Niche retailers like Earth Fare keep chugging, despite economy

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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So says the Knoxville News, in this story:

Every Monday, Todd and Ashley Nickloes drive to Earth Fare in Turkey Creek from their home in Blount County to shop the store’s wide assortment of organic foods.

Despite the rising cost of gas and food, the family of five say they’re not willing to give up organic and natural foods from their diet.

“It’s not one of those things we’re willing to compromise. We try and justify the trip with another activity in West Knoxville like gymnastics,” said Ashley Nickloes, who offsets the additional cost of food by buying second-hand children’s clothes. “We save a lot of money from that. We don’t do a lot of frivolous spending.”

It’s that sort of mindset that has helped some niche retailers like Earth Fare beat the economic odds as consumers balance their needs and wants with cost.

“We’re still growing. We’re very excited about that,” said Troy DeGraff, director of marketing for Earth Fare. “When the economy gets bad, a lot of people turn to things that feel safe and familiar to them like cooking and staying home. Even though it’s more expensive, people want ingredients that are safe and better tasting.”

Despite the economy, the Asheville, N.C.-based health food supermarket chain plans to open a second location in the former Bi-Lo grocery store in Bearden.

Because it doesn’t want “to stop growing,” DeGraff said Earth Fare plans to launch a series of weekly menus and accompanying shopping lists that will feed a family of four for $200 or less.