Six months after United Market reopened its doors in the Linwood Shopping Center on Kansas City’s east side, the store is launching a free membership program designed to reward loyal shoppers and reinforce its role as a neighborhood staple.
Membership benefits and early response
The program, which costs nothing to join, lets customers identify themselves at checkout and receive discounts, free items, and special promotions the more they shop. United Market reports that over 90% of its shoppers have already signed up, and the store hopes to reach full participation soon.
Long‑time patron Earl McCaskill, who has shopped at the location for two decades under previous owners, praised the new approach. “I’ve been here since they opened,” he said, adding that the biggest change he’s noticed is the price advantage.
Nearby resident David Cross, a first‑time shopper, echoed the sentiment. “Produce looks pretty fresh; deli has some really good food. I would like to eat lunch here as much as I can,” he said, noting that the membership program “sounds like a good program; the more you shop, the more you save.”
Improved safety and community partnership
The former grocery space struggled with crime and theft, but coordinated efforts by the city and United Market have helped turn the tide. Anthony Estrada, the store’s operator, cited data from the Kansas City East Police Patrol indicating that calls for service at the store have “drastically declined” compared to previous years.
United Market is also planning holiday‑season collaborations with local organizations, including KC LINC, Morning Star Baptist Church, Hot 103 Jamz, and the YMCA, to host food drives and turkey giveaways. These partnerships underscore the store’s commitment to serving families and reinforcing the fabric of the east‑side community.
Looking ahead
Store officials say the membership model is still in a soft‑launch phase and has not yet been strictly enforced for entry, allowing shoppers to opt in voluntarily. The goal is to eventually have every customer enrolled, creating a reliable base for targeted discounts and community outreach.
Local leaders and residents alike view United Market’s evolution as a positive sign for the neighborhood’s economic health. “I think this one here will make everything work for the community,” McCaskill said, reflecting optimism that the store will remain a lasting fixture.
As United Market continues to refine its business model, the combination of affordable pricing, improved safety, and strong community ties positions the grocery store as a promising example of how local businesses can thrive while supporting families and faith‑based organizations in Kansas City.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
