Blake and Becky Maxey will do their part to combat food inflation when they open their new discount supermarket, Grocery Outlet, in Sicklerville this summer.
The married pair’s store will join a California-based chain of independently operated discounters in eight states – including New Jersey – that are run by teams of couples, siblings and friends who work the business together. Grocery Outlet offers overstocked and closeout products from name-brand and private-label suppliers, according to its website, groceryoutlet.com.
The Maxeys, who wed in 2022 but still refer to themselves as newlyweds, identified a void for a discount grocery in South Jersey. Their Berlin-Cross Keys Road location – a former Rite-Aid – is expected to offer groceries accessible to families at 40 to 70% less than largerer retailers.
The store is not just a business for the couple to run, they say, but a commitment to the community in which they have a deep connection.
Becky – a 29-year-old Barrington native and Haddon Heights High School graduate – and Blake, 41, who moved to Blackwood more than a decade ago – now live in Runnemede and chose Sicklerville for the grocery because of deep roots in the area. And while it marks the Maxeys’ first venture as small-business owners, they bring years of management experience in the food and beverage industry to the endeavor.
“Opening Grocery Outlet will be our first venture as small business owners,” said Becky. “We intend to blend our management philosophies and business acumen that we have developed throughout our career paths and during our training to establish ourselves as successful operators.
“Throughout our partnership with Grocery Outlet, we have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience.”
The Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. began 78 years ago by selling military surplus at deep discounts and now specializes in stores that offer one-stop shopping to families. The Maxeys’ store will also features NOSH, a department offering natural, organic, specialty and healthy products.
Unlike larger grocery retailers, Grocery Outlet stores are known to engage with the community through various programs, including discounts for hometown heroes; seniors; and a fundraising initiative for nonprofits, schools and churches, among other organizations.
“We are not looking to compete with the larger grocery retailers in the area,” Becky emphasized. “Our mission is to create a culture built on a foundation of trust, authenticity, community and mutual respect. We aim to have a positive influence on our guests, our team members and the community. Each and every day, touching lives for the better. We would like to partner with as many community organizations as possible.”
The Maxeys plan to ensure the quality of their products by working exclusively with reputable suppliers and brand names with whom they have formed long-standing relationships.
Challenges in setting up the Sicklerville – such as limited space and the absence of a loading dock – have been overcome by the couple investing in a forklift and obtaining necessary certifications.
“We had to incur the significant expense of purchasing a forklift,” Blake recalled. “We have taken and completed our forklift operator certifications. We have spent numerous hours becoming proficient in operating a forklift. It’s not exactly something you can ever envision yourself doing.”
Becky and Blake believe in word of mouth to draw customers but also to form personal connections with them. They want to create a store, they say, “where everyone knows your name.”
The couple have expressed gratitude for overwhelming support received from the community, with more than 3,000 followers on their Facebook page so far. Grocery Outlet plans to engage with the community through programs like job coaching for individuals with special needs and partnerships with local food pantries.
“We hope to achieve the goals we have set forth by listening to our guests, our team and our community and by making the relationships we develop our primary focus,” Blake noted.
The store’s HERO program will offer active and veteran military members, law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs a daily 3% discount on purchases and seniors will see a 5% discount on their entire order on a designated day of the week.
The Maxeys have spent the last two years planning for their opening, learning the duties and responsibilities of job positions such as cashiers, baggers, stockers, clerks and merchandisers. They got the opportunity to lead each department for several months, including grocery, general merchandise, health and beauty, deli, meat, frozen products
and produce.
“Each stop on our journey has contributed significantly to our development,” Becky pointed out. “Each stop on our journey has fully equipped us with the tools and knowledge to be successful operators.”
Doors at Grocery Outlet will open at 8 a.m. on June 27. Those interested in applying for jobs should email sicklerville@groceryoutlet.com. Donation requests or food pantries that want to partner with the store can send nquiries to sicklerville@groceryoutlet.com.
As far as future plans, the Maxeys have bought their first home in the area and expect to retire there.
“We have worked or resided in South Jersey for most of our lives,” said Blake. “We expect to grow a family, raise our children and serve our community … We are deeply rooted in these communities.”
