After hearing murmurs of this sweet little store for weeks, yesterday was the day I decided to finally zip over and have a look-sie. Tucked away in a picturesque neighbourhood in Vancouver’s Main Street area, The Home Grow-In Grocer is just the sort of place I would love to see in my own neck of the woods. And I suspect that I am not alone. It first opened its doors to the public four months ago, and the timing could not have been any better. An economic downturn combined with a growing interest in eating healthy, local food has created a yearning in the market place for consumers to find a way to feel connection not only to what they eat, but also where they purchase it from.
When proprietor Deb Reynolds opened the store this past April, she really had no idea just how white hot her concept was. Customers immediately embraced her ‘Made in B.C.’ mandate- to offer only products that have been made, purchased and grown in B.C. Despite the minimal space she has to work with (think of an old-school corner store that sells cigarettes, chips and pop) the diversity of her selection is impressive. Imagine 850 square feet attractively stocked with fresh produce, organic meat and poultry, farm fresh eggs and dairy, fresh baked bread, coffee (both beans and brewed), crackers, canned wild salmon, honey, sauces, syrups, pickles, frozen yogurt and even ice cream cones!!! And yes, it’s all from B.C.
Prices are reasonable. In fact, a lot of the produce is downright cheap. Reynolds has utilized her past Okanagan farming experience and connections to source surplus produce and then pass on the savings to her customers. Note that all sales are cash only. But should you forget your wallet, fear not. The Home Grow-In also uses the honour system, just like an old school general store. Take your purchases home now, and pay next time. In the end, what the Home Grow-In offers its customers is more than just good food. It also contributes to the strength and health of their community in a much broader sense. I predict that The Home Grow-In is soon to become a much emulated, smashing success.
Also check out David Tracey’s podcast documenting his Home Grow-In visit.
