Stein's Market expected to sell by end of year

Troy’s largest grocery store will soon be under new ownership. The family owners of Stein’s Market plan to sell all five locations in Idaho and Montana to the family owners of Watson Grocery Group, which is based in Washington state.

Larry Stein, president of Stein Bros. Inc., said the pending transaction could take place in December. Stein said the family had not been actively pursuing a sale, but listened when contacted about a potential deal. Talks began last spring.

“It sounds like it will be a seamless transition,” Stein said. “From what I understand they are looking to hire everyone and keep the name.”

Edward Stein, Larry’s grandfather, opened his first market in 1929 in Kellogg, Idaho. Larry Stein began working in the family business at 14 as a pop bottle sorter.

Jim Baillie, Stein’s general manager in Montana, has worked with the company for 36 years. Baillie said Stein’s shoppers will not notice a change to their shopping experience once the sale is completed.

There are Stein’s Market locations in Troy, Eureka, Osburn, Idaho; Rathdrum, Idaho and Kellogg, Idaho.

Attempts to reach Watson Grocery Group President Dale Watson were unsuccessful.