Natural Fish and Organic Chips

Whole Foods Market Inc. (Austin, Texas) has announced plans for a 75,000-square-foot flagship store in Central London. The Kensington High Street location is expected to open early 2007.

“The U.K. is an obvious first choice due to the advanced acceptance of organic foods and the lack of a language barrier,” said chairman and ceo John Mackey. “We believe this spacious urban location positions us to duplicate the tremendous success Whole Foods Market has experienced in metropolitan cities in the United States, most notably New York City, by providing Londoners with a fresh and innovative choice in shopping for the most delicious and high quality foods.”

The retailer acquired U.K.-based Fresh & Wild, a chain of seven natural and organic food stores, in January 2004 and subsequently announced its intention to find a site for a large-format Whole Foods Market store in the London area.

“The success we have seen in the Fresh & Wild stores since acquiring them . . . created an even higher level of excitement and intensity to find a location for our first large-format Whole Foods Market store in London,” said Jim Sud, executive vp, growth and business development. “After a heavily focused and disciplined search, we are thrilled to secure a prime location in the heart of Central London. Kensington High Street will be our first step in expanding the Whole Foods Market brand in the U.K. and ultimately into other parts of Europe, where we believe the long-term growth potential is tremendous.”