Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced new support measures directed to local neighborhood grocery stores. This new support includes the commission of a retail study specifically for grocery retailers, a program to support a cohort of local grocers with industry specific technical assistance, and dedicated funds for storefront security enhancements. The result will be more grocery stores can grow and succeed in communities that are underserved by food retailers. Mayor Wilson has approved $1.7 million and directed the Office of Economic Development to stand up these new support services and administer the programs.
“Every person deserves to have access to fresh, healthy food,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “We are supporting local grocers because neighborhood stores play a vital role in making our city more affordable and livable. For working families underserved by large retailers, and the small, family-owned markets that are cornerstones of our communities, we are investing in a future where everyone can access the food they need.”
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Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) will conduct a series of grocery store market analyses in eight neighborhoods. These studies will analyze the uncaptured market potential for a new grocery store and determine which types of grocery retail are best suited for different neighborhoods based on each community’s needs and existing access to food. The studies will inform and support a grocery attraction strategy to help grocery stores expand into underserved communities.
Ten independently owned grocery stores will receive a year of industry-specific technical assistance provided by IGA, paired with funding for essential improvements. This paired strategy will equip grocery stores with training and operational efficiencies to adjust to the rapid increases in cost and changing consumer behavior. Priority will go to legacy grocery stores and stores in underserved neighborhoods.
Oh boy how are conservatives going to find ways to be mad at this I wonder
“It’s communism because it goes against the free market” or some bullshit like that
Goes in and buys moldy fruit from Safeway
As a pilot, OED is working with Lam’s Seafood Asian Market, a family-owned grocer that has served the Chinatown-International District since the 1990s. As Lam’s prepares to open its third location, OED supported the business through permit navigation, helped cover the cost of repairs following recent break-ins, and is now scoping facade and security improvements ahead of the store’s upcoming opening.
I love Lam’s! I keep looking at the new storefront, hoping to see it open.
The specifics:
This new support includes:
* the commission of a retail study specifically for grocery retailers,
* a program to support a cohort of local grocers with industry specific technical assistance, and
* dedicated funds for storefront security enhancements.
So the only difference regular consumers will see is more security gates and creepy “fyi, you’re being watched while you shop” cameras.
Ugh.
I think there’s value in streamlining some of the permitting process for smaller grocery stores and helping balance the monopoly that Kroger wants in the area. You have a point that there is money ear-marked for more surveillance though.
Also helping local businesses survive the expenses that come with break-ins, vandalism, and theft.
