Fall 2016 Hardlines Strategies

CUSTOMER PROFILE

helps draw customers to the rest of the operation and includes booth seating; a soda machine for fountain drinks; and refrigerated displays of sandwiches, snacks, and more. Barragan says they’ve offered free coffee at the business for some time, so when the remodel came up, they chose to really expand on this idea and add an area for “I can always find products I need at really good prices at the markets. We are always looking for new products to bring in to

customers to sit and have not only the coffee, but other food and drinks. “Along with free coffee, we sell fountain drinks, doughnuts and other snacks,” he says. Long-Time Teammates The remodel was far from the first time the Roaring Fork crew has teamed up with Blish-Mize on a project. In fact, Roaring Fork Valley Co-op has been doing business with Blish-Mize for more than 30 years. Barragan says the company’s relation- ship with Blish-Mize helps the co-op stay competitive, especially in a market with quite a few price-sensitive customers. While Roaring Fork is more than 20 miles from the nearest big box, Barragan points out that he still needs to make sure his prices are on par with any competitor, and he can rely on Blish-Mize to help. “They give us great prices,” Barragan says. “I can call Denver (Randol)

at any time. He helps me a lot with all kinds of things.” Barragan also says he attends every Blish-Mize Fall Buying Market to take advantage of the special market-only deals, and also to see what’s new. “I can always find products I need at really good prices at the markets,” he says. “We are always looking for new products to bring in to the store, too. It’s always a challenge to find that next new product that will be a hit with your customers. It’s important to know your customers and know what they might be looking for, or what they might like.” And just as Barragan enjoys working with Blish-Mize, Randol and the Blish-Mize team appreciate their relationship with Roaring Fork. “This store is the centerpiece of Carbondale,” says Randol. “I’m looking forward to many more years of working together.”

the store, too.” —Baldo Barragan, store manager

The convenience area was added during the remodel and includes fountain drinks and refrigerated displays for sandwiches, snacks and more.

10 Fall 2016 • Hardlines Strategies