Green Zebra Grocery in Portland, Oregon is closing their doors after 10 years of business. Founded by Lisa Sedler (former New Seasons Market CEO in 2017), Green Zebra came to market as a cool convenience style grocery. Green Zebra set out to change the face of convenience style grocers selling tobacco products, lotto tickets unhealthy snacks to a convenience chain serving vegan nachos, local kombucha growler fills, and CBD slushies. Not only did Green Zebra provide healthy options for their local patrons (and usually set in more food desert communities), this retailer also made sure to pay their staff fair wages. Over Green Zebra’s 10 years, they increased their minimum wage pay seven times plus offered health insurance!
Besides offering healthy options and fair wages, Green Zebra was a value-based business who supported their communities. This retailer partnered with over 100 different local non-profit organizations such as; Meals on Wheels, PSU Food Pantry, and Black Food Sovereignty Coalition. Local has always played a huge part in the Green Zebra foundation, “People often ask me if shopping local makes a difference and my answer is a resounding YES! Now more than ever small businesses need our support. Thank you in advance for voting with your dollars to support local businesses.”
A report on the store’s website contains a statement from Lisa Sedler about what lead to the decision to close: “We experienced nine straight quarters of increases to our cost of goods, packaging, fuel, insurance, taxes, freight charges and well, pretty much everything. Combine that with supply chain and staffing shortages and razor thin grocery margins, we just couldn’t overcome all the obstacles. We definitely gave it our all and fought the good fight. We are thankful for the opportunity to have been in service to our community.” All three locations will have the last day of business on March 22nd, 2023.
Thank you, Green Zebra, for an amazing 10 years supporting the Portland communities, local non-profits and providing a healthy alternatives to our Portland neighborhoods.
(847) 277-9500