Fresh start
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market opened its debut store in Mount Prospect, Ill., late last month — the first of 60 stores the company plans to open throughout the Midwest in the coming years.
Right on queue
Hundreds of curious shoppers gathered at the store in anticipation of the opening. Fresh Thyme has 60 new stores in the pipeline, including eight more planned this year.
Cut in line
Fresh Thyme CEO Chris Sherrell (right), along with local officials, cut the ribbon. Sherrill founded Fresh Thyme with several of his former colleagues from Sunflower Flower Market.
Signs of life
A collection of handwritten signs welcomed shoppers to the Mount Prospect store, which formerly housed a Sports Authority.
Checking it out
Shoppers filled their carts — and free reusable shopping bags — at Fresh Thyme’s grand opening.
Produce first
Like farmers' market formats Sunflower and Sprouts, Fresh Thyme is relying on produce at sharp prices to drive consumer trial.
Natural layout
Using the tagline “Healthy food. Healthy values,” Fresh Thyme features a natural meat department, healthy deli foods to go, bakery goods, bulk food bins, natural and organic groceries, dairy and frozen, as well as vitamins and body care products.
Story: Chicago shoppers turn out for Fresh Thyme debut