Independent Chain Thinks Smaller
By George Anderson
Heinen’s Fine Foods is looking to open and test a store format smaller than
its traditional stores, according to a report on the Gourmet News Web
site.
The 15-store chain is negotiating a deal to open a 15,000-square-foot to 20,000-square-foot
store in the community of Hudson, OH.
Tom Heinen, co-owner/operator of the family business with his brother Jeff
said the store could be the first many stores to come. He said the chain was
looking at the new format to develop a better understanding of what it will
take to run a smaller store.
Gourmet News said the smaller store format would “feature a limited
assortment of packaged goods such as grocery and dairy items, and focus more
heavily on the perishable departments such as foodservice, produce, meat, seafood
and bakery.”
Moderator’s Comment: What are your thoughts on Heinen’s
opening a smaller store, which may serve as a prototype for future stores?
Plain and simple, one-size does not fit all anymore.
[George
Anderson – Moderator]