Wesson's Grocery Store in Hillboro is quitting business. In this article, the owner admits that part of the problem is that Shaws (a large chain, much like Dillon's in the mid-west) is going to be opening. In the local paper (no link available), no such reason was mentioned. Only the fact that a "chain store" had moved into the same complex that Wesson's is in was given as a reason.
Wesson said business began to decline when a chain store moved in next door a few years ago.
"They've been good neighbors and we settled the issue, but you just can't have two stores next to each other selling the same staple items," said Wesson.
I find it rather funny that the "chain store" is a Dollar Store that has about 1/3 the floor space that the grocery store has. The "same staple items" that the Dollar Store sells happens to be soda and potatoe chips. The don't sell bread, milk, meat, butter, soup or any other food products - just soda and chips (amongst the other non-grocery items like plastic ware). Oh, I forgot, they also sell dish washing soap.
If the store has been losing business lately, it is probably because the other family owned store (Cricenti's), which is on the other side of town, has much better meat, lower prices and a larger selection. If Wesson's can't compete with a local competitor, then it SAS can't compete with Shaws when they open. Don't blame it on the Dollar Store!
Oh, in case you're wondering, Cricenti's doesn't seemed too worried about a supermarket moving into town, so don't get on your high horse about big chains moving in a strangling the little guy. Competition is what it is all about, and I think Cricenti's has what it takes to go the distance (better meat than even Shaws produces, at as good a price - that is the only place I will get my meat anymore).
I do feel sorry for anyone that lives on that side of town who doesn't drive. Wesson's closing means there is only a Cumberland Farms (a quick shop) on that side of town. There isn't anywhere to get real groceries unless you go across town. Maybe someone will recognize that need and open up a small shop.
Sounds like you recognized that need. You've been wanting to change jobs haven't you?
SAS, indeed. LOL
Posted by: Wichi Dude | November 10, 2003 at 05:17 AM
When Butson's closed in downtown Laconia, the same problem occured - lot's of locals in the area no longer had a supermarket within walking distance. Most of the 'locals' to Butson's lived in elderly housing, making the burden even more problematic.
Why did Butson's close? Because Shaw's bought them out. At first it appeared that Shaw's wouldn't allow any other grocery store operation into the old Butson's location (they now owned the lease on the property), but one of the local convenience stores (Walter's Market) announced they would be opening a new expanded operation in the old Butson's location by the end of the year. It seems that Shaw's got a lot of negative publicity about closing Butson's and this may have been a way to save face.
Posted by: DCE | November 10, 2003 at 06:56 AM
Grumble, grumble, there are just too darned many people. Thirty years ago, Mom S. was religious about going to the local hole-in-the-wall grocer there in University City rather than frequenting the supers that were getting toeholds all about. She didn't drive, so (as you pointed out) it was convenient for her to be able to walk to the store. I hated it when Kroger's bought Dillons. Dillons had spread throughout the region; but, at least, they were owned within the region. A few months ago, a new meat market moved into the old Pizza Hut building on K-15, here. They have great meat and are no more expensive than Dillons (with the salt-water injected meat that Krogers brings in.) Raytheon played havoc with Beech, Bombardier ruined Lear, and Textron is in the process of dismantling Cessna (and lets not go into how many companies Boeing has gobbled up!) It all boils down to economy of scale. I think of it each time I walk into a WalMart.
Posted by: Cop Car | November 10, 2003 at 07:59 AM
Yeah, I can see me running a market - loving people like I do - NOT!
Posted by: bogie | November 11, 2003 at 03:32 AM
After the issue with Butson's in Laconia, NH, we are going through more problems with Hannaford trying to move across the street in Gilford because Shaw's CEO's are blocking that and also in Tilton, NH Market Basket. Don't you CEO's have enough money????? Your profits listed in the online info sure makes you look pretty greedy. Your prices are very high and your attitude with your employees is terrible. No wonder they are trying to form a union, which I am personnally against from past experiences, but sometimes they make the CEO'S take a second look as to how the employees are treated. Please stop blocking other markets from enjoying some of the benefits of progress in cities and towns.
Posted by: Judy Nelson | January 12, 2004 at 02:30 PM
I dont know about Shaws blocking Market Basket in Tilton,but I know they certainly arent helping themselves out.They have owned that land for 8 years now,8 years of paying taxes on useless property.Now they have been building since October 2002 (yes,its the slowest build I have ever seen or heard of)and as of 16 May 2004 they have no target date of opening.It certainly seems that Demoulas/Market Basket loves spending money without getting anything back in return.
Posted by: Paul | May 16, 2004 at 06:25 PM
Tilton NH Market Basket Update:
The company now has given up on plans to open in May and the target date has been moved to June (no day set yet).
If things back up any further they might as well forget the Spring/Summer and target Thanksgiving!
So,in October they planned on May 1st,then it was moved to "early" May,now its June sometime.I dont think Shaws is behind this,I think incompetence is.
Posted by: Paul | May 21, 2004 at 12:11 PM
That sounds about right!
Posted by: bogie | May 22, 2004 at 06:41 AM
Now the latest word has Market Basket opening up this week! No set day I guess,and I will believe it when I see it.I did take a look-see at the store,and I am rather disapointed.It is seemingly small.Company reps promised a spacious store with wide aisles and such,but I dont know how that can be.I guess I will have to give a review when/IF they ever open their doors to the public.(by the way,they havent erected a sign for the store yet..other than on the storefront).
Posted by: Paul | May 31, 2004 at 06:39 PM
BULLETIN:Market Basket will NOT open this week.No date set yet.You gotta be kidding me.July is coming up guys...and this was a planned SPRING opening?? I bet Shaws and Hannafords are loving this.... I hope they are reaping the rewards actually,because this is just nuts.Reminder...approval to build was issued Oct 2002.Keep that in mind.
Posted by: Paul | June 02, 2004 at 05:39 PM
They just can't make up their minds can they?
Posted by: bogie | June 03, 2004 at 05:06 AM
There has to be more here than meets the eye.Why else would a company that spent 2.5 million to build sit and lose 5-8 grand daily?If its not the building,and not a lack of hired help,there has to be some sort of legal injunction or something.What else could it be?I havent seen this amount of footdragging by anyone...Target,Wal Mart,Burger King..anybody.Normally a build is 3-6 months.What makes this "box" so special? The media has no clues,as nothing has been posted over a month on the MB situation.Quite a mystery...
Posted by: paul | June 04, 2004 at 06:31 AM
Paul--They are just trying to keep us entertained!
Posted by: Cop Car | June 04, 2004 at 07:15 AM
LATEST WORD:Opening Wednesday.Can it be? Is it for real? Time will tell...
A review of the store will be forthcoming.
Posted by: Paul | June 05, 2004 at 02:34 PM
Its official,signs are up stating June 9 at 7am.The MB sign is now up at the road too with a smaller "Market's Kitchen" sign (whatever thats supposed to be).I guess the wait is almost over.
Posted by: Paul | June 06, 2004 at 12:30 PM
Well,here are my ratings:
Rather narrow aisles,moreso than Concord,making it difficult to get by shelf stockers plus opposite traffic.Aisles do not follow other M.B. store layout.Will take some getting used to.Aisles are fully stocked and are consistently "flush" the entire length.The "Market's Kitchen" is some wrapped,some fresh cooked goods with park benches to the left outside of store.They expect shoppers to buy fresh food and eat it there.(yea,right).Friendly staff with professional appearance,however like Wal Mart in 6 months that will probably fade and it wont be any different than any other MB.Relatively small parking lot.Easily filled.Pricing equal to Concord locations.Weird entrance,must enter only one way to avoid registers.No self-service registers.Seems to be hurting the turnout at Shaws.Unsure of Hannafords impact.
Overall,not bad...but nothing extra special.Location is its main draw along with sale pricing.
Posted by: Paul | June 12, 2004 at 04:57 PM
Friday I was wondering if the opening actually took place. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date!
Posted by: bogie | June 13, 2004 at 06:34 AM
After visiting a few times,the Grand Opening "sucking up" to customers is starting to slip.They had so many co. reps there in the first week,you couldnt sneeze without assistance.Now,you are pretty much on your own.The narrow aisles are a stunning failure of MB to properly set up their newest store.One family of 3 blocked an aisle totally! The cart wasnt all the way to the right,and the 2 kids were on the left...and there was no spare room to be found! Shaws,and Concord MB have wide aisles that put these to shame.I do like the fact that dairy products are near the main entrance...that must be an industry first! The store is doing land office business and most customers are heard praising the fact that they finally came to the area.The outside eating area is set up like a French Cafe,very fancy,but I think it will be a failure as not many people eat the food they buy at a supermarket AT THE SUPERMARKET! lol
Posted by: Paul | June 19, 2004 at 09:48 PM
Have noticed expired chicken already...much like other locations with hot dogs/meats etc.A convenient location though...narrow aisles and all.
Posted by: Paul | July 01, 2004 at 02:45 PM
That's not a good sign, when you find expired meat!
Posted by: bogie | July 02, 2004 at 06:25 AM