Woodward Corner Market

By Lisa Howard

More Than A Typical Grocery Store

THEY’RE BAA-AACK! SAMPLES. EXTINCT DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS, WOODWARD CORNER MARKET HAS WELCOMED BACK LOCAL VENDORS TO OFFER SAMPLES.

Doing so is part of the store’s three pillars of “fresh,” “local” and “value.” “Our top priority is local,” says Ashley Dewicki, marketing manager of Woodward Corner Market, a “market format” store within the Meijer grocery family. “We want to serve the community of local vendors by having various events to promote them and giving them the chance to offer samples in the market.

Meeting shoppers face-to-face with samples is best way for vendors to expand their reach.” Often, she adds, the store can be a stepping stone for small producers to learn the ins-and-outs of bringing a product to market and getting into the Meijer supercenters. And obviously, shoppers are just as pleased to be part of the action – who doesn’t want to try a new nibble?

ANOTHER WAY THE STORE EMPHASIZES LOCAL PRODUCTS is by clearly labeling Michigan-made items, including favorites like ice cream and craft beer. Vendors can also make use of the café space and host their own events, like how to build a charcuterie board and cooking classes for kids.

Outdoor vendor markets are another chance for them to strut their stuff— the event during the Woodward Dream Cruise this year featured hatch pepper roasting, a DJ, games and multiple vendors. At the Berkley Art Bash, Woodward Corner bought additional booths and gave them to their vendors to use. It’s all part of how the store builds tighter connections with the community.

While the store’s selections are downscaled and more specialized than what Meijer supercenters offer, Woodward Corner still offers shoppers three tiers of price points: local products, national products and Meijerbranded products.

“We like to say you can shop your way on your budget,” Ashley says, whether that’s supporting local products or going with family-favorite national brands. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can use the QR codes posted throughout the store to request the product you want. It’s an easy way to connect with your neighborhood grocer. n 30955 Woodward Ave #305, Royal Oak | 248.955.1041 woodwardcornermarket.com | www.facebook.com/WoodwardCornerMarket

Lisa Howard