Arbor Farms projects optimism through renovations of West Stadium store
Jean Apperson of Manchester looks over a ham while shopping out of the new meat case at Arbor Farms on Monday afternoon. The market has expanded its meat selection by 60 percent. "I think it's easier to find things the way they've laid it out," said Apperson of the changes.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
You may not have noticed, but Arbor Farms on West Stadium (see map) has been undergoing some quiet changes in the past weeks. Maybe the store felt a little brighter or simply easier to navigate. Maybe their selection of meats just seemed more plentiful.
After 6 years of service in Ann Arbor, owner and manager Robert Cantelon felt the store was ready for a few updates.
Most of the changes have been relocating and resetting specific departments to better showcase their best sellers. For example, bottled waters and sodas are no longer as popular as they were a few years ago. By downsizing those areas, Cantelon was able to expand and make room for more items like deli fresh grab-and-go meals.
The beer department is also about 25 percent bigger, according to Cantelon. He said he would love to offer every craft brew available in Michigan, but there are so many new labels coming out it's virtually impossible to keep up with them all.
However, Arbor Farms has one of the best selections around for small batch Michigan beers. Cantelon estimates the store carries about 25 Michigan-made beers.
The most obvious change at Arbor Farms is the upgrade in the meat department. Cantelon is excited to showcase more of the great organic and preservative-free meats they already carry. The additional space, now located near dairy products, will have room for more grass fed beef and lamb, more chicken, more nitrite free lunchmeats.
The demand for such products in Ann Arbor is something that Arbor Farms works hard to fill in an eco-conscious way, Cantelon said. They ask questions of their suppliers, and choose products based on how they were raised, where they were raised, and how many miles the product must travel in order to make it onto the shelves. They will soon offer a larger selection of grass-fed beef and lamb from a local farm in Manchester.
Customers can also find local organic pork products. Organic pork has been particularly hard to find. There are not many Michigan companies that process, smoke and age the meat in a humane way. The pork products Arbor Farms will feature are from Black Oak Farms out of Fenton, and will be priced at about $8 per pound.
The economy has affected sales at Arbor Farms in the last year. Increased competition on the west side comes from both Plum Market and Aldi, and Fresh Seasons Market closed in December.
“The store did well to stand still,” Cantelon admits.
But the end of the year holidays brought more optimism, as people began to break out of the fear and spend money where it was important to them. Arbor Farms has taken some big strides to remain competitive with bigger organic grocers.
Cantelon feels that this year will be better, and as a local self-financed business, these renovations reflect that.
Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com.
Comments
caroline
Fri, Apr 2, 2010 : 7:38 p.m.
Arbor Farms market is awesome. We are so lucky to have them in our community!
Angela Smith
Mon, Mar 22, 2010 : 2:18 p.m.
So many positive comments about this place. Makes me feel lucky to have it in Ann Arbor!
roadsidedinerlover
Mon, Mar 22, 2010 : 12:56 a.m.
I agree with the other posters about Arbor Farms. I really like this store and I go here instead of Whole Paycheck. They have many great deli selections and they make great sandwiches and have alot more organic selections. A few suggestions to Mr.Cantelon... Could you organize the cheese case? It is hard to find the different foreign cheeses because they are all jumbled up.. Please have your male deli employees wear hair restraints! More pastries and more selection!
a2karen
Thu, Mar 18, 2010 : 10:53 a.m.
So glad to see this store highlighted and I concur with the other positive comments. Keep up the excellent local and bulk shopping experience. Our fav is the vanilla granola from bulk section.
Sean Eldon
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 5:24 p.m.
The best place to shop in Ann Arbor. High quality and fair prices. Plus, great customer service.
West Side Mom
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 11:23 a.m.
Arbor Farms is one of my favorite places to shop! Their prepared foods are delicious (I think better than any of their competitors) and reasonably priced. Great selection of packaged foods and locally-sourced and organic fresh foods. And they offer some great monthly specials. If you haven't been there, check them out!
A2Writer
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 11:20 a.m.
Totally agree with the other commenters' positive remarks about Arbor Farms. They are a gem, with an outstanding staff and great selection of products, and my first destination for groceries, health/beauty care needs, and deli items. This is what a community-oriented business is all about!
Rici
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 11:04 a.m.
The statement "After 6 years of service in Ann Arbor" might be a little misleading to some people. Arbor Farms has been in that particular location for only 6 years, but they've been serving Ann Arbor for much longer than that! (over 30 years)
David Briegel
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.
All of the above and they have Jeff Renner bread!! Love it!!
a2grateful
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.
Anyone missing old-school a2 vibe should head over to Arbor Farms. It is my favorite grocery of all time. Employees are smart, kind spirited, and helpful. Owners care. Food selection is great. Health supplement and vitamin choices are unequaled. Deli products are scrumptious. Prices are decent. This is my favorite store in Michigan. It's got plenty of vibe and soul. When was the last time you felt that in a grocery store?
81wolverine
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 8:02 a.m.
Arbor Farms has a lot of great stuff (produce, excellent selection of supplements, quality wines, etc.), but we especially go there for the sustainably raised, organic meat - often from local farms. It's healthier meat and has less of an impact on the environment.
Alan Benard
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 7:57 a.m.
We go well out of our way to shop at Arbor Farms for locally produced meats -- often from within Washtenaw County. The monthly advertised specials are a great value. I much prefer to shop there than at the large natural foods-oriented chain which is well represented in Ann Arbor.
StephinA2
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 7:56 a.m.
Arbor Farms is a wonderful store and asset to A2. The staff are friendly and helpful and the produce and meats are top notch and FRESH (if you have never tried their beef, do so; it makes run-of-the-mill supermarket beef taste bland). I wish them continued success!
David Rhoads
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 7:30 a.m.
Arbor Farms is a great little store, well maybe not so little, with a good variety of food products. Best of all, they have a great staff who are friendly, knowledgable and will soon learn your name for that personal touch. We often shop there for deli items, coffee beans and Ed's Breads. I am glad to see this locally owned store stress locally produced goods. Keep up the good work!