Huckleberry’s celebrates 14 years of pride

The end of November 1996 was a big day for Spokane – and not just because of Ice Storm. Though the unusually fierce fall weather event remains vivid in many of our memories, there was another highlight that week: the opening of the area’s first large-scale natural grocery. “It was more exciting than challenging,” said Monica Hampton, manager of Huckleberry’s Natural Market. “Everything was different and so new, and everyone was curious about seeing so many unique items that hadn’t been here before.” Several months prior to the chilly opening of the store at 926 S. Monroe, management of Rosauers, Huckleberry’s parent company, came up with the concept, began lining up local quality suppliers, and visited stores around the country with a similar organic focus. The ultimate goal was more than just creating one unique store on the South Hill, though that was definitely a large component of the project. More vital was a need to increase the natural food options for the entire region. The first step was renovating the former Monroe Street Market, which was sold in October 1996. Originally, Rosauers planned to open up its first Huckleberry’s location in spring 1997. The sale of the building moved up the timetable six months and gave the staff just a few weeks to get everything up and running. Hampton said what has been created over the last 14 years is a store that’s more than a store. The South Hill Huckleberry’s has become a neighborhood gathering place, and a family of sorts for dozens of employees, some who have also been there since the first days. “A lot of customers come in daily,” she said. “Some get their coffee in the morning, some just drop by.” She said customers love seeking advice on wines and cheeses, browsing the bulk food section or just seeing what’s new. Employees are always happy to oblige. “We create a good atmosphere and have good people,” Hampton said. “Everyone working here really likes the world of natural foods. A lot of them live their life with organic products and lifestyles, so we all really believe in what we’re doing.” The second part of the Huckleberry’s mission was to offer many of the same goods at the Rosauers stores throughout the region, currently 13 stores in four states. A creative store-within-a-store concept lets shoppers easily browse natural and organic items at their neighborhood grocery stores without having to schedule a trip to Spokane. Employees at all of these stores are also eager to share their expertise. Hampton said new products are always coming, and Huckleberry’s is regularly on the lookout for new suppliers, especially ones from the Inland Northwest or at least the greater Northwest. Each potential supplier is looked at carefully as far as their products, from basic ingredients to processes to packaging. “We support them, and the customers support us, and it helps the economy and the environment,” she said. Hampton said about 10 of the more than 200 suppliers been around since the beginning. Some have closed their doors, and some have been bought by larger companies, which she said has been a trend in recent years. But the Huckleberry’s philosophy remains the same – offer a great variety of natural products in the bakery, bistro area, bulk food, produce, wine, supplements and meat sections, plus non-food items like cleaning supplies, flowers and more. In the process, it has become the largest provider of natural foods in the Inland Northwest. Over the years, Hampton has certainly seen more interest from shoppers on what they want and what ingredients or preservatives they may not want in their food or products. “Customers are much more educated, and a lot of the products are more mainstream now,” she said. “Some people come in looking for certain things now.” Also, in just a few years, she’s seen a big jump in demand for gluten-free products. “After they tried a few gluten-free items and liked them, more people realized they needed them,” she said. Finally, Hampton said the staff tries to make a trip to Huckleberry’s meaningful and memorable, in Spokane or elsewhere. The Monroe location, for instance, schedules regular entertainment in the deli area, and offers many opportunities to meet the suppliers and learn about their products. One of the more popular upcoming events is Dec. 4, when potential holiday hosts or hostesses can learn about and sample cheeses that can go great with their parties, plus new beverage recommendations for this season. Cheese experts and cheeses will come from not just the Northwest, but England, Norway, France, Ireland and Holland. Items from the cheese and olive bar will be 30 percent off all day long, and all wine will be discounted 20 percent. “This event is kind of like an early Christmas present,” she said. “It’s a real party here.” Overall, Hampton said it’s always exciting to be at any Huckleberry’s store. People who haven’t been for awhile are welcome back, as are those who are longtime customers or newcomers to the area. “It’s been a lot of fun, and we appreciate everyone’s support,” she said.