Coborn’s focuses on fresh with updated store formats

A remodeled Coborn’s store to reopen next week in Park Rapids, Minn., will be the latest of the retailer’s locations to be updated with a new look and renewed focus on fresh departments.

Several grand-opening events will be held to celebrate the newly remodeled Coborn’s. The store will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:00 p.m. on Wed., July 14. The remodeled store will offer new, enhanced services, an expanded assortment of products and fresh, enlarged perimeter fresh departments and new updated décor and a refreshed, unique north-woods themed exterior. During the grand reopening event, guests can enjoy samples throughout the store.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s has now updated 19 of its 28 Coborn’s locations to its new, next-generation format. The company first introduced the updated concept in its Coborn’s division at its Coborn’s Marketplace in Isanti, Minn., in 2016. Since then, the company has embarked on a remodel campaign at its stores in Minnesota. The company is also building a new store in Buffalo, Minn., to open later this year.

The Farmers' Market produce departments of remodeled Coborn's stores feature expanded selections of seasonal fruit and vegetables.

Highlights of the newly remodeled Park Rapids store opening next week will include:

Related:Coborn’s marks 100th year in business

The Kitchen: This new centerpiece area will serve made-to-order entrees that are packaged in-store for easy, convenient pickup and quick at-home preparation. Specialty pizzas, delicious sandwiches and other grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and dinner options are just a few of the items guests will find in the Kitchen, in addition to a newly added Bake Shoppe and fresh popcorn and cotton candy offerings. 

New offerings in meat and seafood: In addition to the already wide selection of quality fresh meat products, several new items have been introduced, including a variety of smoked meats, Legendary Angus Beef products, an expanded seafood selection and more. The meat department also offers a variety of grab-and-go meal options as well.

Expanded Farmers’ Market produce: The first department in the store, Coborn’s’ newly expanded produce department is filled with the freshest produce and items of the season including fruits, vegetables, salads, cut fruit, trays and more.

Online shopping: Guests can place their order online by visiting Coborns.com or by shopping on any mobile or desktop device and have their order waiting for them for pickup at a designated timeslot they’ve chosen at the store. As more and more consumers are looking to save time, the online shopping service is becoming more and more popular, especially with many Park Rapids lakes area visitors who can order prior to arriving, swing by and pick up their order conveniently without even leaving their vehicle.

Related:Digital customer engagement on the upswing at Coborn’s

Unique Items in the Grocery Aisles: Including expanded craft pop, nostalgic candies and gifts; a growing assortment of Four Brothers affordable specialty items, a line that pays tribute to the third generation of Coborn brothers who led the company to significant growth; and Integrated natural and organic items, making it easier for shoppers to compare against the more traditional item adjacencies.

Coborn’s in Park Rapids is led by store director Jonathan Du Shane, who has served the company in a variety of store leadership positions since joining the company in 2009.