Vermont Business Magazine The Farm Store, a natural foods store with a focus on local, organic produce and artisans, has outgrown their fifth retail space in the last six years. Owner Jennifer Bishop has purchased the commercial property at 168 Main Street to serve as the permanent location for her store after years of leasing properties across town. Serving as a woman-owned and operated business, the store’s exponential growth comes as result of the demand for such niche offerings in the Smugglers’ Notch destination area.
The Farm Store owner Jennifer Bishop (left) and manager Jennifer Dirkmaat (right). Courtesy photo.
The Jeffersonville property, a historic building formerly the Windridge Inn, has been an important commercial hub on Main Street for generations and will see minor renovations and enhancements to improve its framework and allow for expanded commercial offerings beyond just Bishop’s business.
The Farm Store serves as a destination for many living or visiting the Smugglers’ Notch area thanks to its extensive selection of locally-grown, organic produce, as well as farm-fresh meats and cheeses. The store also carries harder-to-find grocery items from national and local purveyors, ideal but not limited to those with specific dietary needs. The building purchase has afforded Bishop the ability to offer more products, and expand the store’s to-go offerings including soups, daily baked goods, and a coffee bar complete with espresso drinks. The enhanced square footage of the space, as well as the addition of a commercial kitchen, will allow the business continued growth opportunities.
“We started off six years ago in the garage of Waiora Valley Farm,” remembered Bishop. “And now to have purchased this building, I’m seeing the goals I set out for my business coming to full fruition.”
Since opening in 2010, The Farm Store has also housed its retail space other leased spaces in Jeffersonville, most recently just across the street. Bishop has also developed a second business, 168 Main Holdings, with the property purchase. The new business will oversee the additional rental spaces within the building, including three commercial spaces and two rooms that will revert to one of their original purposes – a place for overnight visitors to stay – via Airbnb.
The Farm Store is now open in its new location. For more information about The Farm Store, visit www.thefarmstorevt.com.
About The Farm Store
The Farm Store, established in 2010, serves as a combination farm stand and natural food store. The Farm Store boasts the largest selection of organic produce, natural foods and body care products within a 20-mile radius. All items are hand-selected for seasonality, demand, and to keep the consumption healthy and local. For more information about The Farm Store, visit www.thefarmstorevt.com.
Source: JEFFERSONVILLE, VT – November 2, 2016 - The Farm Store