Jeff Wells’ Post

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Lead Editor at Grocery Dive and C-Store Dive

Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market collectively operated less than 40 stores in just a few markets. The former was just a decade old, while the latter’s first location hadn’t even celebrated three years in business. But when the news hit last week that both retailers, which merged last fall under newly formed parent company Outfoxed Hospitality, had ceased operations, the outpouring of shock, grief and frustration across the industry was enormous. It’s not clear what led to the demise of Foxtrot and Dom's — two retailers that that had seemed so promising. What is clear, however, is that Foxtrot and Dom’s were operating during a tough time for upscale, innovative retailers. Their downfall comes as both consumers and retailers are feeling more pressure than ever to cut costs, pare down and focus on the essentials. Indeed, we’ve entered a period where creative new retail ideas will struggle to flourish against the raw power of large players and the grinding need for efficiency — and it’ll likely only get tougher from here.

Pardon the Disruption: What the sudden loss of Foxtrot and Dom’s means for retail

Pardon the Disruption: What the sudden loss of Foxtrot and Dom’s means for retail

grocerydive.com

Jennifer Mayne

Shipping Happiness Nationwide | Easy Corporate Gifting | Gourmet Business Gifting | Gifts of Gratitude | Sales Gifts | E-Commerce Director - Dorothy Lane Market | Your Secret Weapon for Sales Gifting

9mo

In the end, the customers have to support their local treasures for them to survive. A customer just wrote my husband a letter and referred to Dorothy Lane Market as a “miracle”, she referenced the experience but most of all the customer service. She said she doesn’t feel as good anywhere like she does at the Springboro store. It’s not easy to combine all of these vital elements for independent grocers: Excellent customer service, quality food and a fun shopping experience, but it can be done.

Elizabeth Abunaw

Entrepreneur | Public Speaker | Food Justice Advocate

9mo

I don't think Foxtrot ever realized that it was a grocery business.

Michelle Evans

Retail, Digital and Shopper Insights | Forbes Contributor | International Keynote Speaker | Top Retail Influencer | Retail, E-Commerce and Shopper Expert

9mo

Indeed on the biggest reasons an innovation succeeds or fails is timing.

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