EMERYVILLE, Calif. (November 17, 2004) Whole Foods Market® (NASDAQ: WFMI), the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket, today announced the opening of its 39,771-square-foot store at El Camino Real and Jefferson Streets in Redwood City's revitalized downtown, which will open on Wednesday, November 17, 2004.
“The new Redwood City downtown plan creates a friendly environment for a diverse mix of uses, establishing a central downtown as a community focal point,” said Ron Megahan, president of Whole Foods Market's Northern Pacific region. “Whole Foods Market is proud to be a part of the new downtown. We are addressing residents' desires by providing a wide variety of products to satisfy the tastes of the multi-cultural population while supplying jobs to the neighborhood and heeding the call for vibrant, lively additions to the revitalized area.”
The new store is the city's first Whole Foods Market and welcomes visitors to the downtown gateway. It caters to the distinct flavor of Redwood City, with a broad selection of delicious, high quality natural and organic foods, including the Whole Foods Market 365 Everyday Value™ offering all-natural and/or organic staples a low prices 365 days a year. Customers will discover an abundant bakery offering fresh breads, cakes, cookies, and other freshly baked goods. In-store chefs will be conjuring up ready-to-eat foods for individuals, families and special occasions alike. Exciting features throughout the section include a broad range of ethnic foods in the Global Cuisine bar; tortillas made fresh on-site; a full service pizza station; and a large salsa selection.
Other special amenities in the single-level space include: more than a dozen check-out stands to ensure quick and friendly check-out service; a dedicated Whole Body section with vitamins, supplements, herbs, cruelty-free cosmetics and body care products; a dry-aged beef case; an enhanced bulk foods area; a full-service coffee bar featuring the store's own handcrafted, sustainably grown coffee, Allegro®; and free parking spaces available for 153 cars. The new Whole Foods Market is also conveniently located directly across the street from CalTrain, making it easily accessible to non-driving commuters.
Whole Foods Market creates a distinctive retail environment to inspire shoppers by catering to their every need. The company's mission of supporting sustainable agriculture and the environment is fulfilled by offering only natural and organic foods, all free of artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners and hydrogenated oils. Whole Foods Market's emphasis on the highest quality and best-tasting fresh produce, chef-prepared foods, baked goods, natural meats and sparkling seafood appeals to a variety of customers ranging from health-conscious households to aspiring gourmets.
“The revitalization of downtown Redwood City reflects the growth and character of the city,” said Redwood City Mayor Jeff Ira. “I am grateful that Whole Foods Market will serve as a vanguard business in our redevelopment of downtown.”
The Whole Foods Market in Redwood City will add 145 jobs to the bustling economy of the region. Selected as one of Fortune's “100 Best Companies to Work For” for the seventh consecutive year, Whole Foods Market is pleased to join the ranks of the many innovative and socially responsible companies that define Redwood City's vibrant landscape.
“We are committed to giving our customers and our neighbors the best possible shopping experience,” said Pedro Fonseca, store team leader in Redwood City. “Whole Foods Market is known not only for our exceptional products but also for its personalized one-on-one service from helpful and knowledgeable team members. Whole Foods Market will be a downtown fixture where people can gather and spend time with friends. We're excited to be part of this neighborhood where young people, families, and a diverse population create a unique and vibrant social fabric.”
In keeping with Whole Foods Market's tradition of community support, the Redwood City store will host an invitation-only gala to benefit Project READ of Redwood City. Attendees will be asked for an optional $10 donation at the door, with 100 percent of donations benefiting Project READ of Redwood City. Project READ is committed to providing literacy training throughout Redwood City's diverse community, offering five programs that meet the needs and reading levels of adults, adolescents and families. The four-time award-winning organization is integrated with Redwood City's Public Library and closely aligned with all schools within the city. People helping people to build self-esteem is the common thread linking Project READ to the community.
The official opening of Whole Foods Market will kick off with a bread-breaking ceremony at 8:30 a.m. on November 17. The event will feature Whole Foods Market regional president Ron Megahan, Redwood City Mayor Jeff Ira, store team leader Pedro Fonesca, award winning company chef John Mitchell and the new Whole Foods Market Redwood City store team. The store is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on opening day. Regular hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Throughout opening day, Whole Foods Market will treat customers to an open house celebration with vendors distributing free product samples, a gift basket raffle, and free face painting for kids. In addition, the first 1,000 customers to spend $25 or more receive a complimentary Whole Foods Market canvas grocery bag.
The Redwood City store is located at 1250 Jefferson Avenue at El Camino in Redwood City. For more information about this location, please call the store at 650-367-1400. For more information about Whole Foods Market, please visit: www.wholefoodsmarket.com or call 512-477-4455.
