Whole Foods Market has announced that it is still on schedule to open its flagship UK store - a whopping 80,000 square feet of organic goodness - in London's Kensington High Street this June.
We're used to supermarket chains opening massive outlets, but will this one really be any greener, and how will it benefit the area?
Whole Foods Market claims that despite the vast space they have
to fill (the lovely art-deco building formerly occupied by Barkers department store), there will be a 'focus on procuring foods from local growers, food artisans and manufacturers'. But with talk of air-freighted goods potentially losing their organic certification, I'll be interested to see how they'll work this out. 80,000 square feet of local produce would be no small feat.
The American organic and natural foods chain, which already operates the Fresh and Wild stores in the UK, says that this will be the largest supermarket (of any sort) in London. Just imagine a visit there...no more
looking for the organic 'section' or making do with only one type of organic bread...
And as a local resident, I'll be keeping a close eye on the company's aim to be an 'active member of the local community', checking out the events and activities they've promise to put on. I can't wait!
From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes