Sprouts Outlines Aggressive Expansion Plans

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (Phoenix) announced last week that it might exceed its goal of opening 1200 U.S. stores over the next 15 years. “That was the low end, the most conservative estimate,” ceo Doug Sanders told Bloomberg News. He added that expansion to 1500 stores in that time frame is not unlikely because “We’re able to appeal to a much broader customer.” 

Currently operating 170 stores selling mostly natural and organic foods, Sprouts is looking to take market share from other natural food retailers such as Whole Foods Markets and Trader Joe’s, which also capitalize on the growing demand for less processed groceries. Sanders said the chain will likely grow through new store building, rather than through acquisition of existing spaces.