Central Market is going to start experimenting with smaller stores, as it struggles to find retail space in prime locations. The H-E-B-owned gourmet grocery store chain is opening a new location in Dallas next year that is 30,000-square feet, about half the size of its existing stores, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
"I would estimate if the right locations were available for a smaller size footprint, I think we could find several more locations in the Metroplex,” Central Market senior vice president Stephen Butt told the newspaper.
The Star-Telegram writes that Central Market executives traveled to New York City and other high density cities to get ideas on how to make the most out of a smaller space.
The first Central Market opened in Austin in 1994. There are now eight locations across Texas.
Meanwhile, those small, half-sized shopping carts at Central Market might find soon their way into H-E-B stores. Spokesperson Leslie Sweets told the Austin American-Statesman that "some people only need a few items and like being able to swing around the store.”
