Fresh Market seeking 'flexibility' in opening date changes

The Fresh Market confirmed Friday that it has re-evaluated several store openings, citing the need for additional flexibility as it develops a long-term growth strategy.

SN last week reported the Greensboro, N.C.-based retailer has recently delayed at least four planned openings.

The company declined to detail precise opening dates for those stores, to be located in York, Pa., Fleming Island, Fla., Falls Church, Va. and Springfield, Mo. but provided SN with the following statement.

"In order to provide more flexibility in developing the company’s long-term growth strategy, The Fresh Market has re-evaluated the timing of its new store opening announcements. The Fresh Market is continuously reviewing its investment priorities, which often results in shifting opening dates. As such, the company does not plan on projecting or speculating on specific store opening timing prior to construction start."

Since reporting the story last week, developers of a planned Fresh Market store in Winchester, Va., told SN the store was still scheduled for an opening next month. A store scheduled for Trussville, Ala. is expected to open next spring, a developer of that project said.