What do you think of Mariano's?

I'm posting this because over the years some people on the south side whether in Englewood (before the Whole Foods Market opened) and perhaps even residents in South Shore were looking for a Mariano's to come in. I wonder if there is a change of perception as far as Marino's now that they now owned by Kroger's as explored in this roughly 20 min podcast from Crain's Chicago Business:

And here's another article from Crain's:

Many of the changes reflect Kroger's efforts to boost profitability and meet a new challenge from Amazon, which in 2017 acquired Whole Foods, a rival to Mariano's in the premium grocery market. Mariano's changing profile also reflects the influence of former parent company Roundy's, a Milwaukee-based operator of low-end stores like Pick 'n Save.

For a while after Kroger took over, the Milwaukee and Chicago chains continued to operate autonomously, with former Mariano lieutenants Don Rosanova and Don Fitzgerald overseeing the Mariano's stores. That changed in September 2018 when Kroger consolidated leadership teams in the Wisconsin-based unit in a cost-cutting move. Fitzgerald and Rosanova were both gone by year-end.

"If there hadn't been the pressure from Milwaukee, the business could have been run better," Bishop says. "They are subject to the budgetary pressures of the folks in Cincinnati."

"Mariano's continues to innovate and lead in this space, and the larger Kroger organization is bringing elements of our programs into other banners to accelerate their Restock Kroger initiatives," a Mariano's spokeswoman says.

How many of you still want to attract a Mariano's store to other parts of the south side? Also note that Food 4 Less is also part of the Kroger family along with Mariano's.

Food4Less – helping pump more business in the area

Chatham Ridge Shopping center is actually the 21st ward, but many of us shop in the area: getting groceries at Jewel’s, electronics ay Best Buy, clothes at Burlington Coat Factory, or going to the movies at ICE Theaters.

In a recent mailing, Food4Less is clearly anchoring the mall. They are using the new excitement over a lower cost grocery to boost business in surrounding businesses. They just sent out a coupon card which features them on one side, but then they are one of 8 coupoin options on the back.

One coupon (blown up here) is for Reggio’s, which used to have a store on 79th (I believe where U.S. Representative Bobby Rush now has his offices).

Chatham Business Association (or others) may want to look into coordinating a similar mailing of area businesses. Individually, they might not be able to afford a specific mailing, but perhaps they can pool resources for a bigger mailing.

Even smaller businesses, like hair salons or dry cleaners might want to share a coupon, which basically says $10 off Services, and include phone number and street address.