With Whole Foods Market set to open its doors at Lansdowne on Wednesday morning, here is a primer for those unfamiliar with the organic food juggernaut.
What’s so special about the company?
The grocery chain specializes in organic and natural foods and body care products that, according to the company’s website, are “free of artificial preservatives, colours, flavours, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats.” Whole Foods also has a long list of ingredients it deems unacceptable and a set of quality standards that appeal to a growing demographic of health-conscious consumers. It’s been recognized for its commitment to organic and healthy foods in the United States.
Where does it come from?
Whole Foods Market was founded in Austin, Texas, when four local businesspeople decided the natural foods industry was ready for a supermarket format. The company’s founders were John Mackey and Renee Lawson Hardy, owners of Safer Way Natural Foods, and Craig Weller and Mark Skiles, owners of Clarksville Natural Grocery. The four combined their stores to open the original Whole Foods Market in Austin in 1980 with a staff of 19. In 1984, it expanded to Houston and Dallas then into New Orleans. Today, the company has more than 400 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The company also employs more than 78,000 people.
How big is the Lansdowne location?
The new Ottawa store will encompass a total of 41,000 square feet, with 2,000 square feet dedicated to the first floor and the remaining 39,000 square feet on the store’s second floor. The first floor will include a cafe, so visitors to Landsdowne or the store can grab a coffee while on their way through. The store will employ 165 people. It will also offer a prepared food section, for people who are looking to pickup a quick meal.
