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Harding's Friendly Markets acquires four Village Market stores in Southwest Michigan, expanding its regional presence to 32 locations.
The acquisition strategy aims to consolidate market share and compete against national grocery chains.
Harding's plans to retain the existing workforce, emphasizing community ties and local knowledge.
Eight-decade-old Harding's Friendly Markets is acquiring four Village Market grocery stores in Southwest Michigan, a move that reflects a growing strategy of consolidation among local players to better compete against national chains, as first reported by Wilcox Newspapers.
A fresh coat of paint: The four locations in Allegan, Colon, Decatur, and Gobles will be converted to the Harding's brand. The acquisition brings the company’s total store count to 32, deepening its presence across the region.
Keeping the team: Harding’s also moved to keep the existing workforce, with President Curt DeVries inviting all current employees to stay on. "These are dedicated individuals who know their communities well, and we’re excited to grow with them," DeVries said in a statement.
The acquisition is a classic play for regional grocers, who are increasingly using local M&A to consolidate market share. This strategy helps them build a competitive moat against industry behemoths, a trend noted across the grocery sector. In a market squeezed by giants, staying local and getting bigger is the new path to survival.
