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Summer in the City: Detroit Style

How the Comeback City’s revival impacts the trade
Detroit_MS

One Detroit-area independent, Imperial Fresh Market, invested $6.2 million a few years ago to double its store size from 20,000 to 40,000 square feet. At the time, it was the largest investment by an independent Detroit grocer, and remains a significant milestone to date.

“We have a strong independent presence here,” confirms Russo of Rocky Produce. “Our retail customer base is probably 50/50 independents and chains. It takes both of them to enable us to do what we do here,” he says. “We’re driven to bring in really high quality produce at a great value for our customers.”

MARKET STATS
Detroit Eastern Market

Founded in 1891; the largest historic market in the nation, spanning 4.5 acres. Features both retailers and wholesalers who sell more than 70,000 tons of fresh produce each year.
Location: 2934 Russell Street

Office Hours: Mon-Sat 8 am – 4 pm
Public Market Hours: Sat 6 am – 4 pm
President: Daniel S. Carmody
Contact: (313) 833-9300
www.detroiteasternmarket.com

Detroit Produce Terminal
Established in 1928; easy access to rail and ports of entry, including the Fort Street Cargo Facility, Detroit Service Port, and Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry.

Location: 7201 W. Fort Street
Hours: 6 am to 8 pm, 7 days per week
Manager: Farbman Group
Contact: www.farbman.com

More, more, more
Michigan’s own home-state chain, Meijer, Inc., headquartered in Grand Rapids, continues to expand and make improvements to existing stores. In 2017 the Midwest retailer announced it would invest $375 million in new and remodeled stores across six states. The investment includes the construction of seven new Meijer supercenters in Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin, as well as 22 store remodeling projects.

Kroger Company is also adding stores throughout Detroit and the state of Michigan. Last year the Cincinnati, OH-based national chain announced it would invest $180 million to add new stores and fuel centers and create 1,000 jobs across the Great Lakes State.

German-owned chain Aldi also continues to expand its footprint across Michigan and the Midwest. With 30 Aldi stores currently in the Detroit area and 72 throughout the state, Aldi has plans to open six new stores this year.

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