Store manager Jay Hickman said G & W Foods, the parent company of Cash Saver, began their commitment to Hermann and the surrounding area even before the store was scheduled to open.

“We actually opened a day early,” Hickman said, “because at the time they were calling for snow and everything. Thursday was going to be the better day, but we opened up a day early because we knew people would need a place to shop. We weren’t completely ready in all areas, but we were pretty much all there.”

G & W’s website shows 29 store locations, including Village Market, but Hickman said they haven’t lost their commitment to customers.

“I think the huge corporations have lost that feel of family and closeness of friendship with the customers, and G & W, from what I’ve seen, has done a really good job of incorporating that into their store,” said Hickman. “That’s one of the things I really enjoy; that connection with the customers and the people I work with,”

Although new to Village Market, Hickman brings 40 years of experience in both large chains and smaller stores. He started as a bagger and worked his way up, spending time in each department along the way. 

“We absolutely love Hermann,” said Hickman, who currently lives in Fulton. “My wife’s been coming here for years, looking at the antique shops and the stores. We’ve stayed here a couple of times and took part in the festivals that were here, and just fell in love with the community and the people here, and this (job) opened up, and I thought ‘Man, that’s a great opportunity.’  We’re very lucky to be here, and I’m very excited.” 

He also mentioned the importance of shopping locally.

“If I’m working in the community, in the particular store, I will try and buy a vehicle from that community, do all my shopping in that community; I get my hair cut in the community. Whatever I can do,” he said, “because they’re coming in to the store and I think it’s very respectful to give that back.”

The previous owner, Tim Hubbard, sold Village Market when he decided to retire after 28 years as a grocer in Hermann and 48 years in the business. Hickman made sure to mention how glad he was to walk into a well-run store on his first day.

“Usually when a store gets sold, there’s a reason, but this is a really great crew. Tim did a really good job with the store. Everyone knows about Hermann, you know, and what a good community that is, so that was very nice, to walk in and already got a great crew here.” 

Hickman says he strives to keep the same small-town feel Village Market has always had, and to continue to give back to the community.

“I tell them a lot of the customers I have are some of my very best friends,” Hickman said. “And that’s true. They’ll bring in pictures of their grand-babies, or occasionally they’ll bring in a pie or something like that, because you really have a connection with people. And that’s the way I like to run my store — a common sense, family-type atmosphere.”

Hickman said G & W Foods retained all employees who wanted to stay and was able to keep almost all of the programs. They were also able to lower prices due to purchasing volume, which he says customers have been really happy about.

“We really didn’t change much in the store,” said Hickman. “We added a whole bunch of varieties of produce, many different types of cut up fruits, and a lot more varieties in the meat department. And we have a program where, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, they fill out a card, and we’ve probably brought in over 50 – 60 new items into the store per customer request. If we can get it; if the warehouse has it.”

Although the store’s official name is now Village Market Cash Saver, Hickman says there are no plans to change the name on the front of the store.

“I was very impressed when I started talking to them (G & W Foods). They have exactly the same viewpoint. Common sense approach. Customer service is a huge priority, and giving back to the community.” Hickman said.

The store also has a new Hometown Helpers program, where shoppers can buy food to be donated to those in need.

“It’s a great thing that goes to the food bank and also to the schools here in town. A customer can buy an $8 bag, and it’s a meal for like two or three days. You know, we’ve probably done over 200 bags in the short time we’ve been open,” said Hickman. “The community has done a great job supporting the community that way.”

“I think a good store has good product, but a great store gives back,” Hickman concluded. “I think that’s very important.”