Fitch’s Independent Grocery Alliance (IGA) has been a staple in the Wilmore community for decades. The Fitch family has served Wilmore for many years, but recently, the Wilmore IGA has begun a new chapter.
Although Fitch’s IGA has been a cornerstone of the Wilmore community, in May, Fitch’s IGA was facing possible closure. Following this realization, Asbury alumni Erin and Tim Gibson entered the scene. “We spoke with the family and expressed an interest and calling to purchase and run the store with the same faith value system that their family has operated it with for its entire existence. It was Mr. Leonard’s hope that the store would never close, so we began helping him manage the store to keep it open,” said Tim Gibson.
Shortly after, on Sept. 2, the Gibsons became the new owners of the store. The Gibsons, who have also owned and operated Solomon’s Porch Café since 2004, have a deep passion for “food, food systems and cultivation and how entrepreneurship and faith intersect.”
“We love the idea of restoration. The idea of restoration is Holy. God takes the old and makes it new. He restores our soul… and in this case, He is giving us the opportunity to restore a business which was once ‘the largest grocery store in the bluegrass.’ We are honored and humbled that we were given this opportunity to make a lasting impact on this little town and community,” said Erin Gibson.
Following the new ownership, the store will be renamed Marketplace at Fitch’s Square. “The name change has two purposes: To honor the legacy of the Fitch family and help the business begin a new chapter. We will remain a member of the IGA for as long as it is a benefit to our customers, but it [IGA] will no longer be included in the legal name,” stated Tim Gibson.
In addition to renaming the store, customers can expect to see a number of changes to the establishment. These changes include flooring, lighting, new colors, new equipment, product placement and signage. The establishment has already made some changes, including air conditioning, a new point of sale system, fuller shelves and more specialty and local food offerings.
While the establishment will still carry lots of traditional grocery items, they plan to add specialty items that are hard to find, along with introducing more allergy-friendly items (such as gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, vegetarian and vegan items).
The owners will also be emphasizing carrying more items that are grown or produced locally. “We are already in communication with several local farmers as well as Amish communities in the area that can provide us with products and a quality promise,” began Erin Gibson. “For starters, this week we introduced milk from a local dairy and brought in local garlic.” They also plan to continue supporting local businesses and initiatives such as the Wilmore Highbridge Community Center, the Jessamine County Food Pantry and Meals on Wheels.
Amidst the many changes that are being brought to the store, the Gibsons are ensuring that the establishment retains many of its familiar qualities. “Here is what won’t change,” said Tim Gibson, “the Fitch legacy will continue. We have invited Mr. Fitch to be a part of the future of the store. You will see him around the Marketplace for as long as he is willing and able. We will also have a section of the store to display some nostalgic photos and memorabilia.”
The owners want the store to continue to be the long-standing pillar of the Wilmore community that it always has been. “We have a desire for the Marketplace to be a melting pot in town, a place where people of all walks of life come together and have a place of belonging. We want people to come hang out in the grocery store. We want this place to feel like home.”
This includes everyone, including and especially members of the Asbury student body. As alumni themselves, the new owners understand the difficulties that come along with grocery shopping as a college student on a tight budget. “We would love to hear from students [about] what kinds of products you are hoping to see on the shelves,” said Erin Gibson. “Find us on Facebook or Instagram and watch for an upcoming survey.” The upcoming survey will serve as a way for students to provide feedback about what they are hoping to see amidst the store’s rebranding.
With the transition from Fitch’s IGA to Marketplace at Fitch’s Square, the Gibsons are carrying forward the Fitch family’s legacy while beginning a new chapter rooted in faith, restoration and community. Their vision is not only to provide groceries but also to create a place of belonging where tradition and new ideas come together. From supporting local farmers to listening to the needs of Asbury students, the Gibsons hope the Marketplace will continue to be a home for Wilmore, both for those who have lived here for years and for those just passing through.
Photo courtesy of Alanna May.
