For 77 years, Shelton Farms – which consist of the original farm, Shelton’s Farm Market, and sister company Shelton’s Wholesale – has earned the hearts (and stomachs) of many both right at home in Niles, Michigan, and across the Midwest with its abundant selection of fresh produce. After an almost eight-decade-long run, Shelton’s Farm Market and Shelton’s Wholesale announced that they will be selling the business location to Aldi Foods and officially closing their doors on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Though a bittersweet time, the Sheltons and team are excited to celebrate one last hurrah in these final weeks as they look back on the impeccable impact, they and their fellow employees have left nourishing the communities of Michiana and beyond.
It all began back in 1947, when Shelton’s was a 40-acre farm and roadside market near Berrien Center, Michigan, where the family then resided. Twelve years later in 1959, operations continued to grow, which resulted in the purchase that brought them to the Niles area.
“Now, it was added on to many times through the years, but that's when we arrived at Niles, and at that time, we were the 13th Farm Market on the highway between Niles and South Bend,” said Joe Shelton, partner at Shelton Farms and Shelton’s Farm Market. “We became the only one after all these years, and we started by purchasing a small restaurant building. In 1975, we expanded to the current retail building; in 1979, we built the wholesale building, which was attached; and in 1981, we built our own apple storage with a controlled atmosphere storage for apples on the farm.”
Shelton’s has been a true family affair since the very beginning – founded by family patriarch Ethan Shelton, his children, their spouses, and even their children have all stepped in to help keep the Shelton legacy alive following his retirement. Joe Shelton’s older brothers, Ron and Jim Shelton, purchased the business in 1969 when their dad stepped down, with Ron Shelton handling farm operations and Jim Shelton focusing on the market. Mike Shelton, Jim Shelton’s son, also worked part-time in the market’s early days and joined full-time in 1972. Joe Shelton has been heavily involved over the years as well, having grown up on the farm, and officially became a permanent member of the business crew in 1979 after 14 years away at college for his bachelor’s degree and his MBA and working in the field of package engineering.
Family is an important value to the Sheltons, and it even factored into choosing the final day of business operations. December 14 holds a very important space in the hearts of the Sheltons, making it the perfect day to say goodbye.
“One of the reasons we picked that date was because it was my sister-in-law Betty's birthday,” Joe Shelton said. “It seemed appropriate because she was one of the main people who helped in the early days in the market. She was a very hard-working family woman who helped my brother Jim through the early days of growing business.”
To have his coworkers also be his family has been one of Joe Shelton’s favorite parts of the job. He has been able to work alongside his closest loved ones to help further the success of the Niles staple. It is a feeling unlike any other, and he couldn’t ask for a better team to help build upon the company his father started many years ago.
“My nephew, Mike Shelton, has been instrumental as the driving force of the business. His father, Jim – my brother – had the foresight. Years ago, he imagined what Shelton could become, and he really devoted his life to it. I also want to give credit to Jim’s wife Betty, and my wife, Deb, for all their years of contribution,” Joe Shelton said. “Getting a chance to work with my two brothers, my nephew, and other family members has been a blessing. I’ve also loved getting to work with my wife. She has played an instrumental role in business being in charge of human relations. She does the hiring and the initial training and orientation. One of her things is that she helps young people learn how to work.”
Additionally, the Sheltons have taken many employees under their wings over the years who have easily made their way to become like extended members of the family, each playing an integral role in the farm’s success and becoming a close-knit crew. For many employees, this was their first-ever job, and the Sheltons are always amazed watching the kids grow from sometimes quiet, shy, individuals ready to take on the world with their skills gained at the business. Many have enjoyed the work so much they choose to stay on even after their high school graduation, working seven to eight years, or even more during college. Joe Shelton noted that quite a few have even thoroughly enjoyed working at the business so much that they even come back later to rejoin the team.
The Sheltons are forever grateful for all their hard work and wish them the best moving forward. While it may be an end to operations, it doesn’t mean it’s an end to the relationships built and strongly stress they are always there to lend a hand to help them out wherever needed.
“It's just been rewarding for all of us to see many of them blossom from someone who was shy and doesn't know one thing from another, and then gain confidence, grow and prosper,” Joe Shelton said. “We're extremely appreciative of our team members that we've had through the years. We have a group of absolutely excellent employees, and we hope all of them find opportunities that are good for them. Many of them are finding replacement jobs that are rewarding.”
Of course, Shelton’s wouldn’t be where it is today without its customers. The farm market has gathered an extremely loyal and supportive customer base over the years and appreciates every single one who has come through the doors. The customers have truly made the Shelton experience memorable, and none will ever be forgotten.
“I'm also proud of the fact that we have a reputation for providing good value to the community. We work really hard to have the best prices possible for our customers,” Joe Shelton said. “We have a lot of customers who come to visit us from far away, from places like Chicago, Indianapolis, or Fort Wayne, and they'll come and load up their coolers and go back,” Joe Shelton said. “We want to express our sincere appreciation for all of our customers through the years. Their patronage is what has allowed us to continue and grow, and we don't take that for granted. We sincerely appreciate it.”
The ride isn’t over quite yet! Be sure to visit Shelton's to say some final goodbyes before doors officially close on December 14. Whether it be to stock up on your favorite items, say hello to some friendly faces, or reminisce on the memories made, the team is beyond grateful for all the support, and can’t wait to see you before the Shelton era ends its reign in Niles.
For more information, please visit sheltonfarms.com.