DAYTON — The Gem City Market on Salem Avenue opened a little over two weeks ago on May 13, and customers are sharing their concerns about the prices they are paying.
In response to the community, Gem City Market employees have been working to address these concerns, even if it means working overnight.
An outreach coordinator for Gem City Market live-streamed on Facebook around 2 a.m. on Sunday, June 6 on what she called “operation overnight.”
During the live-stream, one worker said they were going down every aisle checking prices.
“We’re opening a new store, and we’re also taking what people say seriously. One of the things we’ve been working on and continue working on is a pricing strategy,” one employee said.
One item in particular customers are worried about is the cost of meat.
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“I think that the prices are comparable to some of the other stores. I think that the meat might have been just a little bit higher,” Diane Smith-Foster, a customer, said.
For example, News Center 7 learned that the cost of ground beef at Gem City Market runs close to seven dollars, whereas the price at Kroger on Springboro Pike costs approximately $4.50, and at neighboring Meijer the price is around $3.96.
Sarah Richard, outreach coordinator for Gem City Market, offered her own explanation for the price difference.
“We’re still feeling a lot of effects from COVID. The meat industry, the labor industry, the shipping industry,” Richard said.
Items such as milk and eggs are also more pricey at Gem City Market.
At Kroger, a gallon of milk is $2.79, while at the market milk costs around $3.49.
Meanwhile, Grade A eggs are around $1.75 at the market, while at Meijer they are $1.19.
“We are just getting all of our groceries into the system, so while our prices may seem a little steep in some areas compared to other grocery stores in the region, such as Kroger, that does not mean that they’re going to stay that way,” Richard said.
Richard said they are taking the complaints seriously and working to solve pricing concerns, including a discount program called “Gem City Deals.”
While some customers found the prices of meat to be on the higher end, others say that the price and selection of produce was reasonable.
“Seems really comparable to what I’m used to like at a Kroger, possible even a little bit less expensive. Like the bananas were just 19 cents,” customer Ellen Benson said.
Many customers said they are just glad to have a grocery store nearby.
“I’m just happy that the store is here. I think it’s a beautiful work on the part of the community,” Smith-Foster said.
While the prices for some items may seem high now, management said give it time. Prices will fluctuate and eventually go down.
For now they, offer SNAP and EBT benefits, and are planning to offer WIC soon.
“We appreciate your patience, and just know we are actively, and I’m talking 2 a.m. on a Sunday, working on changing the prices at Gem City Market,” Richard said.
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