GREENFIELD — Franklin Community Co-op is once again exploring its options for expansion and, according to its outreach and communications manager, the former Wilson’s Department Store is still one of the sites it is considering.
“What this means right now is that we are once more in active dialogue about the Wilson’s property and its potential as an expansion location,” Sarah Kanabay said. “We are continuing to explore all possibilities for revenue expansion throughout our organization and area.”
Kanabay said Franklin Community Co-op, which oversees Green Fields Market at 170 Main St. in Greenfield and McCusker’s Market at 3 State St. in Shelburne Falls, will continue to give its members updates about Green Fields Market and where it might be expanding to.
In January 2020, Franklin Community Co-op announced it was exploring relocating its Greenfield store to the former Wilson’s Department Store building at 258 Main St., but once the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, the plans were disrupted. At that time, Kanabay said the “overall goal” was to expand. Members of the cooperative team have said they feel strongly that a cooperative is necessary for the local economy.
Kanabay said Green Fields Market has continued to find ways to provide food while keeping people safe during the pandemic. In September 2020, the store opened a takeout window where people can either order online or by phone ahead of time, or walk up and order.
Former Wilson’s Department Store owner Kevin O’Neil could not be reached for comment.
For more information, call General Manager John Williams at 413-325-8808 or email him at john.williams@franklincommunity.coop.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-9591 or afritz@recorder.com.