Fresh Thyme Projecting Further Growth in 2017
Up to 20 new stores and new categories for its line of private label products are among the goals for the new year at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, which projects continued growth into 2017.
Founded in 2014, the Downers Grove, Ill.-based specialty grocery chain focuses on value-priced fresh, healthy, natural and organic offerings at its 48 stores in 10 states throughout the Midwest, 20 of them opened just this year, with a goal of 70 total locations by the end of 2017.
A personalized shopping app, community initiatives and corporate fundraising also are on tap for the new year.
“Seeing a significant change in the ever-evolving food retail industry this past year, Fresh Thyme is proud of the service we provide our customers, and we look forward to continuously improving their shopping experience for years to come,” said Chris Sherrell, Fresh Thyme’s CEO. “In addition to our continued and rapid store expansion in the Midwest this year, we also worked to create an enhanced shopping experience through the addition of our private label line and the launch of our MyThyme application.”
Expanded Product Line
In February, Fresh Thyme introduced its private label line, encompassing more than 800 products. New categories expected for 2017 include wine and beer, pet, kids, bath, body and essential oils, and dairy. The line's products are free from more than 100 ingredients typically found in like products.
Personalized Shopping
This past November, Fresh Thyme launched its MyThyme mobile application designed to amplify the customer shopping experience and provide unique customer offerings through rewards, a shopping list feature, digital receipts and personalized coupons. Customers can download the MyThyme application from Google Play or Apple App store for free.
Community Initiatives and Corporate Fundraising
Fresh Thyme has launched community cultivation initiatives, identifying local organizations, schools and nonprofit groups and providing them with support through in-kind donations and fundraising events.
On a corporate level, the brand supported Mission 22, an organization that raises awareness for veteran suicide, through its second-annual golf classic, donating more than $175,000 to the organization.
In addition, Fresh Thyme partnered with Vitamin Angels for the second year in a row, a nonprofit working to end malnutrition by distributing vitamins and minerals to children and mothers in need. Customers are invited to round up their purchase at the register or shop participating products and Fresh Thyme vitamins. In the first few weeks of the Round Up At the Registers initiative this December, Fresh Thyme raised more than $80,000 and has helped more than 360,000 children via this initiative overall since 2015.