WEST ROSEVILLE, CA - Early morning sunlight dappled over the roof of Raley’s newest store in West Roseville, California. A city that is both rapidly expanding and home to a community that values local and better-for-you options, Raley’s new O-N-E Market store could not be in a better location. I was lucky enough to attend the opening ceremony and see the inside of the new store for myself.
Inside, I spoke with Jen Warner, President of Raley’s Division, West Sacramento, who offered me insight on what the expansion of this banner means for the company as a whole.
“Raley’s O-N-E Market banner is a transformational concept for the Raley’s division. O-N-E stands for Organics, Nutrition, and Education, which ties into our purpose of changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time,” Jen shared with me. “The difference in this store is our expansive selection of better-for-you products alongside products from local farmers and providers. We want to give our consumers choice and convenience throughout their expanded, healthy experience. To me, the most important part of this format is the education piece, which allows shoppers to better understand how to consume healthier foods, so they aren’t overwhelmed. The store is meant to be approachable, affordable, and easy for customers to navigate.”
Obviously, produce plays a large part in this mission.
At the opening, I also ran into Michael Schutt, Director of Produce and Floral, who walked me through the department himself to go over the strategic choices that were made.
“Raley’s is excited to bring a new and unique shopping experience to the community of West Roseville. This new Raley’s O-N-E Market helps continue our journey toward our Owner Mike Teel’s vision of changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time. In produce, I feel we have created an environment where organic, experiential, and value coalesce. This is brought to life through many specialty and unique items from pink pineapple to exotic mushrooms—things many customers have never seen, let alone purchased. We feel we have created an exceptional recipe for the success of this store, but like any good recipe, we will distill the feedback from our new community and improve the customer experience at our new Raley’s O-N-E Market,” Michael explained.
Mushrooms are on display under cloche glasses and on tables—educating shoppers on the growth life of the mushroom in a way I’ve never seen. Local becomes hyper-local for leafy greens, as a partnership with Gotham Greens means that the products are less than 40 miles away.
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I could go on for quite some time on the thoughtfulness of the produce department. An entire section dedicated to tropicals comes with tastings beside it so shoppers know how to consume the fruit. A wall of bananas features simple text above highlighting how to use bananas in every stage, from unripened to overripe.
It’s lovely to be able to see the passion of retailers like Raley’s. The company’s desire to help communities live healthier lives is one I will always want to champion.
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