Martin's IGA+ Shoppers Will See Same Staff, Same Store, Same Name Despite Sale

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Published on November 16 2017 7:00 pm
Last Updated on November 17 2017 11:36 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Newlin Martin may be selling Martin's IGA+,  but he says nothing's really going to change beyond the owner.

Martin and Larry Tobias, the President and CEO of Kirby Foods of Champaign, the purchaser of Martin's IGA, stopped by our studios Thursday afternoon to discuss the transaction.

Newlin pointed out that shoppers will see the same services, the same staff, and even the same store name. He mentioned that he will still be dropping by and bagging groceries, just to stay in touch. Tobias, who pointed out the store will now be employee-owned, said they appreciate the success of Martin's IGA and want to maintain it. As to the ability to maintain Martin's success, Tobias and Kirby Foods own 11 other IGA stores and four Save-A-Lot stores.

Tobias said there might be some sprucing up around the store, but said the services and the staff will remain in place.

Martin noted that he and Tobias go back at least 30 years, since Tobias prior to heading Kirby Foods worked for SuperValu, the vendor that supplies Martin's. 

Newlin admitted that it was a tough decision to sell the store, but knew that it was time. He said the decision was made easier by finding just the right purchaser.

Here's Greg Sapp's conversation Thursday with Newlin Martin and Larry Tobias...