Overview:
Oliver’s was founded in 1988 in Cotati, California by Steve Oliver Maass and his wife, Ruth Maass. Maass bought the then bankrupt Cotati Farmer’s Market for $200,000. The place was in bad shape and they didn’t have much money to spend without any profits coming in. They painted it, deep cleaned it, and opened it for business.
In 1990, Oliver’s added a deli. In 1991, they added an aisle of health foods. By 1994 they expanded the store with an additional 11,000 square feet and added a “Whole Foods” feel by having natural and organic health food added. In the year 2000, their second, smaller store opened in Santa Rosa. By 2004 a 5,000 square foot warehouse opened adjacent to Santa Rosa store for more room, and in 2005, Oliver’s started remodel of their original store in Cotati.
With opening the second store, they changed their name to Oliver’s Market. Oliver’s Market’s strategic plan in based around its traditional supermarket, gourmet foods, deli, and being a major player in the natural foods industry. They pride themselves in being unique. Within its gourmet foods department, they have imported cheeses as well as fine wines from all over the world.
Oliver’s Market’s business approach is clear through its mission statement. It states, “Our mission is to provide communities we serve with the finest grocery store in the marketplace. We seek out our customer’s specific needs and tailor our product and services to meet those needs.” All employees and top management seem to have shared values. They want to provide the best service, atmosphere, and products to all customers with a diverse line of products and unique services.
Analysis:
Strengths
Oliver’s Market seems to have a competitive advantage in their gourmet foods department of their store. In 2005, they were one of six retailers to be honored with an Outstanding Retailer Award by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade. Their cheese