  Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 1145 Registered: 08-2006 |
A friend's wife went shopping at the Roseville one and was told that "All Farmer Jack's will close by the end of the month". Can anyone confirm or deny? | ||
Detourdetroit Member Username: Detourdetroit Post Number: 309 Registered: 10-2003 |
I bet a lot of Detroiters wish they had a Farmer Jack too close! | ||
Stryker81 Member Username: Stryker81 Post Number: 46 Registered: 10-2006 |
Farmer Jack too close to what?! Haven't heard anything about them closing up shop in the near future though. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3269 Registered: 10-2004 |
to close or too close? They should be closed/sold by mid June. The union(s) was already prewarned of this and given the required legal warning in due time. The deals with both Spartan and Kroger fell through. So, expect both Spartan and Kroger to buy the individual stores that they want, and the rest will be sold to others or shuttered. Possibly even by this week... | ||
Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 1146 Registered: 08-2006 |
I had thought those "union" issues had been resolved two years back. | ||
Eric_w Member Username: Eric_w Post Number: 217 Registered: 02-2007 |
I just heard about this too. Man how they used to be big. But then years back we had Chatham ( Worked there in 1974-75 ),A&P,Great Scott,Wrigley's & Danny's( (Danny's was not as big but had at one time had maybe 6-8 stores around). Where I live in Lincoln Park, I'd expect the store at Fort & Emmons will be shuttered & empty a long time. With the economy there's no market for another grocer. Another Farmer Jacks in town closed then became a Food Basics then a Spartan & did not make it. On the "Union Issue". Funny that years ago all of these Stores except Danny's were union with most employees well paid, full time & they made PROFITS!. Now with big box outfits with huge volume & little markup,low wages, they helped kill the grocery chains off. But then that has happened in all retail. | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1357 Registered: 01-2005 |
I'm confused...I though Farmer Jack was the most profitable grocery store. Why this doomsday thing? So odd. I remember when farmer jack bought up A&P...I loved A&P. Oh well... | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3270 Registered: 10-2004 |
What's to resolve from A&P's POV? The unions were warned about closing weeks ago. A&P could close their stores or sell their Ohio/Michigan business to some other firms. Negotiations with Spartan have been conducted for some two years already. A&P wants out (again) of the Midwest. Spartan and Kroger don't want all the A&P stores. So, either A&P shutters them all or it sells whatever stores it can. A&P (Farmer Jack's around here, Kohl's in Wis, etc.) won't continue for very long w/o being sold. | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 1884 Registered: 02-2004 |
I have so many problems with the above post by Eric I have to go lay down or something. One thing I will point out is that Danny's was a union shop (Teamsters) and our own local big box chain, Meijer's, is union (UFCW). | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1855 Registered: 12-2003 |
Basically A&P put Farmer Jack on the market about two years ago. The union made concessions to help stay open as long as possible. That allowed the stores to stay open until at least June 1st, with no buyer in sight the chain will dissolve within coming weeks. One potential buyer, which was not Spartan or Kroger, fell through. Basically related to overall expenses including higher than industry average rental agreements. Kroger and Spartan never wanted the entire chain just some of the stores. Of course the union demanding that all workers be hired at or above current union contracts at various chains interested has all about ended their hopes for take overs. Expect Kroger and Spartan to take the pick of the litter mainly for location and in some instances for liquor licenses. Granted they aren't making the $20+ an hour they made in the 80s but the Unions did not really create this demise, they helped finish nailing the coffin, but the addition of Meijer and Wal-Mart along with K-Mart grocery became a clouded market and Farmer Jacks just could not compete at that level. | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 527 Registered: 10-2003 |
Every Farmer Jack's I've been in for the last ten+ years has been dirty and disgusting and staffed by lazy and rude or mentally challenged workers. I NEVER go to Farmer Jack's anymore. | ||
Pffft Member Username: Pffft Post Number: 1281 Registered: 12-2003 |
Most of the Farmer Jacks I frequented were fine -- clean, etc. They didn't seem able to provide fresh, local produce though. I notice Wholefoods is sourcing a lot of its produce locally, partly to save on transport costs, and Kroger and Meijer would be smart to follow suit. sj, Meijer's is unionized, as ORF points out, so that weakens your argument a bit. | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1857 Registered: 12-2003 |
Ummm, you might want to re-read, as my argument is solid and has nothing to do with Meijers or anywhere else being unionized. | ||
Rjlj Member Username: Rjlj Post Number: 344 Registered: 11-2003 |
Too close to what? The road? A tree? | ||
Club_boss Member Username: Club_boss Post Number: 117 Registered: 12-2006 |
There was a Farmer Jack, on Washtenaw Ave. in Ypsilanti, and it was really nice, is there such a thing as a "Super Farmer Jack? I think it's closed now. | ||
Dustin89 Member Username: Dustin89 Post Number: 18 Registered: 07-2006 |
The Farmer Jack's in the Clarkston/Waterford area are nice but way too close together. There is a Farmer Jack on Dixie Highway in Clarkston near M-15, and then another just down the road in Waterford at Dixie & Walton. East of there and close to my house, there is a Farmer Jack at Sashabaw Road and Waldon Rd. (Near I-75.) This does seem like market saturation, but they always seem busy and are actually nice places to shop-I can't speak for other Farmer Jacks. The one at Walton Boulevard and Dixie Highway is newer, built within the last few years, and does very well-it would be a shame to see it close. | ||
Wash_man Member Username: Wash_man Post Number: 437 Registered: 05-2006 |
I was shopping at my local Farmer Jack yesterday. I noticed that all of the "America's Choice" brand items (their house brand) were greatly reduced. I assume that these items are going to be replaced by another brand by another owner. Time will tell. BTW: A pet peeve of mine is adding an "s" to every retailer, company etc. It's Farmer Jack, not Jacks, it's Meijer not Meijers. Reminds me of the UAW people that say they work at "Fords". | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 532 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well you're in a bad area of the country if you don't like that Wash_man. We INVENTED adding "s" to companies that shouldn't have one. | ||
Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 1147 Registered: 08-2006 |
Gotts tooo luv thge shpellin notzees. They all have super low post numbers, but seem to be able to finally come out of the woodwork and voice thier seldom offered opinions when there's a grammatical error. GET A LIFE!!! | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1905 Registered: 04-2005 |
Adding an S indicates where. you, I am going to Bob's house. I work at the Ford factory. us, I am going to Bob's. I work at Ford's It is assumed you know what I am talking about. In the Detroit area, we have psychic powers and know what the other person is talking and thinking about. It's something in the water.  Exception. If there is already a S at the end, we don't add an addition S. Example See you at Elias Brothers. oh yea, what were we talking about?? | ||
3rdworldcity Member Username: 3rdworldcity Post Number: 695 Registered: 01-2005 |
The grammer and speling on this site is horible | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 4460 Registered: 08-2004 |
I wonder if the Farmer Jack's super store in Grosse Pointe Woods, which was very clean and well stocked will get snatched up by Kroger. That way Kroger can close their small Grosse Pointe Farms store (end their lease early), and allow Grosse Pointe Farms to finally develop the largest (and arguably most valuable) piece of undeveloped real estate left in the Pointes. The Mack & Moross location (former site of Sear's, Hughes & Hatcher, 9 homes and a huge parking lot, as well as the still functioning Kroger). Something like 5-7 acres. | ||
Kellyroad Member Username: Kellyroad Post Number: 65 Registered: 04-2007 |
Yes, Farmer Jacks are closing by the end of the month. Many of the Farmer Jack pharmacies have already transferred prescriptions to nearby pharmacies (i.e CVS). Rumor has it that IGA or Spartan Foods may buy some stores. | ||
Rjlj Member Username: Rjlj Post Number: 345 Registered: 11-2003 |
Agreed 3rdworldcity. Does this reflect the education results of the area? of Michigan? I was reading a post on the Freep site where a lady wrote about 20 lines without any punctuation. You had no idea what she was trying to say. | ||
Waxx Member Username: Waxx Post Number: 191 Registered: 09-2006 |
The Farmer Jack on East Jefferson is the best one on the eastside by far. Unlike the older ones that were in the city (Example); Grand River and Warren (which had a driveway past the viaduct on Warren in the back if you wanted to beat traffic) Gratiot and Marcus (had a driveway on French Rd. to access the store to-once again-beat traffic) Gratiot and Harper (formerly the Chatham's store-I loved Chatam's even though I was a child back then. BTW, for a short time, those FJs on Gratiot were simultaneously opened) Van Dyke and 8 Mile (became one of the FILTHIEST in the early 90s) 7 Mile and Telegraph (that one should've STAYED open!) Chene and Lafayette (that one was clean-due to the fact(s) that it was on the outskirts of downtown-and mostly older people shopped there) If there are any former FJ in the city that I forgot about, please let me know. BTW, another former FJ-this one was before my time-but W. Vernor and W. Gd. Blvd. the old facade there was an old Chevy dealer before it became a Farmer Jack. I walked past it in the early 90s and I knew it that it was an FJ but as I looked closer onto the old wallpaper and I saw (name forgotten) Chevrolet and I was just flabbergasted by those little tidbits of history. The building was razed in the mid 90s and a mini-mall was built consisting of a Murray's Discount, and a Video House. And one other location on the SW side. Pitt and Central around the corner of Harms Elementary School-I believe it's a Spartan Chain now. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1280 Registered: 02-2007 |
This is horrible news yet in a way opens up more opportunity. The bad part about is, Farmer Jack's closing will limit Metro Detroiters even more to the some of the poorly run Arab and White owned stores as most families aren't able to afford the stores like Kroger and what not. However, this will open new opportunity as another grocer (a nicer and dedicated one) may want to purchase the stores abandoned to service the citizens misplaced by Farmer Jack's closing. | ||
Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 1148 Registered: 08-2006 |
My local Hazel Park store always seems busy, well stocked and clean. I would be surprised if it were shuttered. I hope a family does not take it over, those never seem to last for some reason. We had a Danny's in Redford that was taken over by a middle eastern family, nice people, but it didn't last more then a year. | ||
Classico Member Username: Classico Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2005 |
I worked at Farmer Jack when I was 16. It was my very first job. That was almost a dozen years ago when I heard my former manager foretell the future of this once proud chain. Honestly I'm surprised it took this long. I mean I have always liked Farmer Jack, but to be honest I can't remember the last time I shopped there. Usually its Meijer, Costco or Target for me. For others it's Kroger or ...eh(gulp)Walmart. From this standpoint I can understand. They just don't seem relevant anymore. It seems though like they were on the right track a few years ago when when they sold off alot of stores and re-consolidated themselves. They kicked away the old nonprofitable stores, and started anew with shiny state of the art new ones. Once that doesn't work it's time to call it a day I suppose. I remember the union clashes though from even when I worked there. Brutal. (Message edited by classico on June 04, 2007) | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1281 Registered: 02-2007 |
"If there are any former FJ in the city that I forgot about, please let me know." -Southfield and Outer Drive. -St. Antoine and Warren. The one on Jefferson is only nice because of the overall design and cleanliness "sub-par" compared to many Farmer Jacks. The one on Jefferson however, I have encountered limited selections of foods and products compared to other Farmer Jacks (Grosse Pointe) and also poor service. It's not the most ideal Farmer ack though I'm sure to be located in City Limits, but currently, it is one of two locations in the city (The crappy Palmer Park location), so of course they win out. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1282 Registered: 02-2007 |
"They kicked away the old nonprofitable stores, and started anew with shiny state of the art new ones. Once that doesn't work it's time to call it a day I suppose" The problem with that was that they isolated themselves from the prime residential areas, forcing people to make long trips to reach their locations. MAybe that had something to do with it as well. | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1861 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: Kroger definitely wants the one on Mack Avenue. quote: Can't afford? They basically have the same prices. quote: Their warehouses were the first to close. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1284 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Can't afford? They basically have the same prices." Most people I know compare stores by the meat prices. Trust me, there's a major difference. All the other reasonable stuff I'll give you that, but not all stores try to highway rob you by offering $10 for $10 sales every week and $20.00 Meat when the store here has it for less than $10 and reasonable prices on the Non-Poultry products. (Message edited by Urbanize on June 04, 2007) (Message edited by Urbanize on June 04, 2007) | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1863 Registered: 12-2003 |
When I read that I compared sales ads, that is what I based it on. I could be wrong but I seem to recall the opinion that Kroger always had the better meat which would equate to higher prices. Wasn't that Kroger's slogan at one point "Kroger means better meat" Or something like that. I seem to remember something like that back in the 80s. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1285 Registered: 02-2007 |
True, but lately Kroger has had more recalls on meat than I have had Pennies. A lot of things have changed since the 80s. (Message edited by Urbanize on June 04, 2007) | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 4464 Registered: 08-2004 |
Urbanize, you must not shop Kroger or have a Kroger card... Because if you did, you would realize that the 10 for $10 or 10 for $6, or whatever... that DOES NOT mean you have to purchase 10 items to get the discount. I often buy yogurt on sale there (10 for $6). And if I buy only 5 yogurts... I pay only $3. But you have to have the store card in order to get any discount... just like CVS & Rite Aid. | ||
Dustin89 Member Username: Dustin89 Post Number: 19 Registered: 07-2006 |
Urbanize-I was under the impression that the Jefferson Ave. location was the only FJ within city limits. Is the Palmer Park location on 7 Mile? | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 5980 Registered: 02-2004 |
It is truly the end of Farmer Jack. Competition is this capitalist America is win-lose situation. | ||
Douglasm Member Username: Douglasm Post Number: 849 Registered: 10-2003 |
I don't know if I(ndependant)G(rocers)A(llianc e) would be interested in purchasing an actual chain. They operate strictly as a wholesaler. Spartan would be a more likely choice, operating both as a wholesaler and as a retailer with about 90 of their own branded stores. They seem to service about 35 stores IN Detroit proper though, so I don't know if they'd be willing to cut their throat as a wholesaler to become a retailer in Detroit. Be interesting to see how this shakes out. Does anyone know if Supervalu has a presence in the Detroit Metro area? | ||
Patrick Member Username: Patrick Post Number: 4513 Registered: 10-2003 |
I always thought the service at my local Farmer Jack at 15 and Schoenherr was sub-par. It always seemed dirty and it was very cramped. I preferred Meijer, but I realize a lot of people don't like to larger stores due to the amount of shoppers and long lines. | ||
Chitaku Member Username: Chitaku Post Number: 1391 Registered: 03-2006 |
I met Darrel Evans at that Farmer Jack | ||
Eric_w Member Username: Eric_w Post Number: 218 Registered: 02-2007 |
To Redfordette I'm saying that unions AREN'T to BLAME!!! Many times when businesses go thru tough times the rank & file are held to be the cause. Not bad management or poor business practices. I stand corrected on Danny's they were indeed union-I forgot but I'm refering tp the 1970's. My point is; like other businesses the corporate types want to squeeze every penny out they can can. My mother work for J.L. Hudson's when the Hudson family owned it. They were fairly paid and Hudson's MADE MONEY. Today the management ideal is this:Even if "Joe " is a solid reliable worker making let's say 30,000 a year plus helps his company stay profitable, management still often thinks: "If I can get rid of him I can hire 2-3 part-timers instead of paying him". Refordette-when you're laying down put a cold cloth on your head it will help. | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 1886 Registered: 02-2004 |
Okay, Eric, point taken. And Danny's was union till they closed in the late 80's. fwiw. this day only got worse. A cold cloth or a cold drink? | ||
Blueidone Member Username: Blueidone Post Number: 78 Registered: 03-2007 |
I remember touring the Farmer Jack distribution center many years ago with school or my Girl Scout Troop (memory fails on this point)... bringing home some food..even a little tiny loaf of bread. Now I understand why my local Farmer Jack had little stock on some items when I was shopping yesterday. Yes..the AC brand of just about everything was on sale. I'm sorry to see them go, though. I've been shopping at FJ for over 30 years. I have always preferred it to Kroger, Meijer or OakRidge. Kroger seems more expensive to me; Meijer is too busy and not enough cashiers at the times I usually go; OakRidge is WAY TOO expensive. But mostly, I feel bad for all the employees. the last thing we need in this area is more unemployment. | ||
Popcanman55 Member Username: Popcanman55 Post Number: 4 Registered: 08-2006 |
All Farmer Jacks will close July 2nd. 26 stores will turn into Krogers. The rest will be picked up by independent chains such as Hollywood market, shoppers market, Holiday market, Oakridge Market etc. Yes Supervalu is in metro Detroit in the Oak Ridge market chain and shoppers market chain. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1290 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Because if you did, you would realize that the 10 for $10 or 10 for $6, or whatever... that DOES NOT mean you have to purchase 10 items to get the discount. I often buy yogurt on sale there (10 for $6). And if I buy only 5 yogurts... I pay only $3. But you have to have the store card in order to get any discount... just like CVS & Rite Aid." You misunderstood my point. I used that plot to build on the fact that their meat prices are highway robbery, as they give those little specials then gain back the money lost in those sales charging $20.00 for some Beef or Pork. | ||
Terryh Member Username: Terryh Post Number: 327 Registered: 11-2006 |
The deal with Nash Finch- a grocery wholesaler-fell through. In an above post someone mentioned a $20 an hour wage. From the Union side of the store(Co managers on down) Meat department managers topped off at $16 per hr. in 80's-now it is something like $18.19 per hr. | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 1001 Registered: 11-2003 |
In casual conversation, there's nothing wrong with adding an apostrophe and an "s" at the end of certain company names. True, it's usually not the official name, but it still sounds OK. In formal writing, though, I would go with the official name. "Meijer's" simply means that the Meijer family owns it. It's Meijer's (whatever descendent is around now) store, after all. | ||
Ericdetfan Member Username: Ericdetfan Post Number: 85 Registered: 02-2007 |
The Farmer Jack by my house is very nice and it is quite large.. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1300 Registered: 02-2007 |
"The Farmer Jack by my house is very nice and it is quite large.." That's wonderful. May you elaborate on how nice your neighborhood Farmer Jack is to some of your fellow members please? | ||
Ravine Member Username: Ravine Post Number: 958 Registered: 01-2006 |
The workers at the FJ at Michigan & Greenfield expect to be gone by month's end. They have no idea what will become of the building. The management of that store claims to have no idea, as well. While I'm here, does anybody know of a store that sells the several-pound Stouffer's frozen Chicken Alfredo? My son loves it, and I can't find it nowhere nomore. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1302 Registered: 02-2007 |
Kroger, Meijer, Wal-Mart? (lol). If you want to stay small, local and reasonable, try Glory. | ||
Terryh Member Username: Terryh Post Number: 333 Registered: 11-2006 |
If you want fast friendly helpful and knowledgeable service you have to shop where the rich and upple middle class shop. Papa Joes; Holiday market in Royal Oak etc. Kroger may purchase at least 25 stores. A&P planners were building an purchasing much too agressively 99-01. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3272 Registered: 10-2004 |
Stores often go by their possessive names--Schuster's and Gimbel's both started in Milwaukee and always used the possessive for nearly a century, as well as Macy's, as in another current DY thread. | ||
Nere Member Username: Nere Post Number: 49 Registered: 04-2007 |
"And one other location on the SW side. Pitt and Central around the corner of Harms Elementary School-I believe it's a Spartan Chain now." Yup, it's called "Farmers Market" now; I do my grocery shopping there. I work at Kroger, and all the employees (Lincoln Park) received a memo stating that we don't listen to rumors about being interested in Farmer Jack and whatnot, and if they have any information regarding that, associates will be the first to know, yadda yadda yadda mumbo jumbo... The Lincoln Park (or is that Allen Park) Farmer Jack on Southfield Road is going to supposedly be bought by an independent owner (rumors and speculations). | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3274 Registered: 10-2004 |
There's no sense, really, for Kroger's upper management or board of directors to keep the store managers informed about ownership details, especially during any negotiation phases. Besides, what benefit could it serve the stockholders or the proletariat stockers? Too many rumors and such, and few of them anywhere accurate. Time will tell--just like at Chrysler. It's like an eBay auction when the auction time limit approaches. The outcomes aren't always predictable when something other than Monopoly money (or DY talk) is involved. | ||
Waxx Member Username: Waxx Post Number: 194 Registered: 09-2006 |
Aw, man how could I forget about Southfield and Outer Drive (Detroit)? Not to mention Warren and St. Antoine as well as 7 Mile and the Avenue of Fashion (Livernois)? thanks Urbanize and Dustin 89. And those were the good ones as well-especially Southfield and Outer Drive (they could've kept that one). | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1865 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: The WOTS is that Kroger only wants about 20 of the 47 available. Not all 66 Farmer Jack stores are for sale. | ||
Club_boss Member Username: Club_boss Post Number: 119 Registered: 12-2006 |
"The Lincoln Park (or is that Allen Park) Farmer Jack on Southfield Road" That is the Kroger I always went to when living in Detroit, nice store. | ||
Yvette248 Member Username: Yvette248 Post Number: 545 Registered: 10-2006 |
Individual stores have different profit margins and employee attitudes based upon the strength of the store manager and its location. That's why Kroger - and Spartan - only wanted certain stores. Although top union salaries are in the high teens, certain workers (i.e. meat cutters) make a lot more than that due to frequent overtime. | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1867 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: Meat Cutters and store clerks are under different contracts and they make more than high teens. Part Time workers bring in over 20. | ||
Yvette248 Member Username: Yvette248 Post Number: 547 Registered: 10-2006 |
Obviously I'm referring to hourly rates, not salary. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1303 Registered: 02-2007 |
Krogers BETTER get the location on Jeffferson and take care of it too. Farmer JAck's Didn't go through all of that Designing just for it to sit vacant. | ||
Fareastsider Member Username: Fareastsider Post Number: 411 Registered: 08-2006 |
Ive heard from a pharmacist that works there and a Coca cola distributor that Farmer Jacks IS CLOSING | ||
Quinn Member Username: Quinn Post Number: 1359 Registered: 01-2005 |
The Jefferson/St. Jean location really should stay open. It's busy all t he time...I can't imagine it's not making money, let alone paying for itself. Fareastsider, they really are just going to close it? | ||
Oldredfordette Member Username: Oldredfordette Post Number: 1895 Registered: 02-2004 |
Terryh, don't forget that Holiday Market is a Spartan store. In very nice clothes, but a Spartan. The rich and UMC shop at Plum Market and Papa Joe. | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 418 Registered: 12-2006 |
According to news reports from a couple weeks ago, Kroger, Spartan and another unnamed chain have purchased or are purchasing 47 of the 66 stores from A&P. The remaining 19 stores have not been sold and likely will close. A&P is not commenting on which stores are in what status. Also the two distribution centers, including the five year old building in Livonia, will close this month, according to the same articles. I have read somewhere that July 2 is the last day the stores will operate as Farmer Jack. Can anyone confirm? | ||
Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 1150 Registered: 08-2006 |
I like westborn market. All check stands have a smiling cashier and as crowded as the parking lot is you never have to wait that long to check out. Thier prepared foods section has saved me the time and expense of eating out on school nights in addition to the store's outstanding selection and service. I use FJ for pet food, dairy, dry / canned goods and cleaning products mostly. | ||
Bushay Member Username: Bushay Post Number: 55 Registered: 05-2005 |
"The Jefferson/St. Jean location really should stay open. It's busy all t he time...I can't imagine it's not making money, let alone paying for itself." I've served the Jefferson/St.Jean store since it's opening and have been told by manegement it has yet to make money. They built that store with the idea the homes around it would one day pay the bills once they were built but that has yet to happen. There's also only 2 FJ's left in the city. Jeff/St.Jean and 7 and Livernois. I also highly doubt Kroger would venture into the city again after the mistake at 7 and Gratiot. Just my opinion. | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1309 Registered: 02-2007 |
"I also highly doubt Kroger would venture into the city again after the mistake at 7 and Gratiot. Just my opinion." I was hoping you didn't bring that up. So much for that location. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3278 Registered: 10-2004 |
I did the mystery shopping back a few years ago for the Kroger's on Lappin and reported the place as I saw it. Some employees were great, especially those in the produce, deli, bakery, and pharmacy. The managers seemed just to put it their time instead of managing. Food boxes broken open by grazers all over the store. The stockers would leave several pallets completely blocking an aisle or two and go home, leaving them there until the next stocking shift, smelly fresh fish, etc. It's no wonder why they closed it... | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1310 Registered: 02-2007 |
"I did the mystery shopping back a few years ago for the Kroger's on Lappin and reported the place as I saw it. Some employees were great, especially those in the produce, deli, bakery, and pharmacy. The managers seemed just to put it their time instead of managing. Food boxes broken open by grazers all over the store. The stockers would leave several pallets completely blocking an aisle or two and go home, leaving them there until the next stocking shift, smelly fresh fish, etc. It's no wonder why they closed it..." Oh wow, thanks for sharing your story again. It's really not helping any cause. | ||
Mtm Member Username: Mtm Post Number: 218 Registered: 06-2006 |
There's a small, older FJ at Newburg and Five that I sometimes hit for quick things on the way home. Several years back, they built a much bigger, flashier, store at Haggerty and Six, less than two miles away. Funny that, over time, the Five Mile store seemed to maintain its client-base but the last time I was in the Six Mile store it was a ghost town. Only thing I can think of is that the Five store is in an established neighborhood and the Six store is in a large strip mall at a VERY busy intersection. I feel VERY sorry for the nice clerks and cashiers at Five. They've always been very helpful and friendly. | ||
Genesyxx Member Username: Genesyxx Post Number: 739 Registered: 02-2004 |
This sucks. Now where can I get some cheap deli eats? | ||
Qdaddy77 Member Username: Qdaddy77 Post Number: 52 Registered: 05-2007 |
Looks like its July 7th.... http://www.clickondetroit.com/ news/13451200/detail.html?rss= det&psp=news | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 2295 Registered: 11-2003 |
That is too bad and FJ's. They have been at the edge for many years | ||
Dexterpointing Member Username: Dexterpointing Post Number: 112 Registered: 05-2007 |
too bad, many fond memories shopping t the one that used to be on East Grand Blvd back in the 70's . Used to love to look at the prizes on all the cereal boxes and then Id get to go home with either my Alpha-bits or Sugar Pops and get to cut out my Jackson 5, Archies, Monkees or Bobby Sherman record off the back. And don't forget the little plastic gerariums(?) we used to get in Count Chocula. lolol I miss it already. (Message edited by dexterpointing on June 06, 2007) | ||
Detroitgalaxian Member Username: Detroitgalaxian Post Number: 13 Registered: 06-2006 |
It seems like all of the Farmer Jack locations from the 70's and early 80's are long gone. (I think they had a tendency to move to larger locations.) Does anyone know where I might find the FJ stores that have continually held the same locations the longest and are still open today? I think it would be interesting to poke my head in some of the oldest ones. All of the locations that my family shopped at when I was a kid in the 70's and 80's are long gone. Do any locations still have the tall narrow signs with 'Farmer Jack' spelled out vertically? (I haven't seen any in a while.) I hated it when they eliminated their old logo in favor of the newer computer-rendered farmer character. I think the new one looks creepy. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3283 Registered: 10-2004 |
The smaller Farmer Jack's apparently are all gone. The last of them were sold off about five years ago or were reformatted into Food Basics stores (which bellied up two or three years ago). | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 1751 Registered: 11-2005 |
quote: The one near me has already been phasing out some items I buy. I don't know if I will keep going there for another month. | ||
Helpwanted Member Username: Helpwanted Post Number: 11 Registered: 02-2007 |
during my junior high and high school years, my family lived in west dearborn very close to veterans hospital in allen park (no longer there). my folks shopped at FJ in melvindale at allen rd and oakwood. i think that location closed a long time ago. i have been a kroger shopper for a very long time. even crossed the picket lines. bad me. i live less than a mile from the FJ at inkster rd and plymouth rd and i hate that store. very few cashiers. now that would be cool if it turned into a kroger store but not sure if it is big enough. | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 923 Registered: 04-2006 |
I haven't been inside of a Farmer Jack in years but this is really the end of an era... I remember when the store on Plymouth west of Evergreen was phased out for the new store at Outer Drive and Southfield... which was eventually turned into a Food Basic... and who knows what it is now, if anything? | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 1319 Registered: 02-2007 |
It's a Glory Actually. I still like the 8 Mile location best because of the atmosphere (at one point, it was all full service) Glory picked up the locations in HP, Hamtramack, 7 Mile and Telegraph, and Outer Drive and Southfield. | ||
Planner_727 Member Username: Planner_727 Post Number: 109 Registered: 07-2006 |
Detroit News from Today... http://www.detnews.com/apps/pb cs.dll/article?AID=/20070607/B IZ/706070430&theme=Biz-FarmerJ ack | ||
Lizaanne Member Username: Lizaanne Post Number: 21 Registered: 06-2007 |
The little one in Hazel Park is not on the list for liquidation sales. I know the article stated that it doesn't mean that it will be closed, but I have to wonder if anyone would want that location given all the homes for sale in the HP area. That's the last thing we need - closed schools, now closed grocery store.  ~Liza | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 425 Registered: 12-2006 |
It appears the East Jeff store is NOT on the list, or did I just miss it? | ||
Cambrian Member Username: Cambrian Post Number: 1158 Registered: 08-2006 |
~Liza You live in HP? Things are looking up on my street. All the For Sale signs are now gone, some homes were purchased by house flippers. A good sign they see Hazel Park as a worthy investment. | ||
Lizaanne Member Username: Lizaanne Post Number: 25 Registered: 06-2007 |
I certainly hope so - we are putting windows and siding on the house and hopefully it will be ready to sell when things pick back up. We will probably put the new changes on the house then list it immediately. I'd love to move back to Ferndale. Right now there are three homes for sale on our street (not counting ours). Two of them are foreclosures. ~Liza | ||
Motorcitydave Member Username: Motorcitydave Post Number: 19 Registered: 11-2004 |
I sometimes go to the Hazel Park Jacks too (live in downtown Detroit, but work in Hazel Park) and it IS a very nice store. Hopefully Krogers or someone takes it over. I was wondering.... does anyone think this may be a good chance for another major chain to move into the area? Say Albertsons? | ||
Lizaanne Member Username: Lizaanne Post Number: 26 Registered: 06-2007 |
I've actually read some news reports about a chain from England coming to the States called Tesco - they are a great chain with very nice store brand products. They are specifically looking at lower income areas. I think the FJ in Hazel Park would be a perfect location for one of these stores. Here is a news story: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06 /06/business/worldbusiness/06t esco.html?em&ex=1181275200&en= e503857736392b5c&ei=5087%0A Sorry - don't know how to make pretty links on this site like I can elsewhere. ~Liza | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3292 Registered: 10-2004 |
quote: Such moves are major corporate decisions, and therefore, are not made just because a major chain is leaving a void behind. After all, A&P is no novice in the grocery business. If they cannot be profitable, might another chain entering the same market have the same problems with their own business plan? Many cities' retail markets are simply put--overstored. That is, there are too many stores of a particular type than the market can endure and still make a profit. This concept also applies to the placement of stores for a particular company. If a company places stores too near some of its own stores, it siphons off business from them and might cause problems for some franchisees, too, for example. And because the size of grocery stores has increased the past two/three decades, it's even more critical not to place new stores too near others and still remain profitable. | ||
Lizaanne Member Username: Lizaanne Post Number: 31 Registered: 06-2007 |
I hardly ever go to the FJ here in Hazel Park, but we were starving so we stopped in for a rotiserie chicken and some potato salad. The sign on the door said that they are NOT a liquidation location, but it was very obvious that they are not stocking at their usual levels. They may not be having clearance sales, but they have significantly scaled back their buying for that store. ~Liza | ||
Ericdetfan Member Username: Ericdetfan Post Number: 91 Registered: 02-2007 |
They just opened that damed Dearborn Heights location a few years ago...its actually right across the street from Detroit in Warrendale... I really hope that Kroger takes that spot again, or at least some other place does. I somehow doubt that DH will let it stay vacant for long tho. | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 426 Registered: 12-2006 |
LY, I would find it hard to believe that Detroit, even if it is down to 800,000 people, is overserved by grocery stores. Now, some of the suburbs, you could make that argument. The other point is more ominous for those interested in the fate of these stores - grocery stores are bigger now than when most of these stores were built. A modern chain is going to be interested in a modern-size store. When the dust settles, it will be interesting to see who chose to purchase which properties, and what changes they make. | ||
Livernoisyard Member Username: Livernoisyard Post Number: 3294 Registered: 10-2004 |
PS, Detroit will have to combat its severe shrinkage problems in order to entice major full-service groceries to resettle here. Until then, its honest residents will have to make do with the Spartan, Sav-a-lot, or convenience stores. There are only two FJs in Detroit anyway, so it's no big loss to most Detroiters. For me the nearest FJs are about 4 or 5 miles away in the burbs. (Message edited by Livernoisyard on June 08, 2007) | ||
Irvine_laird Member Username: Irvine_laird Post Number: 62 Registered: 02-2007 |
I spend a lot of time in Hazel Park at my girlfriend's house and it seems to me that the Farmer Jack on John R is the only option available to most of the people who live in that area. The crowds at the store seem to back that up. I'm afraid that fact could be an incentive for a new owner to disregard quality. | ||
Dustin89 Member Username: Dustin89 Post Number: 21 Registered: 07-2006 |
The FJ store liquidation list published in the Free Press a day or two ago included all of the stores near me (Dixie Hwy. & White Lake Road, Dixie Hwy. & Walton, Sashabaw & I-75.) I don't recall seeing the Detroit Jefferson Avenue location on the list-if it's not being liquidated it could have been purchased by Kroger or some other retailer. The Livernois Avenue location was on the liquidation list. | ||
Ja1mz Member Username: Ja1mz Post Number: 49 Registered: 02-2007 |
We talked to a FJ employee today and they said Kroger bought most of the larger stores, and Hollywod Market bought the smaller ones. The FJ employees will have 1st chance for the jobs at the stores bought by Kroger, and the rest of the positions will be filled by outside hires. I'm glad to hear the current people should be able to keep their jobs. | ||
Lizaanne Member Username: Lizaanne Post Number: 48 Registered: 06-2007 |
I would LOVE it if the Hazel Park store became a Kroger!!! I would absolutely shop there for sure! Was never a huge FJ fan. ~Liza | ||
Ericdetfan Member Username: Ericdetfan Post Number: 94 Registered: 02-2007 |
I wonder if Bushs will take any of the old farmer jack locations | ||
56packman Member Username: 56packman Post Number: 1407 Registered: 12-2005 |
The FJ's near me is closing, we'll become Kroger regulars it appears. FJ's had the worst meat department, always trying to clear out grey meat cuts with "Manager's special" stickers. Kroger usually has a good meat department. Hillers had the best. | ||
Smogboy Member Username: Smogboy Post Number: 5377 Registered: 11-2004 |
Heck, I will always Farmer Jacks for the brief time they were offering Northwest Worldperks frequent flyer miles. I shopped there enough, I had actually gotten a free roundtrip off of my groceries once. | ||
Trainman Member Username: Trainman Post Number: 411 Registered: 04-2006 |
The Farmer Jack at Inkster and Plymouth has lost customers because they no longer get any people who ride the SMART bus into Livonia. It's really sad in my opinion that the Livonia city council members were more concerned about pay raises for themselves then the taxpayers. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 667 Registered: 10-2003 |
Trainman, Have you ever tried taking home a weeks worth of groceries on the bus? | ||
Catman_dude Member Username: Catman_dude Post Number: 153 Registered: 03-2006 |
About 6-7 years ago, Farmer Jack opened several grocery stores in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk VA area. They didn't even last a year. People were put off by the "dumb hillbilly" decor which seemed to extend to the attitudes of the employees there. FJ's had a small produce department which people had to squeeze through the narrow aisles first to get to the rest of the store. I never found prices any lower there than at the nicer and cleaner stores. It was the "jalopy" of the local grocery stores....gone to hayseed. This was a sad contrast for me because my family always liked the Farmer Jack on Ford Road in Westland during the 1970s and 1980s. I ended up apologizing to my co-workers who always had a negative experience going to the Virginia Beach FJs. | ||
Ladyinabag Member Username: Ladyinabag Post Number: 275 Registered: 03-2007 |
There are supposed to be 21 stores closing. The one at Rochester Rd. & Tienken in N. Rochester was bought by Hollywood Mkt. The one at 100 Adams (Adams and Walton)in Auburn Hills is closing because the rent is too high. I know this because they are on my route and are my customers. I don't know about the rest. They will all be closing the first week of July. (Message edited by ladyinabag on June 10, 2007) | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1872 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: From what I am hearing not at their current contract but as new hires starting at the bottom. | ||
Peter Member Username: Peter Post Number: 97 Registered: 02-2007 |
better than being laid off... | ||
Elviswithteeth Member Username: Elviswithteeth Post Number: 13 Registered: 03-2007 |
Another long kept company-name in Michigan gone... Here those sounds???? Crickets and lights being shut off! But Farmer Jack's produce was sub-standard and who wants to wait in those LONG lines anyhow! Thank God for Meijers and Westborn. | ||
Sturge Member Username: Sturge Post Number: 24 Registered: 05-2007 |
Anything saying exactly which stores are being bought by whom and which are not? | ||
Susanarosa Member Username: Susanarosa Post Number: 1536 Registered: 11-2003 |
I think it's all second hand info at the moment. I just heard that the FJ's at 12 and Campbell is going to be a Hollywood as well. | ||
14509glenfield Member Username: 14509glenfield Post Number: 1006 Registered: 05-2006 |
Catman_Dude FJs attempts were also in one store in Culpeper Va. Abandoned buy other chains, they folded too. It's still empty...Space to Lease sign still hangs in place. Retail grocery is a tough business. Here....competition...WM Supercenter, 2 Food Lions, a transformed Safeway and now an ALDI Foods recent grand opening 3/4 of a mile from the "white elephant". I worked for Borman Foods in the 60's. | ||
Blueidone Member Username: Blueidone Post Number: 87 Registered: 03-2007 |
13 Mile & Gratiot will be a Kroger, per the employees there. 12 Mile & Gloede in Warren (across from Macomb college) is closing. No purchaser as this time. I was in the 12 Mile store yesterday...shopped there for 35 years. How sad to see all the shelves empty! The entire stock is on sale, but it's going fast...there's not much left. I said "bye" to the cashier's I have seen for so long, and wished them luck. | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1879 Registered: 12-2003 |
I would not be too trusting on the news from FJ employees as I think the rumors are running wild. And I also doubt Kroger would keep all the FJ employee at the stores they purchased. I think there is some mis-information going on to make sure these employees stay the course. | ||
Blueidone Member Username: Blueidone Post Number: 88 Registered: 03-2007 |
sj: I didn't say they were keeping the employees. In fact the employees have no idea what is going to happen to them at the 13 Mile & Gratiot store. The ones we talked to are assuming that they will lose their jobs and have to re-apply to get jobs at the new store, whatever it is. The employees at 12 Mile know that they will not have a job come the end of the month. | ||
Fnnm400 Member Username: Fnnm400 Post Number: 5 Registered: 04-2007 |
I live just down the street from the 12 mile & Gloede store, the counters were empty before they decided to close. We stopped shopping there a few years ago, they stop carrying so many popular brands, we finally gave up! A&P sure did ruin a decent chain of stores. Of course that is the norm these days with all the venture cap groups worried about money for the exec's. Its not bad enough we are faced with an empty, they have the help walking the streets with store closing signs. Might as well run the neighborhood down as much as we can!!! | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 6046 Registered: 02-2004 |
A and P killed Farmer Jack because it can't keep up with Kroger and Arab owned Spartan Stores. Is competition great or what. When corporations see winners and losers. Customers not only see their mom and pop stores dissapear but also they will become LOSERS!!! | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 1884 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: I have in fact heard the exact opposite from FJ employees. I have also heard that Kroger will be buying some stores and not opening them at all. BTW, ever wonder why when some poor auto worker loses his job it is front page news asking for state assistance. Where is the outcry and the help for these workers on the frontpage and the help from the government. | ||
Burningwheel Member Username: Burningwheel Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2007 |
Sadly it's true. I prefer FJ to Krogers | ||
Yaktown Member Username: Yaktown Post Number: 180 Registered: 02-2006 |
I just did some grocery shopping at Meijer today. As the cashier was ringing me up, she inquired if I had a Farmer Jack Savings card. I handed it to her and she told me they were giving all shoppers 10% off their bill if they surrendered their FJ card. Great deal and savvy marketing by Meijer! I hadn't been in a FJ in maybe 3 years anyway. | ||
14509glenfield Member Username: 14509glenfield Post Number: 1026 Registered: 05-2006 |
My ignorance...does the Retail Clerks International Association still exit? Should I throw away the membership card (tattered) from 1969? | ||
Ja1mz Member Username: Ja1mz Post Number: 50 Registered: 02-2007 |
sj-I agree, its a big deal all those people are losing jobs, its widespread through all lines of work now...but in this area the auto jobs have all the news, and its seems like everyone else who has a job is secondary to the big 3...oops...small 3 |
