WHOLE FOODS MARKET® BREAKS GROUND FOR NAPLES STORE
Austin, Texas (June 29, 2007) —Whole Foods Market, the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket, broke ground today for a new 50,000 square-foot store at Vanderbilt Beach Road and U.S. 41 in Naples, Florida. This is the company's first store in Naples and its eleventh store in Florida. Known for its high quality standards combined with outstanding customer service, Whole Foods Market will provide an unequaled shopping experience.
"Our number one goal is to provide the Naples community with the freshest, most flavorful, highest quality products in a contemporary, easy-to-shop store," said Juan Nunez, president of Whole Foods Market's Florida region. "Whole Foods Market is passionate about delicious food, and we seek out the best foods locally and from around the world." The new supermarket will combine the expertise and advantages of a farmer's market, a gourmet store, a grocer, an old fashioned butcher, and a fishmonger with a team of chefs making the finest restaurant-quality meals all under one roof. The store will employ approximately 150 people.
Whole Foods Market will be part of Mercato, a Main Street center being developed by The Lutgert Companies and The Barron Collier Companies. Currently under construction, the mixed-use, upscale, pedestrian-friendly center will include retail and office space along with restaurants and an enclave of elegant condominium and town home residences. Completion of the first phase of Mercato, including Whole Foods Market, is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2008.
"Mercato is a 'first of its kind' development in Southwest Florida," said Scott F. Lutgert, chairman and CEO of The Lutgert Companies. "We see this project as an opportunity to complement and enhance the established lifestyle in the area and to ensure that lifestyle is maintained. Whole Foods Market will certainly make a positive contribution not only to the success of Mercato, but to the entire community."
"We've received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from people throughout the area," said Paul Marinelli, president and CEO of The Barron Collier Companies. "They're thrilled to know that Whole Foods is coming to Naples and are eagerly awaiting the grand opening."
"Our Whole Foods Market store in Naples will be an exciting destination to celebrate and to enjoy eating and living well," Nunez commented. "We look forward to becoming a part of the Naples community in 2008."
# # #About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2006, the company had sales of $5.6 billion and currently has more than 190 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Whole Foods Market motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"™ captures the company's mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Whole Foods Market, Harry's Farmers Market®, and Fresh & Wild® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Whole Foods Market employs more than 45,000 team members and has been ranked for ten consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine.
