Bashas' executives say they're not throwing out the blueprint for Ike's Farmers' Market, and the unique concept may yet be resurrected. However, that won't be likely until the retailer's home state of Arizona bounces back from the recession, which factored heavily in the decision to close the prototype fresh and natural food store, located just outside of Tucson.
“We're pleased with the store, and we're pleased with the offering we have there,” said Mike Proulx, Bashas' president, adding that, if anything, location seemed to be part of the problem.
“Contrary to all our research and studies, it just wasn't the right place for that store,” he said.
The 35,000-square-foot Ike's opened in May 2007, and featured more extensive organic selections than found in conventional Bashas'-owned stores.