The closure of two locations of Tozier’s Family Markets has been a tough development for some shoppers in the region — particularly those in more rural Searsport, where the decades-old institution saved many residents a 40-minute round trip to the next closest food markets in Bucksport or Belfast.
But while they weren’t the first mom-and-pop markets to close their doors in recent years, it’s not clear that their demise should be interpreted as a troubling signal about the larger health of independent grocers, either.
Family-owned markets do have their share of difficulties, including the inflation and hiring troubles that have bedeviled many industries since the pandemic. More uniquely, they also face competition from a growing array of chain supermarkets, dollar stores and online retailers that have an easier time cutting prices and offering more variety. (Tozier’s owners have not responded to requests for comment about their own circumstances.)
However, while there’s no comprehensive data, those independent stores still appear to maintain a large presence across rural Maine. They can serve smaller communities that have trouble attracting those bigger supermarkets, while more easily adjusting their inventories to what’s in demand and developing a loyal customer base.
Just down the road from Searsport, in Belfast, the owners of two small markets made some of the same arguments. They have struggled with rising costs due to inflation, but still appear to play a vital role in the market.
“Everything goes up. My light bill was $2,000 the first month,” said Travis Benjamin, who along with his sister bought Jack’s Grocery earlier this year. “People don’t think of that stuff. It’s not easy.”
Obey
Article URL : https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/07/21/midcoast/mom-and-pop-markets-still-have-an-edge-in-rural-maine-joam40zk0w/