Without Farmer Jack, Detroit a 'Supermarket Desert'
DETROIT -- The last two Farmer Jack supermarkets in Detroit are closing Saturday, leaving the city the only major U.S. metropolis to be classified a "supermarket desert," according to published reports
The Detroit News reported this week on the dissatisfaction of area residents, who no longer have the option of any stores within city limits to provide quality produce and meat at lower chain store prices.
The paper reported that Detroit's efforts to bring national chain supermarkets to the city have been scuttled by high employee turnover at stores, security costs, theft losses, and the low income of residents, which restricts the number of high-margin items that can be offered.
According to a 2003 University of Michigan study of Detroit supermarkets, the city could support 41 supermarkets with a minimum of 40,000 square feet of space, based on its population and spending.
Farmer Jack was owned by Montvale, N.J.-based A&P.
The Detroit News reported this week on the dissatisfaction of area residents, who no longer have the option of any stores within city limits to provide quality produce and meat at lower chain store prices.
The paper reported that Detroit's efforts to bring national chain supermarkets to the city have been scuttled by high employee turnover at stores, security costs, theft losses, and the low income of residents, which restricts the number of high-margin items that can be offered.
According to a 2003 University of Michigan study of Detroit supermarkets, the city could support 41 supermarkets with a minimum of 40,000 square feet of space, based on its population and spending.
Farmer Jack was owned by Montvale, N.J.-based A&P.