Mollie Stone’s Markets has announced the acquisition of United Markets and its two locations in San Anselmo and San Rafael, California.
Mollie Stone’s said it plans to preserve the legacy and neighborhood character of the markets while investing in the future of both sites, their employees and communities.
Details about the transition timing, store improvements and future plans will be released in the coming months.
“We are honored to welcome United Markets into the Mollie Stone’s family,” said Mike Stone, owner. “United Markets has built an incredible reputation for quality, service and community connection over many decades. These are values we deeply share.
“We look forward to carrying that tradition forward while bringing new energy, thoughtful improvements and an enhanced shopping experience to customers in both San Anselmo and San Rafael.”
Kelly Smith, current owner of United Markets, expressed confidence in the transition and the stores’ future.
“For more than 70 years, United Markets has proudly served the communities of San Anselmo and San Rafael,” Smith said. “Our family is incredibly proud of the relationships we have built with our customers, employees and local partners over generations.
“I truly believe the Stone family is the perfect fit to continue our legacy and values, and I know the stores will remain in caring and capable hands for years to come.”
Mollie Stone’s said it intends to retain and support the current employees and continue providing customers with high-quality perishables, locally-sourced products, prepared foods and exceptional customer service.
About Mollie Stone’s Markets
Founded 40 years ago, Mollie Stone’s Markets operates eight distinctly different stores in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. The locations are known for their curated product offerings – which emphasize healthy, natural and specialty foods – as well as dedication to serving customers and their communities.
I worked with Mollie Stone at Vons #78 during my time at CSUN. She was a legend at Vons!! Congrats Mike and Elliott! It has been a treasure working with your team all these years.
Welcome Mollie Stones! As a San Rafael resident, I’m delighted I’ll no longer have to drive to Greenbrea for the freshest orange juice possible from your machine, delicious fried chicken, fabulous soups and prepared foods, exceptional meat and sea foods, and Mc Connel’s and Alden’s ice cream. As a longtime patron of both Mollie Stones and United Markets I can attest to the similarity of cultures- both are community minded, customer focused, and committed to quality.
I worked for United Markets for 31 years.
This news just made me sad.
As a cutomer for over 40 years, the news also makes me sad.
Oh boy! Can’t wait! Now we get to pay higher prices!
Congrats to the Molly Stone family. I’ve know Mike since college and have been impressed by his dedication to his consumers and communities he serves. A win-win for the people of Marin.
As a child in the ‘50s, my mother bought her groceries at United Markets, and I’m sorry to see them go. I don’t think I’ll be going to Mollie Stone’s as their prices are just ridiculous.
Hopefully the new management will see the underperforming and outright weird current staff behind the counters and let them go. I’d gladly pay more money as long as the staff are normal. I’ve had weird experiences with the deli department and the cashiers.
I have always liked and respected the United staff. I find you comment quite insulting to hard working, friendly, and knowledgeable workers.
Agree. I think the United staff are great!
W.O.W. Very judgmental, Scott.
Tertible news!
United is the best. I go to both locations. Molly Stones is over priced. I sure hope they keep my favorites.
Oh no! I live across from Mollies and always shop at United because its so much more affordable. No $6 apples. The roast chicken is what, $20 now? and $12 everywhere else? Mollies marks up everything at least 30% more than other stores. People in San Rafael can’t afford Mollie’s prices. Nor can people in Greenbrae. Keep Marin groceries affordable.
Now where can people who aren’t wealthy buy food???
A faithful shopper at United Market for 53 years. I’m very sad.
I’ve been shopping at United for 35 years. Excellent produce, lovely staff and great prices. Sad to hear this but will hope for the best. Glad the staff will be retained!!
This is terrible news. I have been going to United since a toddler. I avoid Mollie Stone’s.
Now just a corporate monopoly, high prices and unwanted elite offerings. I can go to Woodlands for that! Still better than Safeway, I guess.
A terrible idea. I loved United Market. Molly Stone’s is a TOTAL RIPOFF. Will def. avoid it!
Change is difficult. Criticizing this purchase before if even happens isn’t productive. Would a new Safeway be better instead of MS?
Let’s hold our negative comments until the stores open. Some of you might feel differently. Some won’t, so go to Safeway.