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Capers Community Markets, Vancouver B.C.
Capers began in an old supermarket that had been on the corner of 25th and Marine in West Vancouver for many years. In October 1985, a staff of 15, eager to present organic produce and whole foods to people living in the city, opened the doors to customers for the first time. Russell Precious, one of the founding partners, has a long standing commitment to sustainable agriculture. Launching the venture needed commitment. Staff from the early days remember being paid in food.
By 1989 the store had doubled in size, turned the deli lunch spot into a full-service restaurant, and the staff of 15 had grown to 65. Just managing to survive was no longer the issue. In 1990 the team began to pay serious attention to articulating the values that were important to both customers and staff. Capers' vision and values were clearly stated and a second location, in Kitsilano, was found by the end of 1991.
The second store opened in November 1993 at the corner of 4th and Vine in the heart of Kitsilano. Alfalfa's Markets of Boulder, Colorado provided help for the opening of the second store both through investment and through participation on the Board of Directors. This association became even closer in July 1994 when Capers merged with Alfalfa's. Capers was able to open its third store, on Robson Street in Vancouver's West End in July 1995. Capers became a part of Wild Oats Markets in July 1996 when Alfalfa's joined Wild Oats.
Caper's involvement with the community and with issues related to natural foods and health and beauty care are important to part of its history. The stores offer information and education to customers and the community about sustainable agriculture, the importance of organic products and natural health and beauty care. Capers has also taken on a variety of natural food and health product issues. Petitions on various issues can often be found at the tills or customer service desk. Everything from the Egg Marketing Board (over free range eggs) to the latest controversies about public access to traditional herbal medicines has been a part of the effort to let the customers know about the connection between the products and the issues. Capers uses signage, stories in the store flyers and in-store demos to get the information about the products, the farmers and the companies that make the products to the customer.
Call Capers at (604) 739-6640
Visit them online
"Ignore people who say it can't be done." - - Elaine Rideout.
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