Natural Grocers will open its second Wisconsin store Sept. 30 at 720 N. Casaloma Drive in Appleton, extending the organic and natural grocery retailer’s new-state buildout to the Fox Valley just under four months after its Lake Geneva debut gave the company its first Badger State location. The store will serve residents in Appleton, Fox Crossing, Kaukauna and Neenah and surrounding communities, it added.
The opening is part of the fall pipeline the Lakewood, Colorado-based grocer outlined with its third quarter results, which slated Appleton and McAllen, Texas, for autumn openings.
Festivities begin at 8:15 a.m. with a $2,500 donation presentation to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Fox City Chamber before doors open at 8:27 a.m.
“This location allows us to better serve individuals and families seeking affordable organic groceries, free nutrition education and high-quality products that meet our rigorous standards,” said VP of Marketing Raquel Isely. “Following the opening of our Lake Geneva store earlier this year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue growing in Wisconsin and building meaningful connections in communities that value health, affordability and friendly service.”
Grand opening events
- The first 150 customers Sept. 30 receive mystery gift cards valued from $5 to $500, and the first 500 shoppers receive a hand-crafted Ecuadorian drawstring backpack woven by artisans in Peguche, Ecuador;
- A prize wheel spins from noon-5 p.m. on opening day, and a sweepstakes running Sept. 30-Oct. 14 offers prizes including a $1,400 Aventon e-bike and a $500 gift card;
- Discounts of up to 50 percent run Sept. 30-Oct. 31 on products from every department, with additional exclusive pricing for members of the free {N}power rewards program.
The store features sustainable building elements including non-toxic materials and 100 percent LED lighting, along with the retailer’s signature offerings: 100 percent USDA-certified organic produce, pasture-based dairy and free-range eggs, a supplement department of more than 6,000 products and an onsite nutritional health coach coming soon.
Food bank partnership
Beyond the opening-day donation, the store will support Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin through Natural Grocers’ Bring Your Own Bag Program, donating five cents for every shopping trip in which customers use reusable bags. The organization, the largest hunger relief group in Wisconsin with food banks in Milwaukee and Appleton, works with nearly 600 pantry partners serving 35 counties.
“When businesses and communities come together to support their neighbors, we can reach more people with the food they need and help ensure no one has to face hunger alone,” said Monique Kelley, president and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. operates 174 stores in 22 states, selling natural and organic groceries, body care products and dietary supplements under strict quality standards.
Related: Natural Grocers To Debut First Wisconsin Store In Lake Geneva