In November, District Market is celebrating its one-year anniversary since opening on FM 1960. Before founding District Market, Thomas said he frequented local pop-ups and was struck by the number of great Black-owned brands that were not sold in national chain stores.
“I’m like, ‘Why [are] none of these products in the store? I need to make the store,’” Thomas said.
District Market sells produce, snacks, drinks, baked goods, spices, cosmetics and clothing. Some of Thomas’ bestsellers are sea moss, which is used for holistic purposes; oyster mushrooms; spelt bread; and artisan water.
To find out what products will be popular in the community, Thomas said he does research on social media.
“I don’t have to compete with the other markets because I can import special products that the community needs but [are] not easy to find,” Thomas said. “That’s kind of given me a niche.”
In the future, Thomas said he hopes to remodel the second floor of his store to turn it into a coffee bar and Wi-Fi lounge area.
He said he also hopes to serve food deserts across the U.S. by opening more locations in communities in need of more grocery stores.
“Someone needs to be committed to being in the communities that need help,” Thomas said.
To achieve his dream of serving food deserts, Thomas said he plans to offer opportunities for members of the community to invest in District Market and buy shares of his company. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Thomas said he is passionate about serving food deserts because he grew up in one.
“[District Market] can be accessible to people,” Thomas said. “[People living in food deserts] can feel like they’re part of America in those areas; like everyone else, they [can] have access to things right next to them.”
Thomas decided to open District Market after his nightclub—District 1960, which was located where the grocery store is now—closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thomas also previously ran a restaurant, he said.
Over the last year, Thomas said he has struggled with inflation and increased costs of the goods he sells, but that issue has improved in recent months. Despite obstacles presented by the pandemic, the local community has continued to support District Market, Thomas said, with some members even volunteering to help run the store.
“The community still comes by and supports what I’m doing. ... Maybe they don’t have as much to spend at times, but they still come,” Thomas said. “I’m very appreciative of that.”
District Market
3337 FM 1960 W., Ste. A, Houston
832-680-3485
www.districtmarketgreengrocer.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., closed Sun.-Mon.
