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Where do independent retail stores shine?



Where do independent retail stores shine? Wholesalers know that their customers do well in troubled, lower income neighbourhoods but they don't tend to share this knowledge widely.



Evidence of this is rarely published but some interesting numbers emerge in an FT article on up-market US grocer Whole Foods plans for a store in Englewood, a poor Chicago suburb.



City analysts agonise at whether Whole Foods can go down market. But consultant Mari Gallagher shows the potential gap. Of the 87 stores in Englewood that accept food stamps, 85 are "liquor, dollar or convenience stores that specialise in candy and soda."



A spokesman for Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel says it is investing $10m in subsidies for this Whole Foods store because some communities "have been ignored by companies that want to expand."



There is plenty going on in this story for independent operators in poorer areas to think about:

  • Are you close enough to local politicians to explain the value of your offer?
  • Do you offer cheap fresh food? Should you?
  • Is what happens a world away in Chicago going to inspire local politicians to subsidise a Little Waitrose near you?
 For more, see www.betterretailing.com
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