At The Market we know that, from big box stores to organic-specialty stores and more, there are options on options when it comes to places you can bring your business and take home your groceries.
BUT, we also believe in the value of a personal relationship with our customers, and that’s where we’re a little different from those other stores. To us, you’ll never be just a number. We want to know you, and we want to give you the chance to get to know us.
With that in mind, we compiled a little Q&A to introduce ourselves…
WHY DID WE START THE MARKET?
Founder and owner Darin started his grocery career at the age of 16 in Casper, Wyoming. He found the variety of duties, the ever-changing pace, and the people very rewarding, and stayed on after graduating.
After 15 more years working his way up in the grocery industry, Darin decided he wanted to venture out on his own and get closer to family, so he, his wife Valerie, and their three daughters purchased their first store in Ridgway, Colorado. This endeavor truly became a family business, as Valerie and the girls all became integral in operating this store. From this first start-up, the family business has grown from one small store to a sizable small corporation with many locations in multiple states with some of those stores offering a full-line of hardware and liquor stores.
“The Market” brand was created out of a desire to brand our stores together as a family of locations that served, primarily, smaller communities. Initially, we created names for each specific area and branded those stores to the area. However, as we have grown, we saw a need for people to be able to find us and to recognize us as one big family. Thus, The Market was born.
The Hill Family passion for the business continues. The Hill family works hard to make sure their associates feel valued and appreciated; each individual is truly part of the family. And the commitment to a great shopping experience by offering clean, well-stocked stores with a friendly atmosphere is what sets us apart from other stores. We are also able to cater to most in our small towns and offer conventional, natural, organic and gourmet products not typically found in rural or small areas.
WHAT SETS US APART IN THE GROCERY INDUSTRY?
We operate in smaller towns, often rural areas, that tend to be underserved. We offer conventional products as well as natural and gourmet products in many of our stores, and are proactive in making sure our customers have access to hard-to-find items. We have incorporated other aspects into the stores in some areas, like hardware and liquor, to better serve our communities.
WHAT’S OUR CULTURE LIKE AS A COMPANY?
We pride ourselves on offering a great shopping experience, with very clean, organized and well-stocked stores. Our people are the best: striving to make sure each customer feels welcome and offering great customer service. We are very active in all our communities and give generously.
WHAT ARE SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT THE MARKET?
We operate in 5 different states with over 15 different retail operations. We started as a very small family owned company in 2000, after purchasing our first store in Ridgway, to move our family closer to family. Our girls were able to work the store as they grew up, and all our customers were acquainted with our children. We actively source products from many vendors, including local vendors, to offer the most comprehensive product line possible in our smaller stores.
WHAT IS THE MARKET PASSIONATE ABOUT?
We are passionate about being good stewards in our communities in which we operate. We strive to be a great place to work, offering our employees great pay and benefits and great work environment. We also strive to support our local communities financially and in other ways…being supportive, actively promoting events, and giving cash and/or goods as donations. We really love each of our individual communities we operate in. We are passionate about offering the best possible shopping experience by offering clean and well-stocked stores, great customer service, and a fun and friendly environment.
So there you have it. It’s nice to meet you! We hope you enjoyed getting to know us a bit, and we hope we get the chance to get to know you. To get to know our team, our stores, and to really get to know more about who we are, find The Market nearest you today.
