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Fast-growing chain Fresh Thyme Farmers Market refined its format for an Indianapolis store. Here's how the Retailer of the Year finalist for creative new store/remodel made its mark.

Melissa Kvidahl Reilly, Writer/Editor

August 28, 2017

1 Min Read
Fresh Thyme’s Indianapolis store has a fresh look

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is a full-service specialty retailer focusing on value-priced fresh, healthy, natural and organic offerings. Across its 60 Midwestern locations, Fresh Thyme boasts extensive produce departments with organic and local fruits and vegetables.

The stores also feature natural meats, healthy deli foods to go, bakery goods, bulk foods, dairy and frozen items, supplements and private-label organic and natural products.

One of Fresh Thyme’s newest stores, located in Indianapolis’ Broad Ripple neighborhood, builds upon the company’s mission to combine the feel of a weekend farmers market with the convenience of a neighborhood store. Here are three ways it stands out:

New community. Fresh Thyme is making a big impact in the Indy area, with the Broad Ripple store being anchored in a mixed-use development. Here, it is able to serve a diverse community, including neighborhood residents and those living in the 150 units of the building itself.

Destination shopping. “We’ve augmented this particular store to be a destination,” says Mark Doiron, Fresh Thyme’s chief merchandising officer. “We’ve changed up the format to include a coffee bar, hot bar and expanded sushi selection. We have fresh potato chips sliced, cooked, seasoned and packaged in-store daily, with a variety of flavors. This is a first for us.”

Related:2017 natural Retailer of the Year finalists announced

Community events. The store’s format is open concept and therefore conducive to live events and group activities for members of the local community. Its open-air café overlooks the river, and its community room features store and local events.

The other Retailer of the Year New Store/Remodel finalists are:

  • MaMa Jean's Natural Market

  • Oliver's Markets

The Retailer of the Year winners were announced at Natural Products Expo East 2017.

About the Author(s)

Melissa Kvidahl Reilly

Writer/Editor

Melissa Kvidahl Reilly is a freelance writer and editor with 10 years of experience covering news and trends in the natural, organic and supplement markets. She lives and works in New Jersey.

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