Natural Grocers Moves Store to Rio Rancho

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage is moving its Albuquerque, N.M., store which has served the area for the past 10 years, 4 miles up the road to Rio Rancho to bring healthy grocery options even closer to the city’s communities, the natural and organic grocer announced Aug. 17.

The new location at 921 Pat D'Arco Highway is expected to open Aug. 27; however, a reopening celebration has been postponed for the safety of its customers and crew due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The store will also open with modified store hours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8:05 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7:35 p.m.; and exclusive shopping hours for seniors (ages 60 and older), pregnant women and individuals with underlying medical conditions on Sundays from 9 to 10 a.m. and Wednesdays from 8 to 9 a.m.

Employees of the original store—9261 Coors Blvd. NW, Albuquerque—will move to the new location, which Natural Grocers said is “bigger and even better,” giving new and existing customers access to an “even larger range of fresh, 100% organic produce; natural and organic groceries; the highest-quality dietary supplements; and everyday household essentials—all at always affordable prices.”

Although a reopening event is on hold, Natural Grocers said grand reopening specials will be available Aug. 27 through Sept. 30, including discounts on 100% organic produce; pasture-based and humanely raised meats; and staple items, such as bacon and bacon alternatives, free-range eggs, organic Gala and Honeycrisp apples, organic red and green seedless grapes, and organic red Starkrimson pears.

"With our own vision to bring communities the best quality food at always affordable prices … we were drawn to Rio Rancho's vision of leading the way as the best city in the Southwest," said Kemper Isely, co-president of Lakewood, Colo.-based Natural Grocers. "We are thrilled that the relocation of one of our five New Mexico markets allows us to offer our services, including healthy food options, free Nutrition Education, the highest standards in the industry and our inclusive culture to Rio Rancho's community." 

Natural Grocers has more than 3,500 employees and operates 159 stores in 20 states.