Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage plans to open seven new stores by March 2013, bringing the total number of Natural Grocers stores to 64 in 12 states by the spring.
The new stores will be opened during the next six months in Sedona, Ariz.; Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Helena and Missoula, Mont.; Omaha, Neb.; and Denton and Lubbock, Texas. Natural Grocers has already signed long-term lease agreements for the new locations and is currently renovating the spaces to adhere to its core values, including employing a variety of energy-efficient features such as motion light sensors, 100 percent post-consumer content tiles, polished concrete flooring and commercial-grade LED lights. In addition to expansive shopping areas, the new stores will also have demo kitchens, meeting spaces and community rooms.
The company also has relocated and expanded one of its flagship Denver stores, which it completed in August.
“We are certain that we’ve identified communities in these five states that are right for our products and nutrition education outreach,” said Kemper Isely, Natural Grocers’ co-president. “Each city has the consumer market for healthful organic foods, along with the market sustainability to make these openings smart business decisions.”
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, founded in 1955, is a Colorado-based business operated by the Isely family. Natural Grocers provides an average of 20,000 organic and all-natural products, selling only USDA-certified organic produce, all-natural body care products, and vitamins, minerals and herbs.
