Fresh organic produce at affordable prices is what Grocery Outlet intends
Empty shelves are being stocked with low-cost groceries as residents anticipate the grand opening of the Grocery Outlet, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
After waiting nine months for a new tenant to replace David’s Natural Market that closed at the Wilde Lake Village Center in Columbia, Maryland, this new bargain store will serve the local community with affordable groceries at lower prices than other retailers, according to corporate marketing representatives.
Grand Opening November 21st
The grand opening, Thursday, November 21, 2024, will kick off the new store’s first location in Howard County.
It will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and giveaways such as coupons, reusable bags, and entries to receive free groceries. This Grocery Outlet is independently owned and operated by Jay Mirza and supported by Rizwana Mirza of Anne Arundel County. This husband and wife team decided to donate $1,000 to the Wilde Lake Community Association, which will be awarded at the grand opening event.
Each Grocery Outlet has a uniqueness specific to the location of the store, as the mandate for owners is to create programs that best fit the local community. Engagement is the key. To help families during the holidays, the Mirzas decided to hold an exclusive event on Saturday, November 23, called Gobble Gobble Giveaway, where participants have a guaranteed opportunity to win something all day. Possible prizes include a frozen turkey, an insulated reusable bag, and more coupons.
High prices, limited selection, limited hours of operation, and unwanted goods at David’s Natural Market, caused the store’s demise after 37 years of business at the Wilde Lake Village Shopping Center, according to residents surveyed for this article.
There was speculation by some residents that Trader Joe’s might open at this location. Shoppers have voiced concerns with the jam-packed parking lot, over-crowded aisles, and small layout of the location in Elkridge, Maryland.
Will Grocery Outlet be a Step Above the Rest?
Grocery Outlet will carry popular health-conscious items similar to Trader Joe’s affordability. This will be available to residents living in or near the Village of Wilde Lake all within walking distance thanks to the paved pathways connecting residents to the village center.
Natural products will include whole food items and skincare products made with mostly plant-based ingredients and fewer chemicals; if any at all.
Organic products will have fewer toxins and companies that provide certified organic food labels follow stricter regulations and testing during the production and processing of food products, according to corporate statements.
Specialty items have higher manufacturing standards, which allow for an increase in nutritional value while minimizing unwanted ingredients. Healthy products will have an emphasis on gluten-free and dairy-free choices to help support consumers when choosing products that are aligned with their dietary needs.
The Columbia Store is Still Hiring
The Columbia Grocery Outlet is still accepting job applications for part-time weekend positions after holding four hiring events in October. The minimum age requirement to work is 16, which may be of interest to students who attend nearby Wilde Lake High School.
The company has employee resource groups, such as the WOW! Network [Winning with Outstanding Women]. This group was founded by female executives to help the advancement and development of women through panel discussions and development workshops. The network strives to ensure women are recognized and have the opportunities to develop skills to advance professionally and personally.
Another resource available to employees is the Black Partnership Network (BPN), which fosters community and promotes well-being for Black employees through a work environment that acknowledges, accepts, and celebrates culture.
Grocery Outlet Corporate Standards
BPN promotes diversity is a key to the company’s success and productive teamwork. In 2023, the BPN organized a Juneteenth Celebration and highlighted Black Music History Month. With the sponsorship of WOW! Network, bands covered songs from Black women musicians.
The Grocery Outlet’s impact report from 2023 indicated that out of 79 corporate and field employees who were promoted, 49% of promotions were for females and 46% represented racial and ethnic diversity.
The bargain market was founded upon a commitment to serve the local communities almost 80 years ago with hot deals without sacrificing quality. Next week, the Wilde Lake Community will determine for themselves if the newly opened doors with shelves stocked full of name-brand products will be the key to long-overdue savings on affordable necessities they’ve been waiting decades.
This article was written by freelance journalist Karly Maroney.
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