Family-owned and -operated MOM’s Organic Market opened a 16,000-s.f. store on June 1 in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with some unique features.
One of those features is an in-store restaurant called Naked Lunch, an all-organic vegetarian eatery; another is MOM’s Bake Shop, selling organic sandwich breads made from heirloom grains and live starters.
The store’s beekeeping section features all the tools needed to sustain pollinators at home; the recycling center accepts corks, eyeglasses, cellphones, household batteries, shoes and plastic bags.
The store also sells certified organic produce and only sustainable seafood. A liquid bulk section offers oil, vinegar and honey; and an expanded health and wellness section has bulk organic herbs, bulk soap, bath salts and body scrubs on its shelves.
Environmentally conscious store features include rain gardens and pollinator-friendly plants; a green roof to reduce storm water runoff and increase energy efficiency; free car charging stations; and a tire inflation station.
Scott Nash, founder and CEO, said the Gaithersburg location grew out of customer requests.
“Our customers have told us over the years how much they’d love a MOM’s between our Rockville and Frederick locations,” said Nash. “We’re thrilled to provide what they’ve been asking for with the opening of our Gaithersburg store.”
Nash said 5 percent of the store’s grand opening sales will go to Waterkeepers Chesapeake, an environmental group.
Nash founded the company in 1987. Today the company has stores in four states and Washington D.C., and employs more than 1,000 people. The company cites its purpose as “to protect and restore the environment.”
