[Cato the Elder]

Originally Posted by jeffncandace

Thanks Cato, I will check it out! Also, my wife just talked to the employees at our local FJ this morning (Campbell and 12 Mile) and they say they are being taken over by Hollywood Market, which will make 2 of the same store right around the corner from each other. Maybe they'll shut down the other one on Main in downtown RO, but I hope not.

That's interesting - I never knew that Hollywood had such ambitions.

I did some research and found some interesting things. FJ hasn't been local-owned since the late 80s when the NJ-based A&P bought them out.

Wikipedia states, "By 1987, the company was struggling to keep Detroit area stores operating amid a strike by clerks and cashiers, who were supported by meat cutters and Teamsters. Borman's eventually bought out 800 workers at a cost of $12.9 million. This started a period of losses that would eventually prompt the sale to A&P."

A&P recently put all 66 FJ locations out to bid so it wasn't a wholesale takeover by Hollywood Market. I'm guessing that they bought the Campbell and Coolidge locations and will move their nearby stores there. FJ locations with no bids will simply close.

[jst333]

jeffncandace, Did'nt you get the memo, It's mandatory that if you live in RO to shop at Hollywood Market. Just kidding! I used to work in RO, and I loved shopping there, I know alot of east sider's (harrison township) like me that go and shop there. We need one over here, I'm sad to see farmer jacks go, But I would rather spend My money at a Hollywood market, Trader Joe's, or Whole Food's! We REALLY need those Alternative's over here. Consider yourself lucky You have them all! (Off topic) JeffnCandace, if you get a chance check out "TJ's coney" on 14 mile, for breakfast. And "Tavern on the Main" for burgers, and a beer!

[NittanyLion]

Don't forget Bush's! Country Market has also gone in the old Farmer's Jack in Saline.

[TurboState]

Originally Posted by kathys

Yet another Michigan company bites the dust. I was born here 44 years agao, and they have been around for as long as I can remember. So now what is left Kroger, Meijer, Super Wal-mart,and some independents. I will miss you.

Farmer Jacks is a terrible store.. Overpricing, poor selection, and really bad layout.

There are MUCH better chains coming in to fill the gap, like Value Center, etc.

[jeffncandace]

Originally Posted by TurboState

Farmer Jacks is a terrible store.. Overpricing, poor selection, and really bad layout.

There are MUCH better chains coming in to fill the gap, like Value Center, etc.

I think it depends on the store. The FJ by us was very nice and was WAY cheaper than our local Kroger. Never had probs with the layout or selection either.

[jeffncandace]

Originally Posted by jst333

jeffncandace, Did'nt you get the memo, It's mandatory that if you live in RO to shop at Hollywood Market. Just kidding! I used to work in RO, and I loved shopping there, I know alot of east sider's (harrison township) like me that go and shop there. We need one over here, I'm sad to see farmer jacks go, But I would rather spend My money at a Hollywood market, Trader Joe's, or Whole Food's! We REALLY need those Alternative's over here. Consider yourself lucky You have them all! (Off topic) JeffnCandace, if you get a chance check out "TJ's coney" on 14 mile, for breakfast. And "Tavern on the Main" for burgers, and a beer!

Thanks, I will check them out! I haven't been to any of the stores you mentioned yet, except for Trader Joe's back in California, which I just discovered is here! yeah!

[kaypurdue]

I was sad to see Farmer Jack go, too. The one closest to me, in Flint, closed down several months ago. Ours was pretty nice (yes, Flint can have nice stores!), good selection, and a number of students from the Flint high schools worked there after school and on the weekends. You could tell they really took pride in what they did, so hopefully they were able to move on to bigger and better things.

We have a local chain here called VG's, which has recently opened a new location... which I guess means they aren't going anywhere anytime soon! They are located mostly in Flint/Genesee County, but they also have stores in Brighton and Imlay City. I love going there for their produce - much better than anything I can find at Kroger!

[bungalowgirl]

Oh NO! I loved Farmer Jack...I used to shop there when I lived in Hampton, VA. That's too bad. It was a great store.

[D_J]

I must agree that most of the FJ's that I have visited were fairly dirty compared to other stores but yet again I do suppose that it does depend on which one you visit. I like to shop at Kroger myself so that I can get the gas discount. Lord knows with those prices it definitely helps to get 0.30 to 0.50 off a gallon.

[sundancer]

I hate Farmer Jack, Glad to see it go. It is very overpriced, crappy selection of food. We have a fairly new store in Milford, it doesnt even have a meat counter, but it did have a fresh fish counter. Produce area is very small and limited. But what made me hate them was there prices, a simple product that cost 2.59 at meijers down the road cost 3.19 and FJ. As of now our store doesnt have a buyer so say the employes and they will close july 7. I hope another market Hillers buys this store, just have to wait and see........