Pushing ahead with its expansion, Sprouts Farmers Market plans to open nine new stores in the second quarter of 2019.
The fresh, natural and organic grocer said Tuesday that the openings will bring its stores into three new states: Louisiana, New Jersey and Virginia. Overall, the chain expects to open about 30 new stores in 2019, the same as in 2018.
Related: Sprouts’ CEO Maredia expressed ‘desire to move on’
The new stores planned for the second quarter are in Baton Rouge, La.; Herndon, Va.; Jacksonville (The Markets at Town Center) and Oviedo, Fla.; Los Angeles, San Jose and San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Marlton, N.J.; and Mesa, Ariz.
Related: Sprouts’ CEO Maredia expressed ‘desire to move on’
Sprouts noted that four of the locations — Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Oviedo and San Luis Obispo — will feature its latest operational and design enhancements, aimed at highlighting department destinations and encouraging customer engagement.
Related: Sprouts makes Pennsylvania debut
For example, marquee signage and display cases at The Butcher Shop and Fish Market reflect the department’s personal service and expertise in high-quality meat and seafood, Sprouts said. Also, the Market Corner Deli will include a detached, rectangular island offering made-to-order sandwiches, a salad bar, prepared foods, sushi made in-store and fresh juice.
The updated design, which keeps the center-store focus on produce, made its debut last year in five locations, the retailer added.
Related: Sprouts makes Pennsylvania debut
Sprouts is slated to open eight new stores in the first quarter, including in Carlsbad and Fontana, Calif.; Sugar Land, Texas; and Clearwater, Fla.; on Jan. 16. The other scheduled openings are in Lynwood, Wash. (Feb. 6); Naples, Fla. (Feb. 20); Wellington, Fla. (March 20); and Las Vegas (March 27).
Late last month, the company also announced plans to open a new store in Estero, Fla., during early 2020. Other planned Florida stores are in Deerfield Beach, Jacksonville (Beach and Tamaya Boulevards), Jupiter, Miramar, Riverview and Trinity, but opening dates haven’t yet been announced.
During 2018, Sprouts entered three new states — Pennsylvania, Washington and South Carolina — and passed the 300-store mark. Currently, the retailer operates 320 stores in 19 states coast to coast.
