317 The Farm Stop Model: How This Ann Arbor Store Sells Local Food 7 Days a Week

What would happen if you merged a grocery store and a farmers market—and gave small farms a seven-day-a-week sales channel that actually pays them what they’re worth?

In today’s episode, I interview Alex Blume, Marketing Manager for Argus Farm Stop, a mission-driven retail concept based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that’s redefining how local food gets sold. Their innovative “farm stop” model helps small and mid-sized farms grow by giving them access to retail space 7 days a week—without the staffing or wholesale markups.

Alex shares how the consignment model works, how they support over 250 producers, and the key marketing strategies they use to build customer loyalty, increase store visits, and grow the local food economy. We also dig into his best advice for small farmers looking to improve their marketing—without burning out.

If you’re a local food lover, a farm marketer, or someone looking for a replicable retail model that actually works, this episode will stretch your thinking in the best way.

Podcast Guest:

Alex Blume, Marketing Director for Argus Farm Stop

Alex Blume is the Marketing Manager for Argus Farm Stop, a 7-day a week market stocked exclusively with products from local farmers and producers. Alex has been leading the marketing team at Argus Farm Stop going on two years now, and has been with Argus Farm Stop since 2022. Before that, Alex worked on the Whitney Farmstead, a regenerative ranching and maple sugaring farm in Ann Arbor. Alex comes originally from Dallas, Texas, where he worked in the local music industry as a promoter after received a double major in Music and Marketing at Southern Methodist University. In his work, Alex tries to increase the reach and accessibility of  local produce and products that strengthen the community around us to a wider and more diverse audience.

Argus Farm Stop website: https://www.argusfarmstop.com

Follow them on Instagram: @argusfarmstop

Podcast Sponsors:

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Farm Marketing School:

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