We recently connected with Varish Goyal and have shared our conversation below.

Varish, appreciate you joining us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is our Loop Giving Back program. This program was born from our commitment to not only provide for the communities we serve but to actively give back in meaningful ways. Through this initiative, we’ve partnered with local schools, food banks, and charitable organizations to provide donations and support where it’s needed most.

What makes the Loop Giving Back program so impactful is that it’s deeply tied to the values of the communities we’re a part of. Customers feel a sense of pride knowing that their neighborhood store is investing in causes that matter to them. For instance, we’ve provided essential supplies to schools and offered support to food banks to help those facing food insecurity. These are tangible, meaningful actions that directly benefit our customers and their families.

I think the customers feel a sense of connection to Loop that goes beyond just shopping for convenience. They see that we’re invested in their well-being and that we’re willing to put resources into making their communities better. This creates not just loyalty but a partnership, where our customers are proud to be a part of the Loop family.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am the CEO of Loop Neighborhood Market, a convenience store chain that is focused on reimagining what convenience means in retail. I entered this industry through my family’s business—Vintners Distributors—and after seeing how the market was evolving, I wanted to create a brand that offered a more engaging and health-conscious experience.

Loop Neighborhood started with the vision of providing not just the typical convenience store offerings but a variety of fresh, healthy, and local products that cater to modern consumers’ needs. We offer everything from gourmet coffee and fresh salads to locally sourced snacks and beverages. It’s important to me that we stand out by providing an elevated shopping experience, from a clean, modern store layout to exceptional customer service.

What sets us apart is our commitment to community and to sustainability. We partner with local suppliers and focus on reducing our carbon footprint, making Loop not just a store, but a part of the neighborhoods we serve. We also solve the problem of choice by offering healthier alternatives to traditional convenience store products.

What I’m most proud of is how we’ve built a brand that stands for more than just transactions—it’s about building a community hub. People don’t just come to Loop to shop; they come because they know they’ll find something unique and feel part of a larger mission.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team, especially across multiple locations, can be challenging, but I’ve found that empowering employees to take ownership of their roles goes a long way. One piece of advice I always give is to cultivate a culture of communication. Open lines of communication, from store associates all the way up to management, foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

Another key is recognition. Celebrate wins, no matter how small, and acknowledge the hard work that your team puts in. We often host team appreciation events and have implemented a program that recognizes outstanding employees on a monthly basis. This not only boosts morale but also fosters healthy competition and camaraderie.

Lastly, I believe in leading by example. As a leader, if I show passion, commitment, and care, it sets the tone for the entire organization. High morale isn’t something you can fake; it has to be built on authentic leadership and a genuine commitment to the well-being of your team.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe that consistency in delivering on our promises has been one of the core elements in building our reputation. We are a brand that people can rely on for quality products, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Customers know what to expect when they walk into a Loop store, and that trust goes a long way.

In addition, I think our focus on innovation and staying ahead of market trends has set us apart. From offering healthier snack options to implementing eco-friendly practices, we constantly evolve to meet the changing demands of our consumers. We don’t rest on our laurels; we strive to exceed expectations and adapt to what people need.

Our community involvement has also been a big factor. We’ve worked hard to not just be a store in the community, but to be part of the community. Whether it’s through local partnerships, sponsorships, or our neighborhood initiatives, our customers see that we are genuinely invested in their well-being. This creates a sense of loyalty that is hard to manufacture without a genuine commitment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.loopneighborhood.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loopmarkets/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loopneighborhood/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loop-neighborhood/
• Twitter: https://x.com/LoopMarkets

Image Credits

Images courtesy of Loop Neighborhood Markets