PHOENIX — SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET hasn't let expansion get in the way of paying attention to customers, and its customers appreciate that.
They say so in emails, letters, telephone calls and via Sprouts' website.
“We get lots of comments every week. Many of them are asking us to open a store in their area,” Doug Sanders, Sprouts' president and chief operating officer, told SN. “In the last year, we received 2,000 such requests.”
He explained that since a large number of Sprouts' stores are in Arizona and southern California, many customers first become acquainted with Sprouts while they're on vacation, and then wish they had such a store back home.
Feedback, which the 54-unit chain actively solicits, is overwhelmingly positive, Sanders said. The comments most often refer to service provided by associates or managers, he added.
Here's a sampling from email Sprouts has received recently:
“Wanted to let you know of the quality service my wife and I receive from the staff at the Avondale [Ariz.] store. They special ordered a gluten-free item my wife requested. A special thank you to Patrick but all the staff seems to go out of their way to be helpful.”
“My Mom (92) and I have been shopping in Sprouts Market in Boulder, Colorado since they opened. We love the staff (they know us by name) that is so friendly and helpful. The store is well organized and very clean. It is a fun experience that we enjoy weekly.”
“I am a regular customer at the Sprouts Farmers Market in Brea [Calif.] I am always impressed with the service I get in the meat department. I love Joe and Mark!! … I also like Lawrence in bulk and Steve in frozen. Your produce prices are the best! Gustavo is very helpful! These employees really do make your store the reason why I shop there every week! I look forward to seeing them!!”