You gotta try Cubi Market

During the pandemic, I’ve leaned heavily on grocery pick-up and delivery.With a busy schedule and a toddler at home, the convenience of ordering online is paramount. So, when I heard about the new Cubi Market in Holland, dubbed a “farmers market for busy people,” I was intrigued. 

Cubi Market (pronounced cube-e) offers a broad selection of locally grown and produced products — meat, baked goods, personal care items, produce, etc. and lets customers order those products from the comfort of their homes. The premise seemed simple enough — place your order, choose a pick-up date and then pick up the goods at the Cubi Station on 17th Street at your convenience. The Cubi Station is made up of temperature-controlled compartments that store orders until you’re ready. 

I decided to place my first Cubi order a few days before hosting visitors at my home. While browsing the selections on cubi.com, I loved seeing all the familiar local merchants that I recognized from the farmers markets as well as some new ones. It didn’t take long to fill up my cart —Fresh Chips from Mike’s Famous Bean Dip; Peach Mango Salsa from Bowerman’s Blueberries; a DIY Pepperoni Pizza Kit from Crust 54; Jalapeno Jack Cheese from MOOville Creamery; and Smoky Bacon Cheese Spread from Oh So Cheesy. By signing up for Cubi Market’s email newsletters, I received $20 off my first order. At checkout, I was told my order would be ready the next day and could be picked up anytime between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.

The next day, promptly at 11 a.m., I received an email telling me my order was ready. During my lunch break, I headed to the Cubi Station, phone in hand. I entered the building and read my email again, where I found an “Unlock Cubi” button. A prompt appeared telling me my order was in Cubi No. 8. I pressed the “Unlock” button again and heard an audible “click” as my Cubi unlocked, just like that! 

I grabbed my items and headed toward the door, but not before noticing that there was another room that housed an actual Cubi Market store. I saw displays with local chocolates and baked goods, soaps and lotions, and coffee beans and other beverages. Refrigerated areas held beautiful leafy greens, dairy products, and fresh meat and produce. I took a few minutes to browse the market items, many of which I had seen on its website.

For anyone looking to support local, I highly recommend Cubi Market. Whether you’re looking for a convenient and quick grocery pick-up or to leisurely browse the store’s offerings, you can’t go wrong at Cubi Market. Current store hours are Monday though Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The Cubi Station remain accessible until 11 p.m. daily.  

—Courtney Birchmeier, editor at Urban St.

Cubi Market 
430 W. 17th St., Suite 13, Holland
616-566-6721
cubi.com