Hy-Vee - Brooklyn Park, MN

Hello readers! Today we will be taking an unorthodox grocery trip to Minnesota, taking a look at what may be the region's latest retail success story. And yes, this expedition will sure be packed with sights by the dozen.

Hy-Vee - Brooklyn Park, MN (#1516)

Store info

• Address: 9409 Zane Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
• Opening date: July 26, 2016
• Store number: #1516
• Features: Pharmacy/Drive-Thru, Allina Health EverydayClinic, Market Grille, Bakery, Deli/Charcuterie, Seafood, Chophouse Meats, Asian, Italian, Cocina Mexicana, Hickory House Comfort Foods, ShortCuts, Juice & Smoothies, Chef's Creations, Wine & Spirits, Starbucks Coffee, USPS, Dry Cleaning, Joe Fresh (former F&F), Hy-Vee Gas/Starbucks Coffee (co-located), Car Wash (geez, gotta wonder if there's more! I'm exhausted... :P)

Photos taken August 1, 2019 

Hy-Vee first entered the Twin Cities grocery market in 2015, fresh of the heels of Rainbow Foods' bankruptcy and tumultous times at Cub's owner SuperValu. With this, they have brought their employee-owned principles and large stores to the suburbs of Minneapolis - and they have quickly become a fan favorite. Today I'll be looking into a store in Brooklyn Park just outside of town.

These large-format stores can be most directly compared to the likes of Kroger's Marketplace marquee and Wegmans. It however competes more directly with the former, considering the wide general merchandise and service department sections. It's even enough that, besides having a Starbucks inside... it has a convenience store outparcel with their own Starbucks! Talk about that... (and a car wash too)

While not the most inviting approach to the store, this side of the front facade lists the numerous extra departments featured within Hy-Vee's walls. Additionally, diverse parking spaces are provided for quick access to the store and its features.

Above the produce department, Hy-Vee has four banners commemorating their partnerships with local pro sports teams. In order, the four teams represented are the NFL's Vikings, NHL's Wild, NBA's Timberwolves, and the WNBA's Lynx. The local MLB team, the Minnesota Twins, remains sponsored with rival Cub; while Minnesota United FC, and the MLS in general, have been backed by Target.

Chef's Creations, probably the most diverse food counter of Hy-Vee's Market Grille area, featuring everything from sandwiches to salads.

Next in line, we have two views of the bakery. While it's great, it just doesn't seem as fleshed out as at Wegmans back home! Still something I would shop at... they are excelling at bagels here with such a carryout menu present!

In the distance are some of Hy-Vee's other grocery and general merchandise deparments, such as those of dairy products and pet supplies. One section that stands out from the crowd, however, is the store-within-a-store F&F department. A brand of English chain Tesco, the partnership between Hy-Vee was first struck in 2016, concurrent with the store's opening. The concept, however did not last long as several age demographics were not considered. As of the taking of the photo, the department was stocking excess goods and was being repurposed into a Joe Fresh-branded area.

Looking backwards into the middle actionway, we once again witness some of the main market departments.

 

The Packaged Meats row of coolers takes time to inform shoppers of the different types of meat products and recipes. Quite simple, eh?

Here's a simple aisle of beverages for your viewing pleasure. The Seafood and Meat departments are in the distance.

Hy-Vee's corner pharmacy designed for quick shopping alongside a wide selection of health & beauty products. The clinic on the left is a later addition, opening in early 2019. Gotta wonder what was there before...

Closing out this photoset, we look at a large, glass-clad exterior exit area showcasing some of Hy-Vee's present architectural elements.

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In any case - thanks for joining me on this cross-country retail adventure! While it may have only been one stop today, I am   - and I'll certainly have more to share from outside Greater Washington. Toodles!

Sources

• http://www.startribune.com/hy-vee-brings-back-clothing-dropping-one-brand-for-another/513381562/ 
  • https://www.hometownsource.com/press_and_news/allina-health-opens-th-everyday-clinic-in-brooklyn-park-hy/article_a08d081c-0eb9-11e9-b2e5-d3fc227c86b5.html