Natural Grocers Expands into Arizona with Opening of Flagstaff Store
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage is opening its first of three stores in Arizona today in Flagstaff, Ariz. The two additional stores are planned for Sedona and Prescott. Natural Grocers is a regional grocery chain with a focus on natural, organic, and affordably priced products. This new Flagstaff location brings an even broader selection of healthful, fresh, organic and natural food and products to local residents, according to a company news release.
As part of its mission, Natural Grocers offers only USDA certified organic produce and all-natural meats from animals naturally raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones. In addition, the grocery chain has an extensive supplement and body care department, a large selection of gluten-free products and other special dietary need products. The store also offers an extensive bulk department—including serve-yourself bulk peanut butter, almond butter and cashew butter as well as a selection of organic and natural groceries free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and hydrogenated oils.
“Flagstaff residents have a strong commitment to healthy lifestyles, both in their enjoyment of the activities in the northern Arizona mountains and their desire to embrace natural foods, like those offered in our store,” said Kemper Isely, Natural Grocers co-president. “We expect summer visitors, skiers, college students and year-round residents to quickly realize that Natural Grocers offers excellent value and selection.”
Nutritional counseling
Natural Grocers also offers free nutritional coaching—from individualized sessions, to meal planning, to general questions about nutrition and health. Every Natural Grocers has a credentialed nutritional health coach in-house and all of the stores’ staff is trained to help shoppers find products and resources to support optimal health. The company also offers free seminars and speakers of interest to the community.
Eco-friendly concept
True to the Natural Grocers philosophy, the new store was retrofitted for use at 503 W. Clay Ave.—the Flagstaff Armory building. It was designed with a variety of energy-efficient features including motion light sensors, 100 percent post-consumer content tiles, polished concrete flooring and commercial-grade LED lights.
In addition, Natural Grocers is 100 percent shopping bag free (no paper, no plastic). In the event a customer forgets to bring their reusable bags, Natural Grocers offers free recycled boxes, but they do sell inexpensive reusable shopping bags as well.
Local sourcing, local community
Natural Grocers is dedicated to its local communities, stocking local products whenever possible. Natural Grocers is always looking for new local products and is willing to consider any new local products, which can be reviewed by completing a product submission application on the website at www.naturalgrocers.com and click on the Natural Products tab.
In addition, the Flagstaff store has a community room where residents can come and get a free cup of coffee, tea and free Wi-Fi access. There also is a demo kitchen for presentations and available meeting space. Contact the store, or visit the Natural Grocers website for details of the upcoming events in the new kitchen and meeting space.
Opening week
Natural Grocers’ week-long opening celebration for Flagstaff will take place through Aug. 5. Shoppers can enjoy tasty treats, free samples and giveaways.
