Whole Foods Market, a leading natural and organic foods retailer, has announced its plans to expand its presence in Washington state with a new store in Bellingham. This will be the company’s 11th location in Washington, demonstrating its continued growth and commitment to the Pacific Northwest region.
The new Whole Foods Market in Bellingham is slated to open in the summer of 2016. Located at 1030 Lakeway Drive, within the Lakeway Center development, the store will occupy a spacious 50,000-square-foot area. This location marks a significant milestone as it will be the first Whole Foods Market in Whatcom County, bringing the retailer’s high-quality offerings closer to residents in this area. Currently, Whole Foods Market operates seven stores in Washington, with additional locations under development in University Place, Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, and West Seattle.
The opening of Whole Foods Market in Bellingham is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the local community. Beyond the temporary construction jobs created during the building phase, the store is projected to generate approximately 150 permanent jobs within Bellingham. These positions will range across various departments, from customer service and store operations to specialized roles in departments like bakery, butchery, seafood, and prepared foods.
Joe Rogoff, President of Whole Foods Market’s Pacific Northwest Region, expressed enthusiasm about the new Bellingham location. “We’ve long believed that Bellingham is a wonderful fit for Whole Foods Market because the community’s values are so in line with our own,” Rogoff stated. He emphasized the company’s commitment to building healthy communities, supporting local producers, and partnering with local schools and non-profit organizations. This approach reflects Whole Foods Market’s core values and its dedication to becoming an integral part of the neighborhoods it serves. The new store will offer Bellingham residents access to a wide array of natural and organic foods, including an extensive selection of products verified as non-GMO.
Shoppers at the Bellingham Whole Foods Market can anticipate a comprehensive grocery experience. The store will feature a community butcher, providing high-quality meats and poultry, and a fishmonger offering sustainable seafood options. A scratch bakery will prepare fresh breads and pastries daily, while a team of chefs will create a variety of prepared meals for convenient takeout. Customers can also look forward to a wide selection of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, specialty grocery items, and everyday pantry staples. This diverse offering ensures that Whole Foods Market Bellingham will cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
Whole Foods Market is widely recognized not only for its product quality but also as a desirable employer. The company has consistently been recognized as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine since the list’s inception in 1998. This recognition underscores Whole Foods Market’s commitment to its employees and its creation of a positive and supportive work environment. Further information about the company’s quality standards can be found on the Whole Foods Market website.
The arrival of Whole Foods Market in Bellingham promises to be a welcome addition to the city’s retail landscape, providing residents with greater access to high-quality natural and organic foods and creating new job opportunities within the community.
