Starting off with 5 locations in 2006, Sun Flower was created as a subsidiary of SUPERVALU as an attempt to get into the organic food market, but it only lasted 24 months. By the beginning of 2008, all 5 stores were closed.
History
Sunflower Market was a small grocery store chain, with only 5 locations, created by the grocery giant SUPERVALU. Once created, SUPERVALU intended to open 50 more stores just like it over the next 5 years, but those plans never materialized and by the beginning of 2008, SUPERVALU decided to curb the idea, and close all 5 stores. Those stores were located in the Chicago area (1), Indianapolis (1), and Columbus, Ohio (3). Within 1 month, by the end of February 2008, all 5 stores were shut down, and their merchandise was reabsorbed back into SUPERVALU’s assets.
During its brief lifetime, Sunflower Market was attempting to gain access into the organic food markets then dominated by Trader Joe’s, Wild Oats, and Whole Foods. By using the power and influence of SuperValu, Sunflower hoped to provide a full selection of lower priced organic foods, making them more affordable to buyers across the country. However, as things panned out, the organic market did not prove to be as profitable as originally thought.
One of the issues they faced is to provide a strictly organic bakery. Larger chain stores will typically source organic baked goods through a central regional location, but Sunflower had trouble finding one large enough to accommodate their growth projections. They attempted to use Minneapolis-based French Meadow Baking Company to help establish their in store brand and cafe, but this did not work out as planned. In the end, it was a great idea, but didn’t quite produce the end results.
Stats
Headquarters: Eden Prairie, MN
No. of Stores: 5 until February (2008); zero as (2010)
No. of Employees: zero
Revenue: zero
Geography: Chicago, IL; Indianapolis, IN; and Columbus, OH
Special Services: Bakery, dairy, deli, frozen foods, general grocery, meat, pharmacy, produce, seafood, snacks, liquor
Banners
SUPERVALU subsidiary
Brands
In-store baking through an exclusive partnership with French Meadow Baking Company
Important links – NA
Corporate Homepage
Online shopping- not available
Circular and specials
Jobs
Store Locations
Contact information
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