Sprouts Farmers Market logo and grand-opening sign are visible on the side of the healthy foods grocery store at 615 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE — Sprouts Farmers Market on Friday formally opened a new San Jose store on the edges of the footprint of a future neighborhood that Google has proposed in the city’s downtown district.
Music, balloons, face-painting, prizes and samples greeted visitors to the healthy foods and products store on the first of two grand opening days this weekend in the new San Jose supermarket.
“Sprouts Farmers Market’s investment in the heart of our city will increase our access to fresh and affordable high-quality food,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said Friday.
The store totals about 20,700 square feet, information posted on the PropertyShark real estate services website shows.
Arizona-based Sprouts leased the building within San Jose Market Center. Besides Sprouts, the other anchors in San Jose Market Center are Target, Trader Joe’s, Marshall’s, PetSmart and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse.
What Sprouts calls a pop-up party outside the front of the store is giving guests the chance to taste seasonal produce, play games, have their face painted and see artists carve large produce, according to the supermarket chain.
People walk next to a Sprouts Farmers Market store at 615 Coleman Avenue in San Jose. (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)
Adjacent to the San Jose Market Center shopping and restaurant hub, Google is planning to develop a mixed-use neighborhood of office buildings, homes, shops and restaurants near the SAP Center and Diridon train station. However, a precise timeline for the launch of this transit village isn’t clear yet.
The first 200 customers on Friday and Saturday are being given the opportunity to receive a reusable goodie bag filled with special products and samples.
Sprouts also intends to extend the opportunity for customers to receive special items in the coming weeks.
“A customer appreciation event will be held on July 22 where guests will be treated to vendor samples and have the chance to win a $500 gift card,” Sprouts stated.
The new store is slated to have hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“Sprouts Farmers Market is invested in serving the communities where it operates,” Sprouts stated in a prepared release. “It works with local California farmers like A&A Organic Farms, Capay Organic Farm and others to source produce.”
The supermarket company also intends to launch a regular food donation effort.
“Through Sprouts’ Food Rescue program, this store will donate groceries that are no longer fit for sale but remain perfectly edible and nutrient-rich to the Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, a local nonprofit that provides wholesome food to families and individuals at risk of hunger,” Sprouts stated.
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
