Jackson, Market of Choice Team Up for Hybrid Store

Jackson Whole Grocer is teaming up with Market of Choice to open a hybrid store in Jackson Hole, Wyo. including both natural and conventional choices, and a unique and unsurpassed shopping experience.

"Market of Choice, like us, is a local, independent family-owned grocer," said Jeff Rice, owner of Jackson Whole. "It's a great fit." According to Rice, both Jackson Whole and Market of Choice share a passion to offer customers extraordinary service and choices in high quality, locally sourced, gourmet and health foods, while operating sustainably and supporting their communities.

"This is the first time we've ventured outside the state of Oregon," said Market of Choice owner Rick Wright,. "Jackson Whole Grocer is well-run, has loyal customers, and wants to give them more choices. That's a great foundation for success. Market of Choice has proven that we know what it takes to greatly increase customer choice, and we're excited about partnering with a grocer that has established itself as the go-to local market."

The new Jackson Whole Grocer will open in fall 2013 in a remodeled and expanded 32,000-square-foot building in a highly visible location on US Highway 89, which currently houses the Sunrise True Value Home Center. Wright will lead the construction project, working with Jackson, Wyo.-based Berlin Architects and Corvallis, Ore.-based Dickerhoff Construction. Wright has designed, remodeled or constructed all eight of Market of Choice's stores.

Jackson Whole Grocer will retain 80 percent of the Sunrise facility's authentic post and beam construction, while remodeling the building's interior and exterior. The architecture will create a progressive yet natural look, combining the character of its original architecture with the fresh feel of a farmer's market and the allure of an upscale grocer. Stone, steel, glass and wood will be used for the building's exterior. The remodel, expansion and equipment will include sustainable building elements.

Rice said the store would significantly expand its current selection by including a full-service bakery, more prepared foods, fresh sushi, full-service gourmet cheeses and cured meats, full-service floral, expanded bulk foods, an enhanced coffee and juice bar and a greater selection of everything Jackson Whole Grocer carries today. The new store will also have wider aisles with improved flow, more efficient checkouts, a community room, indoor and outdoor café seating, covered bicycle parking, and employee housing, which is required in Jackson Hole.

"This partnership brings together two companies with similar approaches to supporting local farms and vendors," Wright said. "Over many years, we've listened to our customers who say they want both conventional and natural products. Our customers appreciate having choice, and we add more every day."

The Jackson Whole Grocer, a community- and service-oriented market, offers delicious, interesting and high-quality items crossing all categories of conventional, natural, organic, specialty gourmet and health and wellness products. Whole Grocer is Jackson's local market and is dedicated to supporting the community, wellness and sustainability.

Eugene, Ore.-based Market of Choice offers a relaxing, enjoyable shopping experience and an extensive selection of conventional, natural, organic, local and whole health products at affordable prices. Employed by friendly people who care about the communities where they live and work, Market of Choice is based in Eugene, OR and has stores throughout Oregon, located in Corvallis, Eugene, Portland, West Linn and Ashland.