Thursday, August 16, 2012

Want a peek inside new Whole Foods?

Whole Foods is getting ready to open its first Charlotte store, and the company is offering sneak preview tours to drum up interest.

The tours are scheduled for Sunday, August 26 and Monday, August 27. You can register here for a time slot on the 45-minute tour, but be aware that there is a cost. A $5 donation will be collected at the door, which Whole Foods says will go to benefit the community garden organization Friendship Gardens.

"Tour participants will be the first to get a glimpse of the new store, learn about some of its highlights and features, taste samples in each department, and receive a goodie bag," said spokeswoman Darrah Horgan, in an email.

The 42,000-square-foot store at Sharon and Fairview roads opens Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 9 a.m. Whole Foods is bringing an array of high-end touches to the new store, such as an in-house smoker making North Carolina-style pork, a gelato and smoothie bar, cooking classes and demonstrations, children's play areas and a bar serving wine and beer.

Whole Foods will use those features to compete in the especially-crowded Charlotte grocery market. Its nearest competitors are EarthFare and the newly-renovated and expanded Morrocroft Harris Teeter.



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16 comments:

  1. A tour of a grocery store? And a $5 donation. WOW. This is a new scam.

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  2. Can't wait... It will be the best grocery store in Charlotte

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  3. Yawn. It took WH how long to come to the 2nd biggest city in the SE? Support local markets like Earth Fare and Home Economist that have faith our city.

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  4. it's getting real in the whole foods parking lot

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UFc1pr2yUU

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  5. Why would I pay to go tour a store where I can go for free just a few days later? DUMB

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  6. Great. Another place for rich soccer moms and elitists to go get pampered instead of grocery shopping. Give us Food Lion and WalMart anyday.

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  7. I want Ely's job.

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  8. Finally, A decent grocery store in CharlotteD!

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  9. How long till the rednecks come along to tell us how overpriced Whole Foods is?

    Here's some advice: If you don't like it or can't afford it, don't shop there. We're aware of your opinion.

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  10. They dont call it WHOLE PAY CHECK FOODS for nothing--

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  11. Well, they don't call it Whole Paycheck Market for nothin'.

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  12. It's a $5 dollar donation to a charity.

    Does hiding behind a computer and posting rude comments make me you all sleep better at night?

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  13. I'm glad Whole Foods is here in Charlotte now but good lord I am dreading the soon to come traffic that's going to be at that intersection. Every time I drive by I keep imagining what it will be like in months and wondering why they chose that inconvenient spot with a Burger King next door.

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  14. Those posting rude comments obviously have never been to Whole Foods. They are suggesting a donation to charity, and because they're new to the area, they're offering to show the community what is different. Their products are the freshest around, and they have a greater variety than EarthFare (which is also a wonderful resource). It's been a long time coming; welcome, Whole Foods!

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  15. So glad I don't live in that area. I shop at Trader Joe anyway.

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  16. Just because the money is going to charity doesn't make it a good thing. I'd rather the money went to a hard working American that earned it fair and square.

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