It's Thyme to get fresh!
Nielsen was joined on the stage by another retail exec promising to make healthy food more attainable to the masses: Chris Sherrell, former CEO of Sunflower Farmers Market, which merged with Sprouts in May 2012.
Sherrell's aim is to create a completely new retail brand, Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets, that will initially be focused on the Midwest, promising "fresh and healthy food at amazing values in a vibrant and fun shopping environment".
The plan is to open up to 60 stores of around 24,000-28,000 sq ft by 2019 - with 40-50% of sales from perishable products.
Each store will feature a large produce department, including locally sourced organic products; bins of natural and organic bulk goods; locally-sourced dairy; a butcher's shop; specialty gluten-free and dairy-free products; supplements; a salad bar, made-to-order sandwiches and other products; and a bakery featuring artisan breads.
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