Last updated on August 6th, 2015 at 09:00 am
Hannaford is opening a smaller store, a 20,000-s.f. unit (less than half the size of a traditional Hannaford) in North Berwick, Maine, on Aug. 8. Some of the store’s features will include fresh produce, a walk-in beer cooler, as well as gluten-free, natural and organic items. The store will employ as many as 75 associates, including many local residents.
In conjunction with the opening, Hannaford is donating $3,000 to the North Berwick Fire Department for equipment, $6,000 to the Town of North Berwick for flags to be flown during the Mill Field Festival and in the summer, and $650 to the North Berwick Little League.
Hannaford CEO Kevin Holt says a design standard around 20,000 s.f. can be productive as seen with other companies, such as The Fresh Market.
In other Hannaford news, the grocer plans to purchase Durham Marketplace of Durham, New Hampshire. Durham Marketplace has been a wholesale customer of Hannaford for more than 20 years. The transaction with owners Chuck and Betsy Cressy is expected to close early this fall. The market employs about 77 full- and part-time associates.
The Cressys have owned and operated the Durham Marketplace place since 1994. Hannaford officials say the Cressy family has been a pioneer in the “buy local” movement. Chuck Cressy’s initiatives have led to outstanding meat and seafood departments and exceptional prepared specialty foods, and have accommodated special diets (i.e., gluten free, organic, ethnic, etc.), according to Hannaford.
“Hannaford intends to work closely with the store team as we transition the ownership and to maintain the market’s legacy as a strong employer and reliable community partner,” said Eric Blom, Hannaford spokesperson. “Chuck Cressy has forged an impressive reputation as a store operator. He has truly been a big heart in a small community.”
Added Chuck Cressy, “Aside from sincere gratitude to the greater Durham community, most important is my grateful thanks to the staff at Durham Marketplace. They are responsible for the store’s success. Everyone who shops at Durham Marketplace is treated as someone special through courtesy and great customer care. It’s hard to say goodbye, but I believe the time is right and that Hannaford will be successful in serving Durham as it continues to grow.”
