Organic grocery stores sell naturally grown foods without the use of pesticides.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic foods, such as fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products, are available in more than 20,000 natural food stores across the United States. The USDA also reports that three out of four traditional grocery stores now carry organic food products. As the demand for organic foods continues to grow, there will need to be more stores to meet the demand. Opening an organic grocery store in a neighborhood with few natural food options can be a profitable business.
Instructions
1. Complete coursework in retail and business management and finance to learn more about running a retail business. Many universities and community colleges offer degree programs, certification programs and individual courses in these topics. Complete training in displaying and selling organic foods. The Organic Trade Association, for example, offers training and training materials for organic retailers in the handling and selling of organic goods.
2. Analyze retail markets in your area to determine customer need to decide which organic products to sell. Organic products include fresh and frozen produce, dairy and soy-based dairy products, meat, alcohol, candy, baby food and processed foods such as cereal and canned vegetables and fruits. Conducting consumer and marketing research before opening a grocery store helps save money in start-up costs and allows you to create a realistic budget.
3. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits to run an organic grocery store. Licenses and permits you may need include a business license, health inspection certification, milk retail license, liquor license and frozen dessert retailer license. Contact the local health department and department of agriculture to determine the types of licenses and permits needed to open an organic grocery store in your area.
4. Choose a retail space that attracts customers. Contact a commercial real estate agent or research available retail properties online. Look for properties in busy retail centers and those located in established or up-and-coming neighborhoods that have a need for more local businesses. Consider the square footage, delivery access and parking availability for customers.
5. Purchase general liability, commercial property and worker's compensation insurance. General liability insurance covers the costs of lawsuits and settlements. Commercial property insurance covers damage to equipment and property in the event of an accident or natural disaster. Worker's compensation insurance covers medical costs and unemployment costs for employees.
6. Contact organic farmers that grow and transport organic products. Obtain copies of USDA organic certificates to verify you will receive only organic goods. While USDA organic food certification is not necessary to sell organic foods, you should maintain purchase records of the foods you sell to verify foods are organic. If purchasing food from organic suppliers and distributors, ask for copies of handling slips, bills of lading and invoices. Visit the National Organic Program website to view a list of farmers, supplies and distributors that the USDA has decertified.
7. Advertise your store by having a grand-opening sale. Place ads in local newspapers and online community websites. Create a weekly flier highlighting sales and specials.
Tags: grocery store, organic foods, insurance covers, organic grocery, USDA organic