LAS VEGAS — Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market has had a busy year and now has surpassed 450 stores across more than 24 states. The grocer is looking at long-term growth to as many as 1,400 locations nationwide, CEO Jack Sinclair said Monday during a presentation at the Groceryshop conference. While Sinclair did not specify a timeline for reaching that number, the chain has been steadily expanding, recently opening stores in Utah, Texas, Tennessee and Maryland. Sprouts plans to open at least 35 additional stores by the end of this year.
Sinclair said Sprouts targets health-conscious shoppers — customers who care deeply about what they eat and where it comes from. For many, Sprouts serves as a supplemental shopping destination, accounting for roughly 13% of their overall grocery spending in addition to purchases at other retailers.
Sinclair said that the company’s store growth relies on building out distribution centers that can support the chain’s reliance on produce. According to Sinclair, fresh produce accounts for 20% of Sprouts’ sales, with organic fresh produce representing between 55% and 60% of those sales.
The company opened a new store in St. George, Utah, last week. A “pop-up party” out front gave guests the chance to taste seasonal produce from the tasting bar, participate in a “guess the weight” contest of an oversized piece of produce and more. These activities were fun for the whole family and lasted the entire weekend.
The first 200 shoppers on Friday and Saturday received a free reusable goodie bag filled with special products and samples. Plus, the first 400 guests on Friday received a free long-stem rose courtesy of Falcon Farms Floral. Inside the store, shoppers could sample new products while browsing innovative brands at the Vendor Village. Giveaways and music throughout the weekend also added to the festivities.
Sprouts Farmers Market said it is invested in serving the communities where it operates. It collaborates with local Utah farmers, including Bangerter Farm, Fowers Fruit Ranch, and Mountainland Apples, to source fresh produce. Sprouts’ Food Rescue program this store will donate groceries that are no longer fit for sale but remain perfectly edible and nutrient rich to the Utah Food Bank.
