Walking through Sprouts' newest grocery store in Huntsville-annexed Madison County, it's difficult to get lost while shopping.
Ryann Haenel, marketing manager for the Arizona retailer, said the supermarket is designed for customers to be able to see everything from side to side using an open-concept floorplan, solar-powered natural lighting and skylights in the ceiling.
"I always joke with my husband," she said. "If we go shopping, I can never lose him. He's 6'2", but if we go to a conventional grocery store, you can easily get lost in the middle of the aisles."
Sprouts Farmers Market, which recently opened its first Alabama store in Birmingham and has locations under development in Hoover and Vestavia Hills, will make its Huntsville debut Wednesday on 7504 U.S. 72 West next to Hobby Lobby.
Hundreds of customers are expected to start lining up early for the grand opening events, which begin at 7 a.m. Here are five things to know about the new-to-Huntsville retailer before it opens:
- The selection
- Known for its fresh fruits and vegetables, Sprouts also sells grains, sweets, beer and wine, and thousands of natural, organic and gluten-free groceries. Sprouts Regional Marketing Coordinator Caitlin Watts said the store's vitamin department has more than 65,000 products and is staffed with specially-trained employees to help customers find what they need.
- Buy in bulk
- "I know I should promote healthy things, but the gummy bears are phenomenal," Watts said.
- Catering to all diets
- Sprouts, which offers a private-label brand of products, dedicates a special section to gluten-free groceries labeled with yellow shelf tags to make it easier for customers to shop. Gluten-free items are also integrated throughout the store.
- "We also carry a lot of local products whenever possible," Watts said. "For the Southeast right now, local is mostly the Southeast region, but when we get to know more vendors in the Alabama area, we're hoping to bring more of their products in."
- Still hiring
- Free stuff and discounts
- On March 21, the first 200 shoppers will receive a coupon book for five free deli sandwiches, while every 15th customer March 22 will receive a $5 coupon for a purchase of more than $15 the following week.