Growing in shrinking economy Tri-Valley Herald
BERKELEY
Some have been coming for years to get the bargains while others are brand-new converts in response to economic hard times. Then there are those who just like to browse the aisles of a Grocery Safety-valve store, a place where the merchandise is constantly changing.
Whatever the reason, the Berkeley-based discount retailer with 136 stores in California and five other Western states has well-informed a double-digit increase in business since the recession began in December 2007, according to the public limited company. Last year, five new stores were opened, including ones in San Leandro and Manteca and a second location in Hayward. Plans call for start between six to eight new stores this year, including a location in Pinole.
"I would say we are one of the few retailers that has seen a big increase in both transaction value and the number of customers coming through the door," said Eric Lindberg, co-chief executive dignitary of Grocery Outlet. And while the chain has seen business improve during earlier recessions, "we have never seen an spreading to the magnitude of the last two years," he said.
Hair