SAVANNAH, Georgia (May 2, 2012) – Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM) The newest store for the natural and organic foods supermarket will occupy approximately 35,000 square feet of retail space at the intersection of Victory Road and Dixie Road in Savannah, Georgia.

Whole Foods Market's presence in Georgia already includes eight stores in the Atlanta metro area. The first store in Savannah will open in the fall of 2014. 
“Savannah is a terrific location for the South region’s growing map of stores,” said Mike Howard, regional vice president for Whole Foods Market. “The Savannah community is ready for a new grocery option and a new place to celebrate good food and healthy eating.  We are excited to bring another store to Georgia, and we’re happy to be growing some roots in the beautiful city of Savannah.”

The store will reflect the company’s mission of supporting sustainable agriculture and the environment by featuring natural and organic foods, which are free of artificial ingredients and hydrogenated fats. With a focus on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, specialty items, high-quality meats and poultry, everyday pantry staples and sustainable seafood, the store will appeal to a variety of customers ranging from the health conscious to serious food enthusiasts.

Whole Foods Market, which estimates it will add approximately 100 additional jobs in the Savannah market, has been named by Fortune magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in the U.S. for 15 consecutive years – every year since the List’s inception. In addition, the Company boasts an 80% fulltime employment rate nationwide, which is nearly double the rate of its competitors. This commitment to the company translates to increased passion and product knowledge by its Team Members.

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.