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IT’S OFFICIAL SPROUTS NOW OPEN IN LA VERNE

MARCH 22, 2017, LA VERNE — The opening of Sprouts on Wednesday, March 22, was La Verne’s version of a rock concert, a mini Coachella, people of all ages streaming out of their cars and on foot toward the market for the 7 a.m. inaugural, only to be greeted by their fellow neighbors, some of whom had been camped out in front of the store since 4 a.m.

At 11:30 a.m., La Verne chamber of commerce and city dignitaries performed the official christening, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is huge, we have had so much interest in this store,” said City councilman Charlie Rosales. “This is such an important addition to what we have here on Foothill Boulevard. They’ve done such a marvelous job on the inside. We are glad they are.”

A La Verne shopper, who was already pushing her cart filled with produce and other grocery items out the door, echoed the councilman’s positive sentiments.

“The opening means I know long have to drive down Foothill to their store near Towne in Claremont,” said Ariana, who lives in La Verne. “Now, I’ll be really close to home, which is wonderful. It’ll be easier to get healthier food.”

EARLIER STORY 

Sprouts Farmers Market, a retailer of natural and organic foods, is set to open its doors at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22 at the Gateway Pointe center at 1375 Foothill Blvd. in La Verne.

The first 200 shoppers in line will receive 20 percent off their initial total purchase. Additionally, upon checkout, every 15th shopper will receive a coupon book featuring Sprouts savings. Every customer also will receive one free reusable bag with purchase.

Before the doors open, the expected crowd gathered outside the 30,000-square-foot store will be treated to muffin and coffee samples.

Doing the serving will be some of the 130 team members that Sprouts has hired to work in the new store.

“We’ve had a wonderful response from the community and can’t wait to meet even more of our neighbors when we open our doors,” said Store Manager Connie Escamilla. “Our team members are excited to guide shoppers through our complete grocery store, help them find the right products to fit their lifestyle and discover new favorites along the way.”

As part of Sprouts’ commitment to “zero waste,” the new La Verne Sprouts, along with all other stores in the area, will donate unsold and edible groceries to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank through the grocer’s Food Rescue Program. In 2016, Sprouts stores and distribution centers donated approximately 18 million pounds of product through the Food Rescue Program, which is equivalent to 15 million meals. Food that is not fit for donation is provided to local cattle farms and composting facilities. Sprouts’ evolving “zero waste” initiatives help close the loop on food waste while reducing the impact of hunger and the company’s environmental footprint.

Sprouts offers a complete shopping experience that includes fresh produce, meat and seafood, bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, packaged groceries, deli, baked goods, dairy products, frozen foods, natural body care and household items catering to consumers’ growing interest in health and wellness. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Sprouts employs more than 24,000 team members and operates more than 250 stores in 14 states from coast to coast.

Per capita fruit and vegetable consumption should be increasing in La Verne in the wake of the Sprouts opening on March 22, 2017.