Manchester’s A Market was natural before it was trendy

Manchester has watched many neighborhood markets rise, fall, and rebrand over the decades. The history of these markets is a fascinating piece of lore for us history buffs (a comprehensive list of market changes from 1925-2021 can be found here). Despite sweeping changes in Manchester over the past century, A Market has done something quite impressive: it’s stuck around. Sitting just off the beaten path on Loring Street, this independent grocery store has been an integral part of the community for more than 50 years, serving generations of shoppers.

A Market’s success isn’t marked only by its longevity. The store’s purpose, one that serves the greater good, hasn’t drifted in over five decades. Long before organic food had dedicated aisles in national grocery stores or an Amazon-owned mega chain, this little local store was built around the idea that food should support health and well-being rather than being beholden to big brands. That mindset shaped the way people shopped here in the 1970s, and it still shapes the experience today.

For locals, A Market might feel like a place you’ve always known, even if you didn’t realize how long it’s been there. For visitors, it offers a glimpse into Manchester’s history. It may show that we’re ahead of trends, but also a community with consistency and intention.

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From The Nutrition House to a Manchester Staple

A Market opened in 1970 under its original name, The Nutrition House, on the corner of Elm and Orange St. At that time, natural foods markets were far from mainstream. But the original 500 square foot store was founded with a clear mission: to nourish both body and mind through thoughtful food choices. That philosophy set it apart from conventional grocery stores of the era and gave it a loyal following early on.

As the years passed, the store evolved along with the city. The name eventually changed to A Market, though it kept the same foundational values as The Nutrition House. In the early 2000s, another store was opened in Newport, RI (changing to A-Market by 2007). By the late 2000s, the Manchester store had settled into its current location at 125 Loring Street, where it continues to operate today. While the shelves and square footage have changed over time, the purpose behind the store has remained steady.

Ownership and Continuity Over Time

A Market’s history is also a story of continuity in leadership. Founders Gerald “Gerry” and JoAnne LaCroix founded Nutrition House and, when it was time to retire, they passed it along to one of their daughters, Stephanie, and her husband Kirk Rawson, a former employee of Nutrition House. The second generation of ownership has carried the business forward, along with their team of over seventy-five dedicated employees. Stephanie and Kirk did not change what made Nutrition House special. However, under their leadership, the store has grown through steady transitions that preserved its identity while allowing it to modernize.

That continuity is part of why A Market feels familiar to longtime shoppers. It hasn’t tried to chase every new fad or marketing trend. Instead, the team at A Market has focused on being reliable and knowledgeable about their organic products.

How the Philosophy Has Held Up

Walk into A Market today, and the throughline is easy to spot. The store still centers wellness, sustainability, and carefully selected foods, just as it did when it opened more than five decades ago. The product selection is broader and more polished now, but the intention behind it hasn’t changed.

Even the store’s longtime motto, “Natural is Normal,” reflects that consistency. What was once considered alternative has become everyday shopping for many people, and A Market didn’t have to pivot to get there. It simply kept doing what it set out to do in 1970.

Why A Market Matters

While our cities and towns are dominated by big box stores and chains, A Market stands its ground as something bigger than a shopping choice. It’s an investment in our community’s well-being. Like other locally-owned markets, A Market strengthens the local economy and creates jobs. For Manchester residents, it’s also a trusted neighborhood grocery. For visitors, it’s a piece of the city’s living history—with a side of delicious food. Either way, A Market remains proof that thoughtful, community-centered stores can endure and still be entirely relevant after five decades.