New Mariano’s Enters Already-Crowded Market Near Downtown Chicago

Outside, it was a grey, blustery day in the West Loop Tuesday morning, as the remnants of Hurricane Sandy rushed through town. It was the kind of day that didn’t make for much in the way of street traffic aside from a few folks hustling to work downtown, as wind barreled swiftly and unforgivingly down the streets.

But just inside the grocery store on the corner of Madison and Halsted, things were bustling inside the brand-new Mariano’s Fresh Market, open for its first day. The store’s parking lot was packed, and inside, the floors were filled with people checking out just what the deal was with this new store.

Around every corner, it seemed there were samples to be had — cheeses, fudge, coffee, cider. Stockers faithfully filled and straightened the displays of mostly yet-untouched produce and quirky packaged goods that complimented the aisles of traditional boxed brands.

Amidst it all, Bob Mariano, CEO of parent company Roundy’s, walked the aisles, chatting up customers and employees alike, soaking it all in. The West Loop is the company’s eighth store in Illinois, and its second in the downtown area (the other is at Lakeshore East). Next fall, they’re planning to open a store in the South Loop at 16th and Clark streets.

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