Bashas’ Family of Stores is expanding the reach of its grocery offerings for the Navajo people with the introduction of a Bashas’ Diné Market in Shiprock, N.M.
Although Bashas’ is one of very few non-Native-American retailers with stores on the Navajo Nation, Bashas’ Diné Markets have become the modern-day trading post for the Navajo people, says the retailer.
“Bashas’ Diné Markets exist and succeed because of our commitment to the Navajo people,” said Johnny Basha, vice president of special projects for Bashas’ Family of Stores.
Bashas’ will occupy the entire 42,108-square-foot-store, making it the new anchor tenant of the Shiprock /Tse’ Bit’ A’i Shopping Center at the corner of US-491 and Highway 64.
The transition has been a collaborative effort between Bashas’ and City Market, with the retailers working together closely to provide continuity as the only full-service market in the vicinity changes hands.
The location will officially reopen as a Bashas’ Diné Market on July 21 to ensure that the community can continue to be served, without the store closing for an extended period of time.
Through this profit-sharing arrangement, in addition to rent and percentage rent, Bashas’ has contributed upwards of $48 million to the Navajo Nation for educational scholarship and economic development.
Across the Navajo Nation, at least 95% of Bashas’ Diné Market employees are Native American.
With this new venture, we want to continue providing more healthy food and beverage options for our people to empower them to embrace healthy and active living to combat diabetes and other health issues.
Chandler, Ariz.-based Bashas’ Family of Stores operates more than 100 grocery stores under the banners Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store and both Bashas’ and Bashas’ Diné.