Welcome to spring, folks. As we all look to wrap up [a very long] winter, there are a couple of loose ends that I’d like to tie up, as well.  Specifically, I’d like to thank all of you who participated in the Catskill Harvest 2011 Customer Satisfaction Survey.  We received more than 150 responses, and I’d like to share some new information that we learned this year.

***   75% of Catskill Harvest customers are full-time Sullivan Country residents, and you represent all 15 towns within the county.  

***   55% of you drive 10 miles or more to reach us.  (Thank you for this dedicated effort to shop at Catskill Harvest. We’ll do everything we can not to disappoint.)

***   40% of you have been with us since we opened 4 years ago; 30% of you have just recently discovered us.

***   How did you hear about Catskill Harvest?  Many of you saw our billboards and took a chance.  Some saw our print ads.  For most of you, though, it was word-of-mouth from a friend.  For those who have been with us since the beginning, thank you for spreading the word.

***   More than half of you would like to attend more in-market events, including cooking and gardening demos. We’re working on a Summer Event Series, so stay tuned for more details.

***   You’re tapping into all kinds of social media channels.  60% of you are on Facebook, and 15% of you use Twitter.  You’re also watching YouTube, using Instant Message programs and listening to podcasts regularly.  If you’re on Facebook, have you LIKED the Catskill Harvest page?  We’ll be using Facebook to share even more market and garden center information

Along with the basic survey questions, we gain our most valuable insights from those questions where you give us detailed feedback and examples.  Here are some of your suggestions – and our plan for addressing your suggestions – for both the Market and the Garden Center. 

Catskill Harvest Gourmet Market

***   Several of you asked for a small push basket on wheels that you can use while shopping.  We should have had one of these long ago.  The good news is it’s on order.  Please accept our apology for this oversight.

***   A few of you tell us that the recession has left you in a tough situation. You’re faced with having to shop where retailers accept benefit program allowances. We agree that everyone should have access to good food, so we’ve completed our State applications, and they’ve agreed to our request.  Soon, we’ll be accepting benefit programs as a means of payment.

***   You’re enjoying our ethnic food lines.  Since the beginning, “ethnic foods,” especially those produced locally, have been an important part of our merchandise assortment.  We’ll continue adding more international food offerings into the merchandise mix this year.

***   A couple of you mentioned that the music in the market is too loud.  We agree!  And I’ve personally asked the staff not to turn the market into a disco!

***   Several of you would like to see more bulk dried foods, such as spices, beans, and grains. We’re looking into this and will aim to have a better offering soon. 

***   Produce, Produce, Produce. We hear you, loud and clear!  We’re trying, yet this is a difficult proposition. The market isn’t air-conditioned, so keeping the produce fresh becomes a challenge.   This year, however, we’re working with Neversink Farm and Le Petite Jardin of Jeffersonville.  Both of these local farms have agreed (1) to grow specifically for us and (2) to keep our product fresh by delivering it daily.  It is our hope to have an assortment of locally grown fruits and vegetables throughout the season.  Within the next two weeks, our first fresh produce items will start to appear.

***   You’d like us to re-vamp our sandwich and bakery offerings.  We’ve recently hired a new chef, Cat Hubert, and that means new talent brings new ideas. We’re working on a new kitchen line-up and will be rolling it out soon.

Catskill Harvest Garden Center

***   The Frequent Shopper Program is a major success on the Market side, and you’ve asked for something similar for the Garden Center. This year, we’re introducing a Garden Center ‘Buy More/Save More’ program that will extend discounts of up to 20% based on the size of your purchase for trees and shrubs.  

***   You’d like more local garden furniture, so our Catskill Harvest craftsman, Frank, located in White Sulphur Springs, is currently building the largest selection of outdoor chairs, picnic tables and benches we’ve ever had.  You’ll start seeing the new pieces near the end of the month. 

***   You asked for more outdoor seating areas,   so we’ve revamped the Garden Center layout with small pockets surrounded by trees.   Each pocket will include one of Frank’s picnic tables so that you can sit outside and enjoy the Garden Center during the warmer weather. 

***   You’d like us to sell more pots that are already planted and ready-to-go.  George has agreed to take on this project once the weather warms up, so you’ll be in for a treat when you see his beautiful creations.

Your Loyalty Results in Continued Growth

What you read is just a sampling of the excellent ideas that you submitted, and we can’t thank you enough for this valuable feedback. We’re looking into each suggestion and will do our best to implement all that we can.

Speaking of “thank you,” as we come to the close of our fourth year in business, I’d like to personally thank you for your loyal support and fantastic word-of-mouth. You placed your bet with Catskill Harvest and gave us your business, despite the rough economic times.  It’s this loyalty and enthusiasm that has allowed us to grow faster than any of us could have ever imagined.  

We’ll continue to work hard for your patronage as we continue to focus on Catskill Harvest’s core beliefs:  Good Food.  Great Gardens.  Neighbors First.


Sincerely,


Will Foster
Owner, Catskill Harvest