Traverse Bay Farms Spotlighted on CNBC.com Amid Nationwide Retail Shifts

Traverse Bay Farms, a nationally award-winning gourmet food companybased in Northern Michigan, was recently spotlighted in CNBC’s national business coverage highlighting how local small businesses are thriving as major retail chains downsize across the United States.

The story, titled “As Chain Stores Fail, Mall Vacancies Rise — Local Business Owners Score Rare Real Estate Offers” (CNBC, September 28, 2025), includes Traverse Bay Farms and Andy LaPointe how small-business innovation and resilience in a changing retail landscape.

Local Business Growth Amid National Retail Challenges

In the CNBC article, Andy LaPointe, owner of Traverse Bay Farms, shared how small businesses can transform former chain-store spaces into thriving community destinations.

“When national brands pull out of prime spots, it’s not just about filling the space — it’s about reimagining it as a destination that reflects the local community,” said LaPointe. “The magic happens when a small business brings something unique — a place to linger and a sense of belonging.”

Traverse Bay Farms currently operates two retail stores in Northern Michigan — in Bellaire and Elk Rapids — both located in high-visibility locations. The company’s continued success demonstrates how local businesses are revitalizing commercial spaces once dominated by other businesses.

A Model of Local Innovation and Economic Vitality

Traverse Bay Farms has earned 38+ national food awards, received a State of Michigan Award and is recognized for its industry-first “Sediment-Free Guarantee” in cherry juice production. The company is nationally known for its tart cherry juice concentrate, tart cherry capsules, fruit-based wellness supplements, and gourmet salsas, all made using as much locally grown Michigan fruit as possible.

“Our mission has always been to bring the taste of Northern Michigan to tables across the country while helping keep Main Street vibrant,” said LaPointe. “Being featured by CNBC highlights the value of locally rooted businesses that strengthen communities.”

Industry Context: A Turning Point for Local Retail

According to Cushman & Wakefield, the national shopping center vacancy rate rose to 5.8% in Q2 2025, creating new opportunities for independent retailers and entrepreneurs. The CNBC report notes that small businesses like Traverse Bay Farms are using this moment to secure prime retail space with flexible lease terms and lower entry costs.

This trend signals a rebalancing of American retail, where community-based brands play an increasingly important role in local economies and customer trust.

About Traverse Bay Farms

Founded in 2001, Traverse Bay Farms is a Northern Michigan gourmet food and wellness company offering a wide range of award-winning products, including tart cherry juice concentrate, dried fruits, salsas, and nutritional supplements under the Fruit Advantage brand. Products are made in the USA using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and are available online and in select retailers nationwide.

Traverse Bay Farms’ products are trusted by health professionals, professional athletes, and wellness-conscious customers across the country.

Website: TraverseBayFarms.com
Press Contact:
Andy LaPointe
Traverse Bay Farms
Phone: (877) 746-7477

For Media Reference

Original CNBC Article:
“As Chain Stores Fail, Mall Vacancies Rise — Local Business Owners Score Rare Real Estate Offers”
Published September 28, 2025
Author: Kevin Williams
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/28/chain-store-bankruptcy-mall-real-estate-small-business.html

About Traverse Bay Farms / Fruit Advantage

Traverse Bay Farms – America’s #1 award-winning superfruit brand – Inspired by Northern Michigan, recognized with 38+ national food awards for flavor and quality. Family-owned in Northern Michigan, we provide fruit-forward gourmet foods and wellness products using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible—USA cherries.

Our lineup features fruit salsas, fruit barbecue sauces, no-added-sugar dried cherries and blueberries, and our renowned tart cherry juice concentrate—bottled in glass and backed by the industry’s first and only sediment-free guarantee. We also publish educational resources to help customers enjoy healthy lifestyles, understand the science behind cherries and other superfruits.

About Fruit Advantage

Fruit Advantage®, our sister brand, offers fruit-based supplements formulated to support everyday wellness. Offerings include tart cherry, wild blueberry, and pomegranate capsules. Cherry Prime™ — Complete Muscle & Joint Complex uniquely combines tart cherries with glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint comfort and active recovery.*

• 38+ national food awards
• Glass-bottled cherry juice with a sediment-free guarantee
• As much Michigan-grown fruit as possible; USA-grown ingredients
• Two year-round retail stores in Bellaire and Elk Rapids, Michigan
• 24/7 live phone customer service: 1-877-746-7477

Learn more at TraverseBayFarms.com.