#GREEN ZEBRA SERIES#

'Since the pandemic started, we have provided an additional four weeks of company-paid sick leave in addition to the federally mandated two weeks.

'Natural and organic foods do cost more and when combined with higher wages and better healthcare benefits, the true cost of food is being reflected at the shelf,' the CEO explained. In addition, the company increased its staff discount to 30 percent off to help team members afford purchasing groceries at Green Zebra. On average, the company’s hour wage is $16.10 an hour. Employees who were at the $13.50 threshold were bumped to $14. On July 1, it raised its internal minimum wage from $13 an hour to $13.50. In response to the coronavirus, Green Zebra paid hazard pay to its staff at a rate of $2 an hour between March 15 and May 2. 'We thought we could ride out the financial losses of these two stores until the pandemic was over, but it's become clear we cannot.'

#GREEN ZEBRA SERIES#

We were on pace to close our Series B round of financing in February and then COVID hit and the world changed,' Sedlar said. Saying goodbye to our valued team members who have been working so hard as essential service providers, is something I had hoped we could avoid. We have been doing everything we can to keep our team fully employed and with healthcare benefits. 'The decision to close these two stores was extremely difficult to make. In total, 60 team members will be laid off. Green Zebra will also close its Store Support office. The sites, which rely on student and business populations, have been hit the hardest, she explained. In a recent company statement, Green Zebra Founder and CEO Lisa Sedlar announced the operator would close its Portland State University and Lloyd District locations. Green Zebra, a Portland-based convenience store chain that focuses on natural and organic goods, is one example of a channel player closing up shop. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted businesses and employees globally, forcing many businesses and organizations to shutter under the economic pressure. New Seasons Market is planning to open a new 27,000-square foot store in the area next spring, and another one in downtown Vancouver that is expected to be finished in fall 2023.PORTLAND, Ore. As it did before, Green Zebra will continue to source many of its products from local vendors.Īs Portland emerges from a challenging time, the metro area is getting other new grocery stores, too. So it feels particularly rewarding to be reopening it.”Īs part of the reopening, the location near campus has undergone a bit of a refresh, with new mural art and new products arriving on the shelves, including seasonal fall items. “We were saddened to have to lay off our staff and close the PSU store last year. “2020 was hard for so many, Green Zebra included,” said company founder and CEO Lisa Sedlar in a statement. While this location is back in the retail swing with the hiring of about 25 employees, Green Zebra (named for a unique type of tomato) has permanently closed another a business district of Portland that has seen a dramatic drop-off in daily workers. It’s been about a year and a half since the store last welcomed customers, many of whom are students at nearby Portland State University. Green Zebra, a grocer that is part corner store, part convenience store and part natural and organic specialty market, is reopening its location in downtown Portland, Ore., after the pandemic and upheaval of 2020 scuttled business.

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