Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, an Illinois-based specialty retailer once described as “a Whole Foods-Trader Joe’s hybrid,” picked nearby indie Schafer Condon Carter after a review. The agency will handle creative, PR, influencer marketing, social media and planning/buying.
The chain focuses on natural, organic and fresh food at less-than-premium prices, and it has grown since launching in 2014 to include 66 locations across 10 states.
“We knew we were ready to bring on a partner who could help us achieve the brand’s great potential, and SCC demonstrated not only a deep understanding of our brand and the consumer we serve, but also the creativity, broad integrated capabilities and passion that we were looking for,” said Fresh Thyme CMO Mark Doiron.
The chain has been in expansion mode in recent months thanks, in large part, to an investment from supermarket brand Meijer, though its plans seem to have slowed a bit since January.
In recent months, it has also named several food and retail industry veterans to its C-suite including chief financial officer Carol Okamoto, chief merchandising officer Mark Doiron and chief operations officer Dean Little.
So far, Fresh Thyme does not appear to have launched any major campaigns, growing via word of mouth and a presence in new markets. It’s not clear how much the company plans to spend on forthcoming marketing efforts.