NEW YORK (March 16, 2005) – Get ready, New York! Whole Foods Market, the nation’s leading retailer of natural and organic foods, officially opened its doors at 4 Union Square South on Wednesday, March 16th, 2005. This marked the third Whole Foods Market in Manhattan and the 169th store nationwide, bringing its commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and exceptional customer service to the heart of Union Square.
This impressive three-story store, overlooking the iconic Union Square Park, blends cutting-edge urban design with an unparalleled selection of fresh, natural, and organic products. It’s designed to transform grocery shopping from a mundane task into an exciting and contemporary experience.
“This Union Square store, along with our other Manhattan locations, is redefining grocery shopping for New Yorkers,” stated David Lannon, President of Whole Foods Market’s North Atlantic region. “With its spacious layout, unique features like the grilling station and extensive international selections, and the park-view café, it’s more than just a supermarket – it’s becoming a favorite destination.” He further added, “We are delighted to be a part of this dynamic community, serving students, professionals, trendsetters, and families, and partnering with the incredible local growers and producers who offer some of New York’s finest foods.”
Spanning over 50,000 square feet, the Whole Foods Market Union Square boasts a modern and stylish design. Flat-screen paneled menus and a custom abstract chandelier add to the store’s edgy ambiance. The shopping adventure begins on the “Market Level” downstairs, where customers can explore aisles brimming with the freshest fruits and vegetables, a vast grocery selection, natural health and beauty products, sustainable seafood, and premium all-natural meats.
Meat lovers will appreciate the butcher shop’s extensive array of prime meats and poultry. True to Whole Foods Market’s standards, all meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones, never fed animal by-products, and minimally processed. The seafood department showcases a stunning 38-foot case filled with fresh catches from ecologically responsible sources.
Navigating between levels is effortless thanks to a unique shopping cart escalator that leads shoppers to the “Street Level.” Here, a world of ready-to-eat delights awaits, including restaurant-quality prepared foods, a full-service bakery, and an enticing grilling station. With 38 checkout registers, the store ensures a swift and convenient shopping experience.
A standout feature is the “Picnic Area,” a spacious 116-seat café offering a fresh juice bar and breathtaking views of Union Square Park. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal or snack after shopping.
The excitement for the new store was palpable at the ‘Almost-Open Party’ held the Monday evening prior to opening. The event, benefiting the Union Square Partnership, drew over a thousand attendees who sampled the diverse and high-quality products available at Whole Foods Market. Celebrity chef Mario Batali also made an appearance, launching his exclusive line of natural and authentic Italian take-out products, including Pizza Kits and fresh Salsa Cruda, available only at Whole Foods Market. The event successfully raised over $110,000 for the revitalization of Union Square Park, including a generous $50,000 matching donation from Whole Foods Market, underscoring the company’s commitment to the local community.
Karen H. Shaw, Executive Director of Union Square Partnership, expressed her enthusiasm: “We have been eagerly awaiting the opening of this Whole Foods Market, and we are confident it will be a significant asset to the community. It will draw more people to the area, further establish Union Square as a premier destination, and provide the neighborhood with a fantastic community hub.”
For those seeking natural body care, Whole Body™ at Whole Foods Market presents the city’s largest selection of luxurious natural and organic items, cosmetics, and pure nutritional supplements and vitamins. A dedicated make-up station allows customers to sample products and take home samples, ensuring they find the perfect natural beauty solutions. All Whole Body products are crafted with premium natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals and unnecessary additives.
Beyond the signature organic produce, all-natural meats, and artisanal cheeses, the Whole Foods Market Union Square emphasizes local New York products and a greatly expanded international selection. The “Made in New York” program highlights seasonal and local goods, including items from the Greenmarket farmer’s market and renowned New York producers like Ronnybrook and Peanut Butter & Co. The extensive 28-foot International Section offers a global culinary journey with items ranging from Lebanese fig jam to Hungarian goulash.
The prepared foods section’s Grilling Station is a highlight, offering grilled-to-order dishes like Swordfish in Red Pepper Romesco Sauce and Steak with Rich Mushroom Demi Glace. Whole Foods Market Gluten-Free Bakehouse caters to special dietary needs with over 27 gluten-free baked goods. The store also provides freshly made “Whole Meals,” offering healthy and convenient options for busy New Yorkers and college students in the area. Importantly, all products at Whole Foods Market are free from artificial additives, preservatives, sweeteners, colors, flavors, and hydrogenated oils, reinforcing their dedication to natural and wholesome foods.
Otto Leuschel, the Whole Foods Market Union Square store team leader, shared his excitement: “We are thrilled to become part of this vibrant downtown community. We look forward to welcoming everyone, from serious food enthusiasts seeking gourmet ingredients to college students looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal in a welcoming and enjoyable environment.” Visit Whole Foods Market Union Square and discover a new standard in grocery shopping.
