Bashas' Remodels 1st Navajo Nation Store
Bashas' has reopened its newly remodeled Chinle, Ariz., Bashas’ Diné Market, its first store on a Native American reservation and its first under the banner to receive a full remodel since 2008.
Originally opened in 1982 and reopened Nov. 2, the revamped store features new décor and murals celebrating Navajo culture. It also offers a rejuvenated deli with a new rotisserie oven, more warm and cold cases, and several self-serve options; more tables and racks in the produce department; a new aisle with popular nonedible products; new freezers for the frozen food and meat sections; a glassed-in decorating station for viewing cakes being decorated, and more counter space to discuss treat options with bakers; and new seating in the eating area.
The reopening gave customers the chance to get not only a first look at the new layout and expanded offerings, but also the opportunity to enjoy grocery deals and giveaways. Starting at 9 a.m. that day, the first 200 shoppers at the store received a free bag of groceries, while children enjoyd free apples. Customers also could register to win a free whole mutton, whole lamb and whole pig. The drawing will take place at noon on Nov. 5.
Festivities started at 10 a.m. on Nov. 2 with opening remarks from Trey Basha, Bashas’ president and CEO, followed by a formal blessing of the store by Gary Begay, tribal healer, and Joe Shirley, former Navajo Nation president. An official ribbon cutting by Nelson Begay and the counsel delegate followed, and recognition of chapter officials such as Andy Ayze, chapter president, and Myron McLaughlin, VP. Joe Wagner, Bashas’ northern division district manager, gave closing remarks.
After the ribbon cutting and recognitions, the store featured live entertainment such as The Chinle High School Pow-Wow Dancers, A Fancy Shawl Dance/Duet Sing by the Many Farms Indian Club, the Rock Point Community School doing a Fire Dance Song and Dance, and Miss Dine College Terry Lynette Yazzie reading books to children in English and Navajo.
The Bashas' Diné Markets are located on Native American reservations throughout Arizona. They specialize in the needs of Navajo, Apache and Tohono O'odham customers, with products such as Blue Bird flour for fry bread, along with mutton and wool.
Based in Chandler, Ariz., Bashas' operates 130-plus stores under the Food City, AJ's Fine Foods, Eddie's Country Store, Bashas' and Bashas' Diné banners.