Whole Foods Market plans flagship store in London

22/08/05 Whole Foods Market, the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket, has announced plans for a 75,000-square-foot flagship store in Central London on Kensington High Street, expected to open early 2007.

"We are excited to extend the Whole Foods Market mission and brand beyond the United States and Canadian borders and into Europe. The U.K. is an obvious first choice due to the advanced acceptance of organic foods and the lack of a language barrier," said John Mackey, Whole Foods Market chairman and CEO. "We believe this spacious urban location positions us to duplicate the tremendous success Whole Foods Market has experienced in metropolitan cities in the United States, most notably New York City, by providing Londoners with a fresh and innovative choice in shopping for the most delicious and high quality foods."

The Company acquired U.K.-based Fresh & Wild, a chain of seven natural and organic food stores, in January 2004 and subsequently announced its intention to find a site for a large-format Whole Foods Market store in the London area.

The Company currently operates six stores within the 60,000 to 80,000 square-foot range, with an additional 17 stores of that size in development.

The company expects to initially employ 400 to 500 Team Members at the Whole Foods Market location in London. Cooking demonstrations, product samplings and in-house eateries will mingle with thousands of the freshest and finest natural and organic offerings in every area of the store, with a focus on procuring foods from local growers, food artisans and manufacturers. And, just as the company has done with its North American locations for the past 25 years, Whole Foods Market will actively become an integral part of the community by sponsoring events, donating food and money to local causes, providing volunteer opportunities for Team Members, and becoming a neighborhood gathering place.

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2004, the company had sales of $3.9 billion and currently has more than 170 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Whole Foods Market motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"(TM) captures the company's mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Whole Foods Market, Harry's Farmers Market®, and Fresh & Wild® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Whole Foods Market employs more than 35,000 Team Members and has been ranked for eight consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for" in America by Fortune magazine.

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