A small shop located on Hillsdale’s Broad Street smells spicy, a mix of herbs and handmade soap. The shelves are filled with food from gluten free bread to lollipops, packed beside essential oils, homemade soaps, and vitamins. It’s reminiscent of a small party store. But in Hillsdale Natural Grocery, kombucha replaces beer, and dried fruit, available in bulk, stands in place of potato chips and pretzels.The food co-op has served local clientele for over 40 years, first opening in 1971. Since then, it has grown as to its full capacity.
“We’ve expanded a lot, to the point where we can’t go any further because we don’t have any room.” said the store’s manager Pauline Salyer.
If a larger building becomes available, Salyer said the co-op would change locations, allowing the successful business to expand.
Since Salyer has begun to work as manager 17 years ago, people have become more aware of healthier lifestyles.
“With the interest getting high, people are starting to do their own research and coming in here to get what they need,” she said.
Salyer herself did not have knowledge of organic products and a natural lifestyle until she was hired as manager. Everything she has learned about the products has changed her thinking.
One employee said she first found out about the co-op when her health issues weren’t being well taken care of. Her grandmother, who had raised her, was interested in vitamins, so the employee had gone to shops like this one all her life. Looking for a solution to her bad health, she walked into Hillsdale Natural Grocery and her interest was renewed.
Before Hillsdale Natural Grocery was established, people had to travel to Lansing or Ann Arbor to find specialty products such as the selection of fresh herbs, oils, and multi-vitamins sold at the co-op. As a result, Hillsdale Natural Grocery has a good client base. The employees said they are blessed to have a store like this one in Hillsdale.
“We are thrilled to be able to serve the local clientele,” said employee Reenie Coughlin.