ATLANTA, (May 2, 2012) – Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM) announced it will open a new store in the mixed-use Avalon development on Old Milton Parkway. The newest store for the natural and organic foods supermarket will occupy approximately 48,000 square feet of retail space, and construction will begin this summer.

Whole Foods Market's presence in the Atlanta metro area already includes 8 existing stores with plans for an additional store opening in Savannah in 2014. The new Alpharetta store is slated to open in fall 2014.

“The Avalon development is a great project for us and it’s an ideal spot for a new Whole Foods Market,” said Mike Howard, regional vice president for Whole Foods Market. “The mix of retail, housing and office space will make this a vibrant new place to celebrate good food and healthy eating.  We are excited to open another store in the north metro area, and we’re looking forward to being a part of the community.”

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 where we live and work. Combine the great-tasting food with outstanding customer service and the result is a pleasantly atypical grocery shopping experience.

About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company's motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 64,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 15 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2011, the company had sales of more than $10 billion and currently has more than 315 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.