Sunflower Farmers Market to Open First Oklahoma Location

Natural and organic foods retailer Sunflower Farmers Market plans to open its first location in the Oklahoma market this coming September with a new store in Oklahoma City. This will be the second new state the grocer has expanded to this year.

“We are extremely excited to be entering two new states in 2011, California and Oklahoma,” said Sunflower CEO, Chris Sherrell. “We look forward to introducing these two markets to value-priced natural and organic groceries… we call it ‘serious food at silly prices.’”

Sunflower has 33 stores throughout six Southwestern states. It’s first California store, in Roseville, will open its doors in four weeks on May 11. Like the Roseville store, the Oklahoma City location is expected to boost the local economy by bringing at least 100 jobs to the area.

The new Oklahoma City store will offer customers all-natural and organic groceries, will feature fresh local produce, all-natural meats and seafood, a large bulk selection and deli, plus natural living health and wellness products.

“Having spent over 30 years in the Oklahoma retail grocery market, I think my fellow Oklahomans are going to love the Sunflower Farmers Market concept,” said Sunflower VP of marketing and IT Steve Black. “It feels good and we are very proud to bring a great grocery concept to my home state. We are in the middle of a complete redesign of our private label products using our new logo, as well as being on the verge of launching a new website, iPhone app, and Droid app. Sunflower is a fun experience for consumers and will really connect with the good hometown feeling of the Oklahoma shopper.”

In addition, the 28,000 sq. ft. store will continue Sunflower’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and initiatives. The store plans to use energy efficient light fixtures and occupancy sensors, recycled and refurbished equipment, cases and fixtures, and water-saving devices like sensor operated sinks and a hot water reclaim tank.

The Sunflower Farmers Market Oklahoma City store transaction was facilitated by CB Richard Ellis of Oklahoma.

Boulder, Colo.-based Sunflower operates 33 retail stores located throughout Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Texas.