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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.
