A new kind of supermarket opens Sept. 4 in Hartsdale.
Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the U.S., blends a farmers market experience with an open layout featuring fresh produce at the center and a variety of innovative and seasonal products, many of them organic, plant-based, gluten-free, keto and dairy-free.
Its Westchester property, in the Dalewood Shopping Center, is their first in the county (they operate more than 490 stores in 25 states nationwide) and only the second in New York State. According to Public Relations Manager Mychael Ramirez, the Arizona-based retailer, named Progressive Grocer’s Retailer of the Year, chose Westchester, as part of their continued
growth in the Northeast, where they've seen "strong demand for fresh, healthy products and unique specialty offerings."
"New York represents an exciting opportunity for Sprouts, and we’re pleased to bring residents of Hartsdale and surrounding communities greater access to fresh, better-for-you foods, seasonal produce and the discovery-driven shopping experience that Sprouts is known for," he said.
This is store #499 (number 500 is next week in Woodlands, Texas).
So what can you expect?
To begin with, proteins are front and center immediately to the left of the store, something Sprouts focuses its shopping experience around. "We know that's customers plan their meals around what's center of plate," said Ramirez. "While other grocers put proteins in the back or off to the side, we put ours up front, everything from grass-fed beef to sustainably sourced seafood to fresh, never frozen chicken with no antibiotics," he said.
The company also prides itself on offering convenience with multiple grab and go options (called "heat and eat"). Choices include Chimichurri Flap Steak, Black Garlic and Mushroom Chicken Sauté and Hot Honey Chipotle Chicken. Another hallmark are the store's fast, fresh lunch solutions including $5 Sushi Wednesdays, $8.99 Wellness bowls and $5 sandwiches featuring Sprouts Brand deli meats free from preservatives and nitrates (for an additional 99 cents you get a bottle of water and chips).
Produce is another star of the show. Because the founders' father had a farm stand in the '40s, the Sprouts experience is built around replicating an everyday farmers market with bright lights (so it feels like you're in the sunshine), shorter aisles (so it doesn't feel "big box") as well as fruits and vegetables that are highly curated, heavily organic and seasonal. Centered in the heart of the store, the produce is sourced in partnership with local and regional farmers (i.e. Pennsylvania and Maryland) with photos of the farms located in the front of the store.
In another local touch, the store, as it does with its other locations, partners with an area non-profit, in this case, Feeding Westchester, giving them groceries that are no longer fit for sale but remain edible and nutrient rich. (This reporter also spotted gluten-free goodies from By the Way Bakery in Hastings, showcasing more regional love.)
The store vibe also leans heavy on good-for-you products with more than 8,000 vitamins, supplements, beauty and wellness items, all of which are put to specific standards before going on shelf. Homeopathy is a big part of their selection with a growing kid's area. In addition, staff in this section are subject to year-round training so they're always up to date on news and trends.
"Healthy in every aisle" is a big part of the store's signage meaning no Pepsi or Frito-Lay here. You'll still find potato chips (and other snacks) but made with avocado oil or olive oil. Same with candy. There's lots of varieties, including bins with scoopable sweets; they're just free from artificial colors and flavors. (And yes, Sprouts has ice cream, just offers those with organic creams, whole milks and no artificial colors or dyes.)
The goal, said Store Director Linwood Shannon, is to have something for everyone to support a variety of lifestyles, and make it easy for shoppers to find what they're looking for. Case in point: tags are color-coded so it's easy to recognize what's plant-based, gluten-free, or keto.
And, because Sprouts wants its customers to have a sense of discovery, there's a section called Forager Finds devoted to new and emerging brands. If they do well, like the Drizzy peanut butter sauce that's there now, they get permanence on the shelf (brands rotate every 90 days).
Shoppers will also find a bulk area with bins and barrels filled with freshly roasted coffee beans, rice, nuts, dried fruits, granolas, trail mixes, baking essentials, spices and candy as well as various products sporting Sprouts private label.
The bottom line, said Shannon, is to offer an abundance of options that help people live and eat better. "When you walk into Sprouts I think you're going to see not only our different variety of items, but see how much our team wants to be a part of the community," he said.
"We care and we love being different."
If you go
Address: 393 N. Central Ave., Hartsdale, 914-200-0387, sprouts.com/store.
Hours: 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. (Ribbon cutting at 6:45 am. Sept. 4.)
Grand opening discounts: A variety of activities are being held opening weekend (from Sept. 4 to Sept. 6). The first 200 shoppers will receive a free reusable tote with, the first 400 on Sept. 4 getting a free long stem rose courtesy of Falcon Farms Floral. Inside the store, there will be a scavenger hunt and assorted free samples.
Good to know: Shoppers can receive 20% off their purchase once over grand opening weekend when they sign up for a Sprouts Rewards account. Go to Sprouts.com/rewardsusing promo code HARTGO20.
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Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: National grocer gears up for first Westchester store
