Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel, accompanied by 70 Team Members, rang the Nasdaq opening bell today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its inaugural New York City flagship store. Launched in 2004 at Columbus Circle, this flagship store marked a pivotal moment in the company’s expansion within New York, revolutionizing the city’s grocery landscape with its extensive selection of natural and organic foods, housed in the largest grocery store the city had seen at the time. Over the years, Whole Foods Market has flourished in the New York City area, now operating 17 locations and employing over 5,000 local Team Members.
Reflecting on the significance of the Columbus Circle store opening, Christina Minardi, Executive Vice President of Growth & Development at Whole Foods Market & Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores, remarked, “The launch of the Whole Foods Market Columbus Circle store was undeniably one of the most pivotal moments in our company’s history. It catalyzed our future growth, and the excitement of that opening day resonates strongly with us today alongside our Team Members.”
Jason Buechel, CEO of Whole Foods Market, added, “Today, as we celebrate our impact in New York City over the past two decades, we look forward to a promising future of continued growth in a city that has embraced Whole Foods Market with unparalleled enthusiasm. Introducing our new store format here is a natural progression. The Whole Foods Market Daily Shop will bring our premium natural and organic foods conveniently closer to more New York City customers.”
Scheduled to open this fall on the Upper East Side at 1175 Third Avenue, the first Whole Foods Market Daily Shop promises to cater to urban dwellers with fresh, seasonal produce, prepared foods, and essential groceries. Additionally, the company announced its second Daily Shop location at 301 West 50th Street in Hell’s Kitchen, with plans for further expansion both within New York City and nationally.
Designed to occupy between 7,000 to 14,000 square feet, significantly smaller than the average 40,000 square foot store, the Whole Foods Market Daily Shop aims to provide high-quality ingredients that meet the fast-paced urban lifestyle. This innovative format is part of Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores’ commitment to delivering a top-tier shopping experience tailored to diverse customer needs.
With over 530 stores across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, and more than 75 stores in development, Whole Foods Market continues to evolve, bringing its commitment to quality and sustainability to communities worldwide.
