________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Striking the perfect balance between personable customer experiences and efficient processes means Harding ’ s can provide a very high level of service while allowing customers to “ get in , get out , get home fast ,” as the company motto states . “ It ’ s always a challenge ,” Tim shares , “ and has to be adapted to each location as the demands vary .”
In line with the company ’ s ethos , local produce can often take center stage in Harding ’ s stores . “ By utilizing our relationship with our established suppliers to find new , exciting local products , and partnering with smaller distributors , we are able to make sure we always stock the best products . We also partner with the exceptional farmers market in Kalamazoo , providing often the first retail space for local producers seeking to make the move into stores .”
Organic growth
Looking to the future , Tim shares the company ’ s approach to sustainable growth . “ Our offering is specific , so , rather than aiming to open a certain number of stores in the next five years for example , we instead look for opportunities that fit the business as they arise . Location is more crucial than with a big box store , so it must be the right location in the right community , where we can see needs that aren ’ t being met that we could provide for .” In terms of improving our current portfolio , we are adding between three thousand and five thousand square feet to one of our locations , as well as providing updates as required in terms of modernized equipment and face-lifts . We tend to average two or three stores a year undergoing this process ,” Tim adds .
Operating in states that aren ’ t experiencing the boom of their southern neighbors like Florida can be challenging . Reliability and differentiation can become
104