Sowing Those Wild Oats

Wild Oats Markets Inc. (Boulder, Colo.) has announced the opening of a new 26,000-square-foot prototype store in Long Beach, Calif. The new prototype features an expanded produce department, a new “Natural Living” department, a full-service food and bakery area and an updated design and layout that was based on extensive customer research.

The new Natural Living area features vitamins, supplements, natural bodycare products, homeopathic remedies, and a Natural Knowledge center: two kiosks equipped with food, supplements, health information and recipes.

Additionally, the new store incorporates an HVAC and lighting system that recycles energy, while an improved refrigeration system reclaims energy to heat water for the food service and deli departments.

“As we accelerate new store development as one of our key growth initiatives,” said Perry Odak, president and ceo, “the Long Beach Wild Oats will serve as a prototype for future stores.”

Wild Oats is a nationwide chain of natural and organic food markets, with 103 stores in the U.S. and Canada. The company's natural food stores include Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Henry's Marketplace, Nature's, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets.