry all the product it should, had a very high construction cost per SF, has no room for expansion, but is well located. X+Y= FAIL$
I’m sure Farm Fresh is losing money on the deal. Be careful for what you ask for because sometimes you get it.
Well, let’s try Richfood succeeded by Supervalu, not TruValue.
Then: “After the elder Ukrop’s died, stores went to the children and they didn’t have interest in running them leading up to the recent sale.”
The original Mr. Ukrop left the store chain to Jim and Robert, who were responsible for the phenomenal growth and exceptional quality of the markets. It was not until the third generation that you began to have a loss iof interest and involvement.
david… technicality but the “current” generation doesn’t have any interest. That is what I was referring to. Yes, I made a typo about TruValue versus Supervalu. I even emailed John to change that before he posted it but he didn’t change it so I did catch that – just too late. My partner use to be good friends with Jane Ukrop years ago.
Libby Hill… I had forgotten about the Superior Building fiasco. They wanted to tear it down but found out it had some historic significance because of it being used as a Civil War hospital. So they settled for storefront in front of that property – moved a plot or two over. But yes, because of Old and Historic they needed to blend in whatever they built. Remember the McDonalds (18th and Broad) situation as well about blending in?
By the way, the parking deck next to the store was originally part of the grocery store for customer parking to gain access to the store on the side, out of the weather. We parked in it a few times until it was quickly sold off.
Ramzi.. correct… I always called it the Check Mart – it may have Quick Check but was the Korean run store where Buzzy is now.
I have shopped the Market almost exclusively since it was opened and have never had a single problem. The staff is friendly and see to know many customers by name. Maybe the prices are a bit higher, but when you factor in the convenience factor, not so much.
And by the way, the deck on the side has never belonged to the Market. It was one of the problems that led to a smaller store. The guy who owned the building across 23rd St. owned the parking lot that was there and insisted on a deck being built.
Keith… that is odd about the parking deck because the store even had signs posted for customer parking UNTIL the guy across the street put his on it saying it was private property. So I figured it was the Market’s first and then the guy across the street took it over shortly after? In any event the parking deck access didn’t last very long.
And of course I have to disagree about customer service. You can never find anyone walking the floors offering help to customers. When you do ask for help it takes forever for someone to get to you and they act like you are interrupting sex or something. I know of one instance where I was looking for a particular brand of dog food which they are the only store to carry that particular size. The shelf was empty and had been for several days so I asked someone about it. Apparently it was the guy who orders stock. He said they has some in the back but he refused to go and pull any for me. I asked when it would be stocked and he was vague saying it could or may not be the next day. Then I asked if he would give me a call when it is stocked and again he refused and turned and walked away while I shouted about his “customer service” skills. If you call that friendly service and going out of their way to satisfy a customer then you can have it!
Or when you have several people walking about and coming and going in and out of the office including cashier managers but won’t open a register to ease traffic flow when the lines are backed up half way down isles!?!? And like I said, have signs posted from the ceiling saying their Express Lanes are “ALWAYS” open and most time especially in the evening are NOT. And the cashiers act like they work at McDonalds… lethargic, chatting with their friends rather than paying attention to YOU and the totals, never ask you if you want paper or plastic but you have to ask yourself, and just takes your money and give you change without eye contact, no smile, no thank you, no nothing 8 out of 10 visits.
It wasn’t like that when Johnny Johnson first opened it in 2003. There was a more diverse staff, more friendly, would make themselves know to say hello or good day, and even pushed carts to the cars… much like Ukrop’s as JJ wanted to be equal to or better with that particular store. I miss that kind of customer service!
Eric
i go everyday, because i am addicted to starbucks, all of the employees are nice to me,but i agree that “lethargic” was an accurate word.while i also agree that the parking lot design is laughable at best.on a positive note i have found a way to really get through the parking lot with no trouble. you just gotta drive at 2 miles an hour, let everybody go first,and dont make any sudden moves and smile and wave..kinda like if everyone in the lot was your grandma.try it, see how fun it can be.
History: wasn’t there a lawsuit too involving Johnny Johnson, and I think he won it? I remember hearing something about that he believed that the supplier was trying to run his store under. And I think the supplier is who bought it after it failed? I’m not sure about all that, but I definitely remember a law suit.
I only go to the Market for beer & wine (pretty good selection there, if a bit more money than other places) or in an emergency, since I have bought several packaged foods that were moldy when I opened them the same day.
#10, is it really true that Ukrop’s has been bought out? That makes me sad because of the fairly consistently good produce, but more because Ukrop’s always did so much to sponsor charitable/good deeds events and activities. I worked with special needs children and they would always donate stuff for projects, in addition to their more public displays of giving. I think they do a good job with benefits and fair pay for employees too?
#25:
JJ filed a lawsuit claiming that the stress from being “edged out” caused numerous physical problems. He had a laundry list of illnesses. The clincher was, I believe, an email from an employee of Farm Fresh/SuperValu that was inflammatory enough to put the nails in the coffin for FF.
It would make sense for Ukrops to sell now. They are privately owned, with the principle family members approaching an advanced age with the appearance of no one in the family to take over the reins.
There were equity firms courting them recently. Equity firms and private companies are a good fit in that the equity firm tries to “buy low and sell high” quickly, while the private company gets out with a good deal and can set up inheritance for the family.
I think Ukrops has had a great run of it. How many family businesses have a track record such as theirs? Whatever anyone thinks of their product, or them personally, you can’t deny the beneficial contributions they have made to the community.
What’s with the fire trucks that are always parked there? I lived across the street when I first moved to Richmond, and there were always, always fire trucks there, just hanging out.
I asked a fireman why they are there and he told me that they are buying food in the grocery store! They are not “just hanging out” but are shopping. They need their trucks in case a call comes in.
I think Laura makes good points. I came here from Tidewater many years ago, and found Ukrops far superior to what we were used to. Sure, it was inconvenient not to be open on Sunday, and not sell beer or wine. But it more than made up for it in clean convenient stores, with polite, well-trained staff. And they gave and gave and gave back to the community. I hope the family, if they decide to sell, get every dollar they can. They deserve it.
And I thought it was a donut run. It all makes sense now.
Supervalu loaned JJ money/product to renovate and stock his stores. Ukrop’s assisted JJ and set him up in business with Community Pride. When Supervalu wasn’t getting paid back, they went to a cash basis. Remember all the empty shelves? Community Pride was, I believe, a remake of the old Siegel’s supermarkets.
At some point, when you don’t pay your bills, you stop getting credit extended.
Although the Market isn’t perfect, I would hate to see it leave because people are not supporting it. For those who have complaints, it would be nice if they would be sent to the store manager, or someone above that, so concerns can be addressed. I waited a loooong time for a grocery store in this neighborhood, as I’m sure many long time residents have.
Ukrops is too pricey as well.
The Market was nice when it first opened. My last visit I picked up a container of dripping rotten grapes and then moldy strawberrys. I let a cashier know and she kinda gave me that “why are you telling me” look. The Market is only good for those last minute forgotten items.
For anyone interested, as of yet Ukrop’s will not say if they have struck a deal with anyone even though employees are talking through grapevines. The top candidate mentioned is Harris Teeter and they won’t comment either.
I understand they are sort of a upscale store too but not sure about their customer service? Is anyone familiar with that chain?
I don’t think that the size of the store matters. Look at Ellwood Thompson, Fresh Market and Trader Joes. They are huge successes and are smaller than The Market. Plus there is a CVS right there so they don’t need to carry all the same stuff. We don’t need large stores, just better ones. That’s the problem with America, too many people think to make something better it has to be bigger.
As far as the farmers market, something better has to happen. It would be so much better if it had an inside/outside element with small counter restaurants, and electricity and water for butcher shops and bakers. Let the little, local guys compete without big, expensive storefronts. It needs to be something that can work most of the day, most of the week and in the winter as well. The old design was like this, minus some modern convieniences. What they have now is just some quick solution they came up with 20 years ago when no one really lived there in the numbers people do now. Thankfully someone is thinking the same because I think there was just an article on here a few weeks back. Sorry to get sidetracked about the farmers market, just excited about it. Also, to the person buying seafood at The Market, you better take a good look at what country that stuff is coming from. Even though most do it, it is not well advised to eat shrimp farmed in foreign lands.
I agree with “Queen of Church Hill.” Many of us old-timers remember when there was NOTHING anywhere near us. No amenities at all, and the corner stores were not equipped with much of anything to sustain residents with the basics, let alone the finer items. The Quick Check folks were really nice and very much a part of the neighborhood, but for those of you who complain about the produce and meat at The Market did not experience the Quick Check inventory.
I find The Market and CVS to be a great addition to the neighborhood. I shop at them several times a week for one thing or another, and Kroger and Costco for my bigger “shops.” I get my fresh produce from the Frog Bottom Farm CSA with weekly pick-ups at the Montesorri school, so it’s all pretty convenient compared to 6 years ago.
For those of you who have bought rotten produce/product – do you check the carton/bag/package before you buy? A good inspection of the produce and expiration dates would save you some bother. I’ve never bought anything spoiled from The Market, and I find the staff to be very friendly and helpful. They are always cheerful and chatty with me and I am asked if I found everything I needed as well. The manager’s name is “Hugh.” He’s smaller man who’s on the floor most of the time, and he’s great. He always says hello and is very responsive to suggestions.
FYI: Thursdays 55+ get 5% discount (I have to take the old man with me for that) and it’s double coupons everyday. Buying the Sunday paper is worth the coupons alone. For those of you who think it’s pricey, those offers might help.
Brett,
Oh, I know the shrimp comes from Thailand. Just that we as well as other friends who have eaten in some of the world’s finest restaurants, confirm that their steamed shrimp is the best from a grocery store. Ukrop’s is overcooked – rubbery or watery. The Market’s is steamed just right all of the time and we have had no problems with quality (or health issues either).
I agree with Laura on this one. I used to have to do my grocery shopping on my lunch break when I worked in Innsbrook because there really wasn’t anything in the neighborhood. The Market was just what this neighborhood needed and I do most of my shopping there.
They employ local folks and have always been very helpful to me. Do you know that the meat department will sharpen your knives if you bring them in?
Laura,
I have seen Hugh on the floor before but not very often and I go to the Market sometimes 4-5 times per week.
I look it but do you know that No One has ever asked or suggested a senior discount EXCEPT one time when JJ owned the store. They use to give it to people 50+ but upped it. They asked me when I was still in my 40s so I am sure I look 55+ now! :-)
I also seem to remember that they made their Customer Service people available all of the time by having an island at the front door on the floor? They stay in hiding now in a back room.
One other comment about our shrimp purchases… we will buy 10-20 pounds at a time for parties or 1-2 pounds for a small cocktail gathering and again, never had a problem. It never smells “fishy” in that department. If it did that would be a sign of old seafood.
I know about the “senior”(arrgh!) discount from their flyers, and the double coupons from the cashiers. I’m one of those dorks that has a coupon wallet organizer.
Other things of note at The Market:
Organics – while not as good as six months ago when they were stocking a better variety, they still carry organic basics – butter, milk, sugar, flour, eggs and bread. Sometimes they still have organic coffee as well. You have to look, but other organics pop up here and there, including produce.
Cheap wine – you can’t beat the 3 for $10 Golden Gate. Wine connoisseur or not, after a few glasses, who cares?
Seafood: Although I’m basically a vegetarian, I do eat some fish, and the crab legs along with the shrimp (as Eric has suggested), are very reasonable and tasty.
Harris Teeter is a great store in North Carolina. They have double coupon days often, and they are clean and well-stocked.
Brett hit the nail on the head. Many of the complaints lodged in this thread have legitimacy, but to suggest that the adjacent buildings that are now serving as housing should have been demolished to have a grocery monstrosity built is absurd. They have more than enough selection, so they must have more than enough room. What exactly do you feel they should/would be able to carry if they were bigger, Libby Hill Resident?
It was very disappointing to me to hear that Trader Joe’s was coming in to the area, only to be built in that hell referred to as Short Pump. If Trader Joe’s had come in anywhere in the city, it would have put pressure on every single one of the major chains located here, including Farm Fresh. Farm Fresh needs to get its act together and improve the quality of its fresh goods, and deal with some of the sporadic CS issues reported here. I find them to be generally friendly, but I have also never had an issue that required me to escalate to a manager.
Otherwise, I find it to be an excellent place to shop. I can *walk* to the store and shop, so I guess I can’t identify with the people who are complaining about parking (this is a city store – why not take the opportunity to walk?) and they generally have everything I need, albeit with slightly higher prices.
Being bigger wouldn’t solve this store’s problems. Slight modifications to problem areas would. We should all make a point of bringing this to management’s attention whenever possible, and then we won’t have to be hopping in our cars to drive to Carytown to shop.
In addition to Hugh, there are two other managers whom I have dealt with (at least, I think they’re managers). John is taller than Hugh, and often John pitches in at the deli so I often see him wearing hair covering. And there’s Chris, who is medium height with all white hair and a white mustache.
Eric H., when the stock is out on an item you want such as dog food, do as I have and speak to Michelle, she seems to be their chief stock clerk. If you can’t find her, find one of those three managers, that’s how I found out who she was. Since I had problems getting a particular brand of cat food, she’s been real good at stocking it, as well as saying hello to me when I’m there. All three of the managers speak to me regularly.
Like Laura, I get my veggies from Frog Bottom Farm now, so I’m not really looking at produce at the Market. If there’s other produce I want, I go to Ukrops or Kroger. But for basics, we are far better off now with The Market than we were during the days of Quick Check, nice as they were. Their bacon could be something of a science experiment…
You missed my point Luke, I was talking about “profitability” of stores, not what one wants to take home for dinner.
You or anyone else might be perfectly happy with their selection. However, the products carried aren’t necessarily the items they can make enough profit off of to stay in business. If I had looked at the numbers, I probably would have said “no go” when the store was in the concept stage. Certainly you aren’t saying the size and selection of this store is comparable to maybe the Kroger in Midlothian?
Farm Fresh has reasonably deep pockets, but it really doesn’t make sense for them to support this location when the next closest store is in Wmsbg. Ukrops has learned that lesson in Wmsbg, Roanoke and F’burg. The supply line for food product is simply too long and uneconomical to service just one store.
Perhaps that is why a lot of the food is not fresh? Spent too long of a time in the truck and the store is at the end of the line.
Trader Joe’s? Smaller and more expensive than Ukrop’s with less selection. But you buy in more bulk so there might be some savings. Even so, TJ’s has raised their prices over the last year or so.
Ellwood? How many times have they expanded?
Krogers location in Carytown has expanded at least twice to carry more product. Why? To reach beyond the narrow profit margins of selling food.
It is a tough, commodity business.
Juliellen,
Coupons don’t interest me. What does is a clean, up kept, well stocked store with outstanding customer service and inviting atmosphere. That is why many shop Ukrop’s. Will pay the extra for customer service. That is also why I ask if Harris Teeter will live up to old timer Ukrop shopper’s expectations?
I do find that The Market is short on variety and regular purchase items are not on sale as often as they should be, if ever. Remember when JJ had the store and you could find the medium bags of potato chips for .79¢ all the time. You can’t touch anything in a bag under $2. now it seems and they NEVER have low prices on chips.
Bread was always fresh and soft but now is dry and nearly stale when you buy it. Milk is always warmish so I will only purchase Ultra-Pasteurized. Their 6-pack store brand drinks were .99¢ forever then they have steadily kept creeping up in price.. and yes, I know costs are up but how are people on fixed incomes and out of work supposed to keep a stocked pantry with those prices which are more in line with Ukrop’s but without the care and service?
most folks only shop there last minute. that scenario alone is bad for business
Is Ukrop’s coming to Shockoe?
Eric, HT has a very good reputation in NC. They have excellent customer service and very clean and modern stores. They also have excellent choice of products, including local and organic produce. The coupons are important to many people so that’s why I mentioned it.
I find Ukrops at White Oak to be very pleasant, but quite expensive when I finish checking out. So I go to Food Lion and Kroger for my usual stuff. There’s the farm stand at the corner of Miller and Gay for eggs and fresh, seasonal, and local produce. As for bread, I make my own because it’s easy, cheap, and very delicious. I understand that the Neighborhood Resource Center in Fulton sells eggs as well as some produce from their Tricycle garden.
There seem to be lots of options in the East End.
The Market is no longer convenient since I moved last year. When I lived across the street, it served its purpose.
Jim McCord, #47 – no, this whole thread started with a January, 1995 video that John M. dug out of the archives. We are now all reminding John of how that turned out.
I use the Market occasionally, only for those “Crap,we’re out of coffee” type of things. The reason I do not use it for more is the service. Heaven forbid you go to the deli counter after 8pm; they are already closing it down and won’t open it up. I’ve also bought food gone bad there before. WHile they will refund your money, it doesn’t come with an apology. I’ve gone online to the Farm Fresh folks to complain, and end up with the same generic phone call back from manager; “we’ll do better”
I would deal with the higher prices in exchange for the convenience and for my belief in keeping our area an economically viable area, but the service just makes it not worth it.
The deli service really does need a kick in the ass. I had gotten used to how bad the service is at the deli until I went into the Brook Road Ukrop’s the other week and had a revelation about what we are missing on Main Street.
I’ve become a regular shopper at the Market…mainly b/c I hate driving anywhere to shop, for anything. Fortunately, we get our local organic veggies, fruit, goat cheese & fresh eggs in our weekly red box from Dominion Harvest (delivered to my doorstep!)
Lately, I’ve found the service at the Market to be excellent; they keep asking me if I found everything I was looking for when I get to the check out. And I always get a greeting from whoever is stocking shelves.
Yes, I know they’re not the cheapest store for basics, and agreeing with Post #44, the economic chips are stacked against this store’s. They gotta work with what Farm Fresh gives ‘em.
C’mon y’all, I’d love to get Trader Joes selection at Food Lion prices, who wouldn’t. And yes, since my dinner time averages around 10pm, I’d love a deli that stays open till closing, too. But I’m sure there’s an economic reason why the deli closes early, and I’ve got to respect the manager’s decision to wrap things up when they do.
All I know is that the Market seems to be pretty busy whenever I’m there.
How about a WalMart w/groceries in Fulton?
There’s a Harris Teeter in Charlottesville and it is VERY nice. Although it would be sad to lose a Richmond institution, Harris Teeter would be a very nice replacement.
Harris Teeter is NOT coming.
http://supermarketnews.com/retail_financial/outbid_ukrops_0818/
Thanks for the update link Dawn. But I HATE these secretive takeovers because they could give a rat’s a$$ about what the locals want. I know the Farmer’s Banks that Ukrop’s owned were sold and they were waiting for the finalization of that merger to take place before commenting on the “store” takeovers. Just that Harris Teeter was the leader up until now.
There are a lot of little things Ukrop’s is also known for that regulars wouldn’t want to disappear such as their signature Dot’s Bakery Whitehouse Rolls, Their take home complete prepared meals, the Exxon gas pump savings, Ticketmaster outlets, etc… And I am sure Harris Teeter wouldn’t have carried on those traditions?
Elaine, I can relate about the Market’s deli. Come on, people “normally” eat dinner at 6-7pm but they close shop on the fried chicken and other hot items right at that time so defeat the purpose of selling to the dinner crowds. We too eat later like you – anywhere from 9-11pm. But even their fried chicken which was tasty, moist, had nicely seasoned crispy crust, and large pieces have become dried, flavorless, and smaller pieces for higher prices.
Yes, many only go there for a few items, I am just as guilty on that aspect and will buy the bulk of groceries at Kroger or Wal-Mart… especially Wal-Mart’s produce. I have noted that those nice sized black half-carts often disappear forcing you to use a larger one – I guess hoping you will buy more? Not me, I go for a certain item on a list and stick to it (usually) :-) And do like the convenience of the RedBox there now.
Grocery chains make decisions on a business basis. Is there enough disposable income in the business area to support the investment? The margin in grocery stores is very small, less than 2%, so the market has to be very good. As I look at the median incomes in the east end, I doubt that you have the economy to support a mid to high end store.
Since when does size and selection equal profitability? That would suggest that any store that isn’t Walmart could not be profitable. Do explain to me, then, how thousands of small markets have not only survived, but thrived in city neighborhoods across the country?
I don’t get all these complaints about The Market.
It’s pretty decent for a food store in a less than affluent area, and just about the only outlet in Richmond where you can get that good “service station” fried fish for lunch.
There’s way too much whine and cheese being served in the Shockoe area these days.
Once the area completes it’s transition to “upscale”, you see more high priced stores move in but as for now, the Market serves the area very well indeed.
Shockoe might be slated for ‘upscale’, but I think Church Hill will remain mixed income.
Grocery stores are attracted to rooftops. More rooftops, more interest from grocery store corporate headquarters. And the rooftops have to come first, stores won’t build first.
The census will shake things up.
Well put neighbor (#61). Retail follows rooftops (and demographics as stated by David determine the type of retailer).
As far as the smaller markets surviving, they do so by carrying high margin products like soft drinks, beer and things that don’t spoil. How many of us actually used the Quick Check at 27th and Broad as our “real or only grocery store”? Again, the selection is limited. So if your brand or size of toilet paper isn’t carried, you either buy what they have or drive to the store that does. Again, we are talking about selection, service, demographics and customer demand.
Actually, it seems many of the smaller markets survive by providing goods you can’t get elsewhere, not cokes and beer and off brand tp that can be bought at any drugstore.
Check out Joe’s at Libby for example… Fresh Market on Parham, someone else mentioned Ellwood Thompson’s… Tom Leonard’s also comes to mind… Cross Borthers in Ashland too.
All small, successful, and with high class clientele, all proof that if you offer what others don’t, they will come… roof or not.
Man, I just caught up on this thread. So much complaining about food prices. Sorry people, food prices are going up everywhere. It’s the whole ethanol push that first made corn more expensive and now it’s making everything else more expensive. It’s only going to get worse.
As for The Market, we only moved here after it was taken over by Farm Fresh but I’m very happy to have something close by. It’s not great but it’s better than driving across town or out to the suburbs. I know where the stuff I buy is and am not a demanding customer(as I don’t care that much) so I’ve never even thought of asked about an item that isn’t on the shelf. It serves it’s niche well and would have been complimented nicely by the never-to-be-opened Church Hill Market. Oh well, I’m glad it’s there.
I think The Market does a good job of accommodating an area with a wide variety of preferences. One only has to shop there to see the demographics of the community.
I applaud The Market for trying new things now and again to try to meet the needs of the community. An example is the fairly wide variety of Wild Harvest Organics that they carried earlier this year. Apparently most of the products were not big enough sellers to keep around and they quit stocking them.
I think that a Ellwood T’s, Fresh Market, or T.Leonards is unrealistic for this area and would not do well. Those stores are far more expensive that The Market.
The Market is a whole lot better than the old Sunny Market at 25th and P, or the Community Pride at Cool & Mechanicsville. The prices in CP were jacked up ridiculously (more than Ukrop’s) so it was incredibly expensive to shop there if you were actually paying for your own food.
Market closes at 10PM right? Why then, am I unable to purchase hot foods after 7PM (When I leave my job at MCV)?
I’m not asking for a salad bar, soup or hot buffet until 9:30-9:45 but seriously, the Market’s a joke in that they’re closing up shop THREE HOURS before their posted sign states. I should be able to buy a piece of chicken or a piece of meatloaf before 8:00!
That lack of service is ridiculous and it’s why I simply stick to buying overpriced soda and beer there in a pinch.
I’m NO fan of Ukrops at all but frankly, The Market is a terrible place staffed by miserable people who do not smile. Oh , and what’s with the “all lanes open” sign? Since when?