Construction underway at Clifton Market

The former Keller’s IGA store on Ludlow Avenue in Clifton is seeing a flurry of activity as the community readies for the opening of Clifton Market. Construction began on the co-op grocery store in March, and the opening date is slated for October.
 
Construction should wrap up at the end of September, with interior equipment being delivered later this month.
 
A new grocery store in Clifton has been a long time coming. Plans for it were started in 2014, but organizers were still fundraising for the $5.6 million project. The co-op model, where community members are shareowners, has made the dream a reality.
 
Currently, there are about 1,250 shareowners who hold 1,700 shares. The goal is to obtain 2,000 shareowners by the time the market opens, says Marilyn Hyland, a Clifton Market board member.
 
“The more shareowners there are, the stronger the store will be and the stronger the store will be as the heart of the community,” she says.
 
The 23,000-square-foot building will house organic and locally sourced produce, a butcher, a seafood counter, a deli and a bakery. Customers will be able to purchase everything from beer and wine to pet supplies.
 
Clifton Market will also feature a salad bar and juice bar, plus a cafe space toward the front of the store. There are also plans to offer cooking classes and beer and cheese tastings.
 
The board hired Keith Wicks, a grocery market expert from Minneapolis, to help with the market’s business plan and projected outcomes. Based on his findings, he predicts that 15,000 people will visit the store and the Clifton business district each week.
 
“Clifton Market will be another stop for shoppers in Clifton, bringing in more customers to the store and the neighborhood,” Hyland says.
 
There are plans to cross-promote the market with the shops and restaurants on Ludlow Avenue, creating a cohesive environment for the community.
 
If you’re interested in purchasing a share in Clifton Market, visit its website for more information.