Busch's expanding into Canton as it buys building for 16th store
The storefront of the former Farmer Jack's grocery store in Canton where Busch's will be opening their newest location. Kyle Mattson | AnnArbor.com
The new store will be located in a 54,000 square-foot space at 225 S. Canton Center Road.
The space is a former Farmer Jack store that was put up for auction in May, according to real estate listings.
According to a press release from Busch’s, the new location will employ 100 full and part-time workers. Busch’s already operates stores in nearby Plymouth and Livonia.
“We’ve wanted to bring Busch’s to the Canton community for several years, and finally the timing and opportunity are right,” CEO John Busch said in a statement.
“We look forward to serving our new neighbors in this wonderfully diverse and family-friendly community with the finest quality products and personal service every shopper deserves.”
Further information from the chain was not immediately available.
The new market will face competition from already-established local grocery stores. According to Google Maps, there are already three Krogers, two Wal-mart Supercenters, a Meijer, an Aldi, a Holiday Market, and a Sam’s Club within a four-mile radius of the store’s location.
Busch’s said it purchased the store’s location and an accompanying 11,000-square-foot multi-tenant building with help from Canton Township Supervisor Phil LaJoy and ROC Real Estate’s Terry Bixler. The purchase price was not available.
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Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2
Comments
Ann English
Wed, Jul 11, 2012 : 12:13 a.m.
Ben, I don't remember the Walmart on Ford Road just east of the Sam's Club off Lotz Road being a Super Center back in 2007, but from what you write, it sounds like it has become a Super Center. I think the nearest Aldi is in Garden City on Ford Road, but it doesn't look over four miles away on the map above. Andy, I wonder if Busch's decided to open a location in Canton instead of in a different place in Ypsilanti because of the crime in Ypsi. I had liked the Ellsworth Road store, and it was more appealing than the Sheena's Marketplace that only briefly took its place. As long as Busch's has enough room for the bigger parking lot, it should do well even without a drive-through for shoppers caught in downpours, which the Main Street Ann Arbor branch has. The one-day-a-week sale for different items should work there in Canton. Hope the employees are well-educated to help customers with how and when they buy fresh food, and even teach customers how to COOK something right the first time, such as mussels. Such information could help the new store stand out among its competitors.
Ann English
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 11:41 p.m.
I shopped at that store from 2005-2007, when it was a Farmer Jack, more often than at the Holiday Market.
HeimerBoodle
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Best of luck on the new store! While it's not going to match the lowest prices of Kroger/Meijer/Evil-Mart, they've made a real and conscious effort in the past 5-6 years to bring them down, especially on "utility" items like paper towels and laundry detergent. I also find their produce to be some of the best in the area (including "higher end" and pricier Plum/Whole Foods products). I love seeing a regional chain thrive, good for them, and good for the area that will get to enjoy what they bring.
Rob Pollard
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 5:09 p.m.
That location has been available for a LONG time (at least five years) so it's great they are moving in. I'm guessing they got it for a song from whoever owns it; the Canton Twp Supervisor mention makes me wonder if some tax break was given (I would feel less good about that as Canton has plenty of grocery stores and doesn't need to give big incentives for another one). Good luck to them. I will be checking them out.
Polyjuce123
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
Busch's isn't bad....if you don't mind paying 50% more than every other grocer charges for the exact same product. No Thanks...
harry
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
Tesla I have not mentioned Busch's. My post is about Walmarts. But now that you mentioned it, I guess I will support Busches also.
Tesla
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
Hey Harry. If you're so supportive of Buschs workers why don't you look into their union busting shenanigans over the last ten years.
harry
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.
Polyjuice/la court Its too bad neither one of you supports the american workers. Walmart employs over 1 million american worker. They are the largest employer in the US. I for one support the american workers. I shop everywhere. PS I'll bet you dont even own an american TV. Guess what Walmarts carries them.
Polyjuce123
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 4:22 p.m.
@Lac Court Haven't walked into a Walmart in many years, but thanks for assuming. Specifically, if you look at fruits and vegetables, you will find that many grocers buy their produce from the same buyer/source, as is the same with store brands. Many canned goods that are "store label" (with the exception of whole foods) are produced by the same company, the grocer simply tacks their logo on the outside. If your not buying your food at a corner farmers market or food stand, your buying the same product from key government food giants, its just simply marketed to a different grocer.
sellers
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
I have seen Busch's is a bit more expensive, but the quality of product tends to match.
Lac Court Orilles
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
So you shop at Walmart and send your money to China? You're part of the big problem why our jobs have been shipped overseas. Make a deal with the Devil (Walmart) and you always pay the consequences) Your motto: "Save a few bucks, lose a few jobs!"
xmo
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 1:01 p.m.
Thank Goodness some business is expanding! Maybe after November we will get a few more businesses to expand! Busch's is a Great store, a local store and now has more stores!
Elijah Shalis
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 12:53 p.m.
Canton is one big strip mall and Detroit tax haven for suburbanites. Enjoy Canton!
Ann English
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 11:52 p.m.
fairfield, I originally saw Canton from Cherry Hill Street, where they had a Cold Stone Creamery before Arborland did. A coworker told me about getting to Canton and back using Ford Road, and their Target store had the big, immobile red spheres in front of their store before the Ann Arbor-Saline location did.
jns131
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 9:49 p.m.
With that negative comment you can have Ann Arbor. As for us who love Canton? And its free parking? Come on down Busch's, we can't wait to have you. I am so happy to see that building being used after sitting dormant for so long.
harry
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
That may be true. But Canton was the 24 th safest city in the United States
dswan
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
Busch's will be a huge improvement over Holiday Market, where every square inch is overflowing with items - you can barely navigate the store any evening or Saturday.
Angry Moderate
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
What the heck do you people have against strip malls? Don't like local people being able to easily and flexibly rent out space for their businesses, without taking on the risk and headache of buying a building?
Cheri
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
It's nice to see another local chain moving in, but I have to agree with fairfield in that I'm not giving up Holiday Market. It will be hard to compete there with Holiday's excellent bakery and meat counter and beer and wine selection. I like that they're a small, family owned store (the owner's sister owns the Holiday Market in Royal Oak) with a great selection.
fairfield
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
Canton is a great place! I live 15 minutes from its excellent library; I can take walks in the park or on quiet streets; there is not one strip mall within walking distance; the power lines in my neighborhood are all buried. I guess some people know Canton only as they see it from Ford Road. Welcome to Busch's ! ... although I do not intend to "abandon" Meijer's and Holiday Market (I doubt anyone can compete with Holiday Market's baker).
sellers
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 1:38 p.m.
...and mostly gridlock. While I'm sure residents love it there (as they did Sterling Heights, Troy, No. Five /Novi/, ala 1990s) it is an unfortunate result of Detroit blight and flight urban sprawl. I spent time in Canton for a while and it just want not for me -- too many power lines, landfills, gridlock, and as you said, strip malls.
Andy Frazier
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
I'm so excited for the Busch's corporation! We live in Ypsilanti, but often travel to Canton for restaurants, shopping and movies. Now we have another great reason to go there!
Diane
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 12:22 p.m.
Best of Luck to you.
MARCI
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.
Yeah! We love Busch's and can't wait to walk to the store in our neighborhood! Thanks Busch's
RunninGal
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
This is great news! It has been a shame to have that store empty for these past few years.
ez12c
Tue, Jul 10, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
That's the difference between Ann Arbor and the rest of the world... Canton people say "thanks for coming to our neighborhood with your business" and Ann Arbor says "Not in my Backyard we already have a grocery store"