Fast-growing Sprouts plots August launch of new Florida store

Sprouts Farmers Market this week said it’s now hiring for a new store in West Melbourne, Florida, scheduled to open on August 11.

The specialty grocer is expanding rapidly in the state, opening a store in Delray Beach earlier this month. Phoenix-based Sprouts also has openings in Boca Raton and Orlando on its summer agenda.

The new store at 4460 Hollywood Blvd. in West Melbourne is looking to hire 83 full- and part-time employees for a range of positions, including department managers, assistant department managers, clerks, cashiers, courtesy clerks, backup receiver, administrative coordinator and scan coordinator.

“Sprouts’ healthy approach to grocery shopping means potential team members should share a passion for the fresh, natural and organic products offered throughout the store,” the grocer said in a statement.

Sprouts currently operates more than 40 stores in Florida and plans to open eight markets in the Sunshine State this summer.

The grocer, which specializes in natural and organic foods and farm-fresh produce, has previously said it intends to open about 30 new stores this year. All will follow the chain’s updated smaller-footprint format.

Sprouts, which was founded 21 years ago, currently operates more than 380 stores in 23 states and employs about 31,000 workers.

In May, Sprouts said it was working to boost customer engagement to get its most-loyal shoppers to visit more frequently. For the quarter ended April 2, Sprouts reported a same-store sales increase of 3.1% and net sales of $1.7 billion, a 6% jump from the year-ago period. The grocer’s gross margin was up about 20 basis points compared to last year.