Whole Foods Market confirmed today in a press release that it is planning on opening a new store in Maple Grove.

The 34,000 square-foot store will be located at 12201 Elm Creek Boulevard in Maple Grove, the site former Ultimate Electronics building.

The business anticipating a mid-2013 opening in Maple Grove, according to Whole Foods Public Relations Manager Kate Klotz.

“The Twin Cities continues to be an area of growth for us,” said Michael Bashaw, Midwest regional president in a press release. “We’re extremely excited to expand our offering of natural and organic products to an even greater customer base and to do so in a bustling area such as Maple Grove.”

The lease on the Maple Grove location was finalized last week, according to The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes Marketing Director Jennie Zafft who said Whole Foods will be a "really good fit" for the area. 

Whole Foods Market stated a fifth Minnesota location is also being built in downtown Minneapolis at Hennepin and Washington.

The store will feature natural and organic foods and focus on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, specialty items, high-quality meats and poultry, everyday pantry staples and sustainable seafood, according to the business. The store will also contain a separate liquor store with a variety of wines and specialty beers.

“This new store will not only reflect the qualities and attributes of our existing stores, it will help us continue our commitment to our local communities,” said Bashaw. “From an increased store size, to a varying product mix and our unparalleled community support initiatives, we can’t wait to share the Whole Foods Market experience with even more Minnesotans.”

Whole Foods Market estimates it will add approximately 125 additional jobs in the Twin Cities, according to the press release. The company also discussed a “commitment” to each of the communities it serves – such as quarterly Community Support Days when a percentage of sales for one day are donated to a local nonprofit as well as regular donations to local food banks.

“These stores will allow us to deepen our connections within the community,” Bashaw said. “We look forward to building strong relationships with our neighborhood partners in our new communities.”

Information provided by Whole Foods in a May 2, 2012 press release.

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