Whole Foods coming to Wilmington

For years Wilmington residents have wanted a Whole Foods grocery store. Today it appears the upscale, natural food grocery store is on its way.
 
Whole Foods will enter the Wilmington market in 2012 or 2013, according to two sources with knowledge of the deal. The store will be located in the space currently occupied by Lowe’s Foods on Oleander Drive next to Independence Mall, one of the sources said. Lowe’s is scheduled to close this Saturday.

When contacted, Whole Foods spokesperson Darrah Horgan did not confirm the arrival of the new Whole Foods store.
 
“We have not announced any stores in Wilmington. We announce new stores on our quarterly earnings calls, and the next call is Wednesday, May 4th,” Horgan said in an email.

Whole Foods is considered one of the most desired businesses to locate in a community and often helps spur development around its location when it arrives in a community.

Starting with one store in 1980, Whole Foods has expanded to more than 300 stores in North America and the United Kingdom.