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Stockbox Grocers Ready to Open First Permanent Location

 

 

Astute Inside Track readers likely remember our September feature on Stockbox Grocers, the Seattle-based entrepreneurs who transform portable shipping containers into old-fashioned corner stores that sell healthy and affordable food.

Now we hear that Stockbox Grocers is expanding their efforts, readying to launch their first permanent store in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood.

The new store is scheduled for a soft launch on Aug. 15, and a grand opening celebration will be held on Aug. 25. The 600 square-foot location is designed to provide healthy options for an underserved community, whose residents often lack access to nutritious items such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Stockbox began last year by transforming an old shipping container into a small, portable store offering fresh produce, lean meat and dairy and other grocery staples, sourced from local and organic farms when possible. Located in the parking lot of an apartment complex, the Stockbox container served as a pilot project to gauge whether there would be community interest in these items.

There certainly was, as the store quickly developed a loyal fan base. From that experience, founders Carrie Ferrence and Jacqueline Gjurgevich were able to figure out which items are mostly likely to sell.

The duo hopes to open six additional locations in the Emerald City by the end of 2013, they told Seattle Met. They also are partnering with local nonprofits to provide educational materials and activities that support good food education, they recently announced via a press release.