Hunters IGA Wolfeboro - for sale?

[lakeboat]

I heard that Hunters is for sale or that there may be a deal in the works for the sale of Hunters. One thing I heard is that Market Basket is a potential buyer. Does anyone know?

I personally love the idea of Demoules Market Basket, obviously a much smaller scale, in Wolfeboro. They have the BEST prices and lots of variety.

[old coot]

Hunter's is likely for sale I would speculate as there are fewer members of the Hunter family who are healthy enough or young enough or who have the desire to run the operation than ever before. It's also an enormously valuable piece of downtown Wolfeboro real estate. The owners of Rite Aid have a vested interest in the continued stability of Hunter's operation, since they share the parking lot.
However, I doubt that Hunter's IGA would be an attractive location for a DeMoulas Market Basket type of store operation.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

What is the source of your rumor? Remember the many rumors of MB moving into the old Jackson Stat location in Meredith? MB needs a lot of space and I don't see how this could be done at Hunters place in Wolfeboro.

As much as I would love to have MB in the Lakes Region, I think the idea of their buying Hunters is pure speculation.

[BrownstoneNorth]

One of the famously feuding Arthur Demoulases owns the lion's share of the former Pick Point Resort in Tuftonboro, just down the road apiece, but I don't know whether he's the one who won or the the one who lost control of the Market Basket. I've been happy enough with Hunters for the convenience and unusually friendly service, Harvest for their terrific sliced roast beef, the Alton Hannaford's for its bigger selection, and BJs for bulk purchases.


http://www.bostonmagazine.com/articl...st_bostonians/

Arthur S. Demoulas
47, Concord; director, Demoulas Super Markets
$1.6 billion
The longest (15 years), costliest (at least $13 million) civil litigation in state history whittled away at the Demoulas fortune as two sides of the family struggled for control of their $2 billion-a-year Market Basket chain. But the Supreme Court has now put an ostensible end to the saga by declining to hear another installment of Demoulas versus Demoulas. That seemingly means Arthur S.'s family will hang on to the controlling interest in the Demoulas Super Markets company a judge took away from cousin Arthur T.'s side. What it doesn't mean is that they're going to kiss and make up: They'll be furious to be even mentioned together here.

[lovemycamp]

Rumor is that its being converted into a hannaford.

[RLW]

sulovemycamp, I just noticed that you are fairly new to the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends. By the looks of your statement, you may be the one helping it along. Just joking, but I don’t believe it is anywhere near big enough.

[gus62]

Hannaford is not quite correct however I believe it to be a company that buys from Hannaford but is independent and is called Shop and Save. They run a similar sale as Hannaford and carry the same products. This is considered an Agency Store. There is a simalar tore in Bristol but it is a different owner.

[dutchie4]

I also heard the Hannaford rumor. I love Hunter's but have sadly seen it go downhill recently. Prices are much higher than Harvest Market, Wolfeboro's only other grocery store.

[CrawfordCentury]

MB has 2 basic store models. The main type is what you'd see in Rochester. But they have a scaleable smaller model - akin to Stateline in Plaistow or the Concord Storrs location. Even these smaller outlets might not scale to the Hunter footprint. Interesting to know of the local Demoulas connection. Heck, there's an alton Shop & Save/Hannoford because Mrs. Bob Behar didn't like the Wboro grocers. Maybe the Demoulases can pull rank and get a store local in spite of what their current retail models are.

[topwater]

It's been sold... The new owner s the man who owns Grants up in N.Conway. It will be turned it a small Hannaford.

[AC2717]

If you head up to Bartlett at the Rt 16/302 split, there is a very small Grocer Called. Grant's Shop & Save. Smaller than the Hunters. On thier flyer and window it says that they proudly serve Hannaford Products

[tis]

We've been sold. The owner has Grant's Supermarket in Glen at 16/302. It'll be called Hunter's Shop and Save and sell Hannaford products. We'll still be independent. Better, competitive prices. New manager is already there working with us. The change will happen April first.


This is from an employee of Hunter's.

[CateP]

Originally Posted by tis

We've been sold. The owner has Grant's Supermarket in Glen at 16/302. It'll be called Hunter's Shop and Save and sell Hannaford products. We'll still be independent. Better, competitive prices. New manager is already there working with us. The change will happen April first.


This is from an employee of Hunter's.

Hope they keep the green wooden sign that's been there for decades.

[Jonas Pilot]

That's the way to think you Wolfeboro resident!

[Grocer]

The Hunters IGA is soon to be converted into an Independant Hannaford. We are very excited about continuing the Hunters long tradition of running this great Grocery store location.
Benefits-Hannaford private label, same low pricing as the larger Hannafords, fresh meats and PRODUCE. Great selection of any groceries available at the huge Hannaford warehouse--just ask and the soon to be Hunter's Shop N Save will get it and stock it for you. We will also continue to carry the specialty products that Hunters has been known for.
Be patient , we will be converting Hunters with Hannaford product and new pricing April 25. Please at any time let our manager and staff know of any concerns or how we can better serve you. We want to be a big part of Wolfeboro. Thanks Dan

[Jonas Pilot]

Does this mean Hunter's will only sell Hannaford brands? What about the other national, and international, brands offered in your other stores?

I'm curious about where you live. I see you didn't state a location.

[songkrai]

I think the parking lot is too small for any major brand grocery store going in.

On a completely different note the giant Wallm*rt is attempting boutique stores. Some are already up and running in Florida and other parts of country. NO there is zero talk about one if these stores going in here.

Hannaford's did go into Meredith but they built a whole new store.

[Grocer]

Hannaford merchandising specialist will reset the soon to be Hunter's Shop N Save,with the fastest moving most popular national,international brands and Hannafords private label. Our closest store is located in Bartlett New Hampshire. We are New Hampshire and Maine based.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Originally Posted by Grocer

Hannaford merchandising specialist will reset the soon to be Hunter's Shop N Save,with the fastest moving most popular national,international brands and Hannafords private label. Our closest store is located in Bartlett New Hampshire. We are New Hampshire and Maine based.

Interesting that you mention Hannaford's low prices!! You must have a great sense of humor. There is another thread here that covers in great detail the fact that Hannaford DOES NOT have consistent pricing. Meredith is more expensive than Gilford/Laconia and the Ossipee store can only be classified as shameful, the prices are so inflated.

I believe that Hannaford management has conceded that they "tailor" their prices to the local market, i.e. charge as much as they can get away with. Please tell us what the Wolfeboro pricing will be? The Hunters were very fair in their pricing for the type of store they operated and you can be assured that their customers will not appreciate any manipulation of prices by Hannaford.

[barefootbay]

You must have been shopping at a different Hunters than the rest of us. lol

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

I believe that Hannaford management has conceded that they "tailor" their prices to the local market, i.e. charge as much as they can get away with. Please tell us what the Wolfeboro pricing will be? The Hunters were very fair in their pricing for the type of store they operated and you can be assured that their customers will not appreciate any manipulation of prices by Hannaford.

I'm genuinely curious, why do you think every store should charge the same prices for the same items?

Also "charging as much as you can get away with" is kind of the point of capitalism...

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Originally Posted by brk-lnt

I'm genuinely curious, why do you think every store should charge the same prices for the same items?

Also "charging as much as you can get away with" is kind of the point of capitalism...

You can't have it both ways. In post #15 you state that you will have "....the same low pricing as the larger Hannafords....." which is a contradiction since your stores do not charge the same prices.

Yes, ypu are certainly entitled to charge as much as you want but don't tell us it's your same low price because it isn't. Why don't ypu say up front that you will "adjust" your pricing to the Wolfeboro market?

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

You can't have it both ways. In post #15 you state that you will have "....the same low pricing as the larger Hannafords....." which is a contradiction since your stores do not charge the same prices.

Yes, ypu are certainly entitled to charge as much as you want but don't tell us it's your same low price because it isn't. Why don't ypu say up front that you will "adjust" your pricing to the Wolfeboro market?

Are you in some way assuming I am associated with Hannaford's in any way?

I'm not.

For someone to state that stores will have "low pricing" does not mean that every store will have the SAME prices, it means they will have low prices relative to some unknown other "high" prices.

[Heaven]

I hope hunter's continues to carry the more eclectic variety of goods that I appreciate. If I want to bargain shop I'll go to a store that specializes in bargains. Hunter's now carries the "IGA" brand, I assume that those items will be swapped for the "Hannaford" brand and there will still be a wide selection of other brands (national or more localized). And, clean it and stock it up the way Sally used to have it. I had been hoping for something like a fiddelheads or Trader Joe's, maybe it will be a happy medium.

[patman]

It's not Wolfeboro, but...closer than Portland. Trader Joe's is opening a store in Portsmouth (Newington) in the Kohl's plaza.

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Heaven

I hope hunter's continues to carry the more eclectic variety of goods that I appreciate. If I want to bargain shop I'll go to a store that specializes in bargains. Hunter's now carries the "IGA" brand, I assume that those items will be swapped for the "Hannaford" brand and there will still be a wide selection of other brands (national or more localized). And, clean it and stock it up the way Sally used to have it. I had been hoping for something like a fiddelheads or Trader Joe's, maybe it will be a happy medium.

IGA brands are now on sale and coming off the shelves. I wrote to Dan and hope the store can bring in a lot of local produce and other agricultural products that are produced in the area. Why spend all that gas going to Trader Joe's when you can get fresh, locally grown products here? Aside from vegetables, I personally would like to see local eggs, cheese, chicken, beef and pork available. AND I would pay a little extra for it too!

[barefootbay]

Because Trader Joe's is awesome!!!!!!!!

[Alton Bay]

If you are looking for local beef, Johnson's in New Durham carries Miles Smith beef from Loudon. Grass fed, pink slime free hamburger!

[riverat]

For a diamond in the rough, check out this little known gem.
http://www.localharvest.org/moore-fa...-shoppe-M42899

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by CateP

IGA brands are now on sale and coming off the shelves. I wrote to Dan and hope the store can bring in a lot of local produce and other agricultural products that are produced in the area. Why spend all that gas going to Trader Joe's when you can get fresh, locally grown products here? Aside from vegetables, I personally would like to see local eggs, cheese, chicken, beef and pork available. AND I would pay a little extra for it too!

Cate, The IGA always had local produce during the summer months. I hope the new owner continues this practice. Usually the produce was set up outside in the corner of the lot nearest the store windows. We always got great local tomatoes and corn there.

[BrownstoneNorth]

Originally Posted by patman

It's not Wolfeboro, but...closer than Portland. Trader Joe's is opening a store in Portsmouth (Newington) in the Kohl's plaza.

Thanks very much to both you and Grocer for the news!

I'm thrilled about Trader Joe's opening in the Newington Mall -- much better than in Hunter's spot, IMHO, because we have enough traffic on Main Street without Trader Joe's fans coming from every which way -- and cautiously optimistic about the new Hunter's Shop N Save.

My husband and I have never been into "one-stop" food shopping, partly because no one place can possibly have the best of everything and partly because, at least in the Lakes Region of NH, we enjoy experiencing the character -- and in some cases, the characters :-) -- of different sources. *Among our favorites are Capt. Bart's in Moultonborough for seafood; Fiddlehead Farms in Alton for cheese; and in Wolfeboro itself, for produce and locally-made treats, the weekly Farmer's Market on Clark Road and DeVylders Farm on Pleasant Valley Road, *where one time we were invited to choose our lettuce right from the ground -- can't get any fresher or more local than that. *Also in Wolfeboro, Butternuts' Sally (formerly of Hunter's) makes some great innovative dishes for takeout.

We hope to be able to continue to rely on Hunter's for most of our grocery needs.

[Harry513]

has anyone been into Hunter's since the April 1 takeover?? Will be up in a few weeks and Hunter's is my grocer of choice. Thanks

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Harry513

has anyone been into Hunter's since the April 1 takeover?? Will be up in a few weeks and Hunter's is my grocer of choice. Thanks

Nothing new to report. The IGA sign is still out there and the staff are still wearing their maroon Hunters IGA shirts. If there has been a change it is so subtle I haven't noticed anything.

[Jonas Pilot]

I hope they don't change the bakery. I love their Portuguese bread.

[Barbara]

The transition is scheduled to take place later in April. Most of the employees will continue in their positions. The new owner has been in there a lot recently.

[Grocer]

Hunters IGA will be closed next Monday and Tuesday the 23 and 24 to convert to Hannafords product. We apologize for the inconvenience. Hunter's Shop N Save will open Wednesday the 25th.

We are very excited to serve the Wolfeboro community and would like to sincerely thank the patrons for all their support. We are committed to keeping our pricing low and keeping the same faces of our staff. We would also like to wish the Hunter family the best.

Perry Shaw store manager

[wifi]

Will there be a deal on the 'old', discarded food ?

[old coot]

Originally Posted by Grocer

Hunters IGA will be closed next Monday and Tuesday the 23 and 24 to convert to Hannafords product. We apologize for the inconvenience. Hunter's Shop N Save will open Wednesday the 25th.

We are very excited to serve the Wolfeboro community and would like to sincerely thank the patrons for all their support. We are committed to keeping our pricing low and keeping the same faces of our staff. We would also like to wish the Hunter family the best.

Perry Shaw store manager

"We are committed to keeping our prices low......"

I don't think that choice of words bodes well for the changes that need to be made.

[Barbara]

Really hoping the same familiar faces of the staff remain. They are a part of the reason I have shopped at the IGA.

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Grocer

Hunters IGA will be closed next Monday and Tuesday the 23 and 24 to convert to Hannafords product. We apologize for the inconvenience. Hunter's Shop N Save will open Wednesday the 25th.

We are very excited to serve the Wolfeboro community and would like to sincerely thank the patrons for all their support. We are committed to keeping our pricing low and keeping the same faces of our staff. We would also like to wish the Hunter family the best.

Perry Shaw store manager

Keep the staff and the signage and bring in more local products from area farms.

[Heaven]

Clean it up the way Sally kept it

[Grocer]

Hunters Shop N Save is now open with Hannaford product. Stop in, check us out and say Hi!

[barefootbay]

Big improvement in appearence and prices already. Keep up the good work. In time the locals will shop Wolfeboro's down town once again.

[CateP]

Originally Posted by Grocer

Hunters Shop N Save is now open with Hannaford product. Stop in, check us out and say Hi!

Can't wait to check it out. And am so glad the Shop n' Save sign is small. Hunter's is really the store brand name.

I was going to stop in today, but there is heavy construction going on over there and wasn't sure where to park. Too bad they are digging up the sidewalks and street right around there now. Not great for a grand re-opening. Perhaps when the big machines are gone there can be a little re re-opening

[NoBozo]

Will the new owners continue to provide the shopping cart Escort Service to the parking lot, to prevent uninformed shoppers from leaving their cart at just the right place... to ROLL Down the hill into the side of your Beamer? Just wondering. NB

[CateP]

I just spoke to the district manager (Perry) about stocking local fresh eggs and they are already working on it. In fact he has contacted or been contacted by many local growers and fully intends to use as much local products as possible. I love that!! It's a win-win for our community.

[Heaven]

As I posted in the Trader Joe's thread. Hunter's "Shop n Save" is a big disappointment, and continues to go down hill. I occasionally stop in to "give them another chance". This week I had an urge for hot pepper jam, and recalled they carry Stonewall Kitchen. When I saw the shelf price I couldn't believe it. I was sure it was much higher than Harvest Market and I took the time to go check.
Hunters was two dollar more. . . $7.50 vs 5.50.
I am struggling to find any reason at all to go there.

[Pineedles]

Don't struggle, don't go there anymore.

[camp guy]

My problem with Hunters is with the new ownership and their prices. Sadly, the clerks and others are victims of these prices. I have come to know a lot of these fine people, and like them very much, but I am afraid ownership is pricing things too high for me to continue being a regular customer. I still do quick hits, but not the big shopping orders.

[Chaselady]

I don't think any small grocery store is a good place to do large shopping trips. The smaller size limits their ability to buy in larger quantities and keep their prices down. Save your large shopping trips for full size stores.

[fatlazyless]

Looks like Market Basket wants to build a store in Plymouth on Tenney Mountain Hgwy, across from the stoplights at Highland Ave, but also wants to be welcomed by the community and not get embattled in any legal battles over that location. The town's yearly voting coming up includes three petitioned warrant articles that are designed to exclude MB through zoning rules.

With a huge Hannaford's and a Super Wal-Mart already in place in Plymouth for over ten years each that are both already under-used and somewhat empty of customers in my opinion, at least compared to similar stores in Massachusetts, then why would Market Basket want to have a store in that large former cornfield where there's not enough customers to support it?

[fpartri497]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Looks like Market Basket wants to build a store in Plymouth on Tenney Mountain Hgwy, across from the stoplights at Highland Ave, but also wants to be welcomed by the community and not get embattled in any legal battles over that location. The town's yearly voting coming up includes three petitioned warrant articles that are designed to exclude MB through zoning rules.

With a huge Hannaford's and a Super Wal-Mart already in place in Plymouth for over ten years each that are both already under-used and somewhat empty of customers in my opinion, at least compared to similar stores in Massachusetts, then why would Market Basket want to have a store in that large former cornfield where there's not enough customers to support it?

so you can return the food for a refund of course

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Looks like Market Basket wants to build a store in Plymouth on Tenney Mountain Hgwy, across from the stoplights at Highland Ave, but also wants to be welcomed by the community and not get embattled in any legal battles over that location. The town's yearly voting coming up includes three petitioned warrant articles that are designed to exclude MB through zoning rules.

With a huge Hannaford's and a Super Wal-Mart already in place in Plymouth for over ten years each that are both already under-used and somewhat empty of customers in my opinion, at least compared to similar stores in Massachusetts, then why would Market Basket want to have a store in that large former cornfield where there's not enough customers to support it?

If Market Basket builds a store in that area it will put Hannaford's and any other grocery store out of business.
Lowe's won the battle to get in that area but finally turned it down for some reason.

I don't know why they keep the Hannaford brand name. A foreign company bought them out some time ago. Hannaford doesn't know what they want for a brand name. A lot of there stuff is called "my essentials" and they sell them somewhat cheaper that other brand names. Things are still a lot more expensive then Market Basket.

[fatlazyless]

Plymouth Wal-Mart ........ Pabst Blue Ribbon six 16-oz cans cold.........$4.48


Plymouth Hannaford.........Pabst Blue Ribbon six 16-oz cans cold.........$5.49


Tilton Market Basket........Pabst Blue Ribbon six 16-oz cans cold........how much?


What really matters! .......

[hig]

Originally Posted by Chaselady

I don't think any small grocery store is a good place to do large shopping trips. The smaller size limits their ability to buy in larger quantities and keep their prices down. Save your large shopping trips for full size stores.

I agree, not fair to compare prices to a large out of town super center.

For those of us that are on the islands, it is worth paying a few extra cents on their stuff for the convenience of doing all your weekend/weekly grocery shopping by boat. You just can't beat their location in proximity to the town dock.

[RLW]

hig, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends. Thanks for giving your feelings to this topic.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Plymouth Wal-Mart ........ Pabst Blue Ribbon six 16-oz cans cold.........$4.48


Plymouth Hannaford.........Pabst Blue Ribbon six 16-oz cans cold.........$5.49


Tilton Market Basket........Pabst Blue Ribbon six 16-oz cans cold........how much?


What really matters! .......

Here's the Plan:...go to Plymouth Walmart and buy 5 6 pks of PBR, take them over to the Plymouth Hannaford, return them. Then take the money back to Walmart, buy a sixpack, and you would have enough left over for a Milky Way....Just never ends, does it FLL?

[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Plymouth Wal-Mart ........ Pabst Blue Ribbon six 16-oz cans cold.........$4.48


Plymouth Hannaford.........Pabst Blue Ribbon six 16-oz cans cold.........$5.49


Tilton Market Basket........Pabst Blue Ribbon six 16-oz cans cold........how much?


What really matters! .......

with any luck MB has the class not to sell that swill . can't you pick a different item or at least some Bud ?

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Here's the Plan:...go to Plymouth Walmart and buy 5 6 pks of PBR, take them over to the Plymouth Hannaford, return them. Then take the money back to Walmart, buy a sixpack, and you would have enough left over for a Milky Way....Just never ends, does it FLL?

after the gas, there will be no savings, even if cycling, time value of money just is not there

[fatlazyless]

"The result was right for the town," said Valerie Scarborough, chair-Plymouth selectboard, who said Market Basket would mean 300 new jobs in the town as well as an increase in the town's tax base. "That will help in a town that doesn't have a lake," she said alluding to other communities in the Lakes Region which derive considerable tax revenue from lakefront property. (LaDaSun) 3/13/13

And probably, there will be shoppers from Massachusetts who get off Route 93, about two miles away at Exit 26, who get their first opportunity to take in the view of a 24-wind turbine, wind farm, high atop the used-to-be beautifull mountains in the neighboring not-so-beautifull Town of Groton from their car seats in the new Plymouth Market Basket parking lot. Another great reason to visit the town of Plymouth, NH........a nice place to go shopping at your super-market choice of either Hannaford's, Wal-Mart, or this yet-to-be built Market Basket.....but I wouldn't want to live there!

Say-hey.....with the new property tax revenue....maybe Plymouth will decide to go get some pressure treated 2x4's, and plywood, and construct a tennis ball hitting, home-made tennis backboard out on their very nice, 5-court, tennis courts at the Plymouth High School which would be similar to the backboard in Center Harbor. ...probably, easy-to-build and very usable for beginner, intermediate & advanced tennis players!!! With that in mind.....who knows....but maybe the next Serena Williams will come from Plymouth, NH?

[tis]

Fll, is that right across Tenney Mtn. Highway in exactly the same spot where Lowe's was going to go? I don't know the names of the streets up there.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

"Say-hey.....with the new property tax revenue....maybe Plymouth will decide to go get some pressure treated 2x4's, and plywood, and construct a tennis ball hitting, home-made tennis backboard out on their very nice, 5-court, tennis courts at the Plymouth High School which would be similar to the backboard in Center Harbor. ...probably, easy-to-build and very usable for beginner, intermediate & advanced tennis players!!! With that in mind.....who knows....but maybe the next Serena Williams will come from Plymouth, NH?

FYI to use those courts most towns require that you live in that town.

[fatlazyless]

Tennis; both a cheap sport and a super-duper sport you can play into your 90's. In Ashland, Meredith, Center Harbor, Plymouth, and Plymouth State University, which all have hard surface, rubberized asphalt courts that are all old and worn out (exception-Meredith, excellent condition about seven years old), one plays for free.....no-charge.....just show up and play.....and there's almost always an open court available.

The backboard down at the Center Harbor courts is my fav.....and it is a home-made, 2x4 and plywood construction that is probably not too difficult to build.

For both children and adults who are just giving tennis a first try, the backboard is really good for getting started and for practice.

I was a little surprised to see the Plymouth courts do not have a tennis ball hitting backboard....and hope that Plymouth would give it some consideration.

........

As far as paying to play tennis, maybe towns could use those steel money deposit boxes like what gets used at the WMNF hiking trails, and charge ten dollars/hour or something?

In the Lakes Region, there is not too much interest in tennis, people are more interested in things like motorboats and motorcycles. Maybe what we need is motor-tennis where a machine swings the raquet for you?