Whole Foods slimming down to open new retail space

Bel Aire market to reduce footprint

By MIKE TRELEVEN
Register Staff Writer

Whole Foods Market in Bel Aire Plaza is slimming down.

The 50,000-square-foot store in Bel Aire Plaza is trimming off 6,000 to 8,000 square feet from its operation, hoping to lease the space to another business.

What will go in the space that has hosted skin care and bath products has not been determined, said David Cosper, store team leader in Napa. “We are going to open the area up to a new venture. There are many options out there.”

He would not be more specific, but did say whatever takes over the space will have to be compatible with Whole Foods Market philosophy of promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Whole Foods will clear out of the space Sunday, but there is no timeline for seeing the space filled.

“This is not being done because business is down. In fact we are doing very well, even in this economy,” Cosper said. “People are eating healthier and that is a good thing. No one will lose their job. In fact, we currently have six or seven positions we are trying to fill.”

The store has about 150 employees.

“Our customers felt the original store was to big and spread out,” Cosper said. “The new footprint will be more customer- friendly.”

Whole Foods Market will keep the cooking school that operates on site, he added. No products are being dropped, he said.

“Customers won’t see a physical change in the store other than grocery shelving being rearranged,” Cosper said.

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