Whole Foods Market wants to triple its locations in the US

In addition to the recent news of their soon-to-be-launched 365 by Whole Foods Market chain, the healthy food supermarket just announced their long-term goal: 1,200 Whole Foods Market locations in the US.

Whole Foods Market already hit the headlines of the organic food distribution sector earlier this year, in the beginning of June, with the announcement of a new store format, 365 by Whole Foods Market. Offering every day low prices on natural healthy products, in smaller stores, the 365 won't give up on the quality or freshness company's standards. The first locations are due to open in 2016. The exact number isn't known yet but the first one should open in the Silver Lake neighborhood of L.A., followed by Bellevue, Washington, Houston, Portland, Oregon, and Santa Monica, California.

As for the Whole Foods Market chain, the number of 1,200 locations is a long-term goal. With already more than 420 stores, the company wants to triple that number in order to be ready against its fierce competitors: "For the last couple of years, we’ve been the hunted. This turns us back into the hunter" said Walter Robb, co-CEO, adding "In this rapidly changing marketplace, we believe we are taking the necessary steps to position ourselves for the longer term."

*Photo: David Shankbone