EARLVILLE – Although it’s been three months since Ed Rydzy first opened the doors of Rydzy’s Market just off Main Street in the Village of Earlville, he said it’s taken some time to get store shelves up to par.
Rydzy purchased the grocery store, formerly the Little M, in October. Having never managed a grocery store and only six month prior experience in the grocery business attached to his resume, he said it was bold purchase; but one that seems to be paying off, nevertheless. Since flipping his “open for business” sign for the first time, word has spread that the village grocery store is under new ownership, selling better variety and better quality products, and providing a valuable community service to Earlville residents.
Now – with shelves fully stocked, ongoing contracts with more than 10 different vendors, and a growing number of customers filling their shopping carts every day – Rydzy said Rydzy’s Market is finally on the right track. With help from his wife, Diane Rydzy, the duo aims to continue foot traffic at the store by giving it a better rapport with Earlville residents.
“Our main goal is that we want to let the community know that the store is under new management,” Rydzy said, noting a less than desireable reputation of the Little M in recent years. “I want to let people know we’re here and that the store isn’t what it used to be. We’re cleaner, we’re trying to offer better products and we’re trying to make it more competitive.”
Rydzy’s Market offers everything expected of a small town grocer – from batteries and first aid supplies, to breads, meats, produce and canned goods. “It’s a fully functionally ‘mom and pop’ store,” Rydzy added. And being an individually owned retailer, he said he’s also able to provide a variety of local goods, including foods and assorted crafts from area artisan vendors – a service he hopes to expand on in the future.
In addition, Rydzy’s Market recently acquired licensing to accept electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards for recipients of supplemental nutrition assistance; and while it does not currently take credit cards, the option isn’t far off, according to Rydzy.
Despite being open for only three short months, Rydzy’s tiny 2,500 square foot store has already had a tremendous impact on the community. The key, said Rydzy, is to “make it personable.” He said he is already on a first name basis with many of his customers, giving Rydzy’s Market an edge in one-on-one customer service.
“Earlville is such a hidden gem,” he added. “We love the area and the people that are here, and we want to be there for them.”
Though Rydzy’s Market is making a name for itself, it’s only part of Rydzy’s vision for the store. In the coming weeks and months, he said shoppers can expect minor cosmetic repairs to take shape, including a better heating system, new floor tiles, and repairs to floor boards where water damage has been disregarded over the years. The goal, he added, is to make a brighter place for shoppers to turn to fill up their cupboards.
Rydzy’s Market opens Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Rydzy’s Market at 315-691-4211 or email rydzys_market@hotmail.com.