CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 12, 2014) – Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM) announces it will open its third location in the Charlotte area in the Waverly mixed-use development at Providence and Ardrey Kell Roads. The newest store in Charlotte for the natural and organic foods supermarket will occupy approximately 40,000 square feet of retail space. The new store is slated to open in late 2016.

Whole Foods Market's presence in Charlotte includes SouthPark, and another store opening later this year in Huntersville. The retailer also has nine other stores across North Carolina.

“Charlotte is a great market and there is a lot of opportunity here,” said Marc Mastropaolo, Whole Foods Market South region executive coordinator of operations. “The Charlotte community has been very receptive to us, there is a lot of interest in good, healthy food options, and we are excited to be adding to our roster of stores in the area and to be bringing a new store to the market.”

Whole Foods Market features a fresh and enticing selection of natural foods in their purest state, free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives as well as hydrogenated fats.  Whole Foods Market offers shoppers the highest quality, best-tasting and freshest foods in an inviting setting. Each store is unique and is designed to meet the needs of the neighborhoods they serve. Combine the great-tasting food with outstanding customer service and the result is a pleasantly atypical grocery shopping experience.