When Trader Joe’s opened across the street from his Pilgrim’s Market in Coeur d’Alene nearly a year ago, owner Joe Hamilton wasn’t worried. He thought it would benefit his 25-year-old store.  

He was right. 

“It accelerated our growth,” Hamilton said. “It’s been nothing but good for us.” 

Pilgrim's has seen an increase in sales, with about 1,500 customers daily, which Hamilton attributes to more people in the area visiting Trader Joe’s and then crossing Fourth Street to shop at Pilgrim’s. 

Hamilton recalled there was a lot of talk and anticipation about the arrival of Trader Joe’s. Many were worried it would hurt his store that focuses on fresh, local, organic products. 

“It was nice to see all that attention and support,” he said as he stood in his store on a weekday afternoon. 

But it was much ado about nothing. 

Hamilton did some checking. He talked to a grocery store in the northeast where a Trader Joe’s opened nearby and was told their sales rose. Another grocer where Trader’s Joe’s opened a few miles away said sales were initially down but returned after a few months. 

“When Trader Joe’s opens a mile away, it’s not as good,” he said. “But when it’s close, it’s great.” 

So confident was Hamilton that when Trader Joe’s opened, he went over and presented employees with $20 gift cards. 

He said Pilgrim’s didn’t change anything. He didn’t even consider the opening of Trader Joe’s his biggest challenge. He believes the stores complement each other and for the most part, carry different brands.

“It hasn’t been a challenge at all,” he said. “We didn’t do anything different.”

But how can a chain with some 600 stores and annual sales of around $16 billion not be a threat to a single, independent store?

Hamilton knows.

He started Pilgrim’s in 1999 with one employee. Today, it has about 160 employees and around $6 million in annual payroll. Employees start at $18 an hour, plus profit sharing and benefits.

He takes pride in pointing out that Pilgrim’s offers more than 600 items made fresh or packaged on its grounds that take up an entire city block, and it has an organic farm onsite.

It has more than 150 local products ranging from raw milk to produce to meat, supplements and beauty care. The 25,000-square-foot store features specialty sections, including a bakery, deli, meat and seafood, beer and wine, gifts and floral and bulk foods. 

“We just stuck with what we do,” Hamilton said. “I'm not sure there’s a store in the country that does what we do in that regard.” 

Pilgrim’s isn't done growing.

It plans to open an outdoor event space next year. It purchased a building in town to expand its bulk foods program. It’s almost ready to start making beer and cider. It's planning to increase its line of natural soaps, conditioners and lotions. 

“We just always add new things,” Hamilton said. “We do a lot of unique things and have a very committed staff.” 

Hamilton, who enjoys being active in the outdoors, treasures his staff and his customers. He is a firm believer in the benefits of organic foods.

“I am very passionate about wanting people to be healthy,” he said. “That really does drive me."

    Joe Hamilton stands ion the beer and wine section at Pilgrim's Market.