Whole Foods Plans ‘Express’ Format

MARK HAMSTRA

BOULDER, Colo. — Whole Foods Market yesterday said it would convert one of the Wild Oats stores it acquired here to an experimental format called “Whole Foods Market Express,” focusing on convenience items and “grab-and-go” foods. The 18,500-square-foot location serves a high concentration of University of Colorado students, the company said. Another Wild Oats here will be converted back to the Alfalfa’s Market banner, which Whole Foods said was in tribute to “one of the early pioneers of natural grocery.” Yet another Boulder store will retain the Ideal Foods banner, while another Wild Oats store that had been in development will not be opened. A Whole Foods nearby will be expanded to 73,000 square feet, making it one of the largest in the chain. Also, Whole Foods said it would “permanently lower” prices at all 23 Wild Oats stores in the six-state Rocky Mountain Region, to kick off with a 10% off sale in the coming weeks.

Read More of Today's Headlines