Whole Foods--> North Raleigh Store Grand Opening & Giveaway

*Giveaway has ended*

I had the privilege of attending my first Media Day today for the upcoming Grand Opening of Whole Foods in North Raleigh.  We were treated to a tour of the new store and lunch afterwards.

With over 300 stores nationwide, you should check if a Whole Foods is close to you & go visit!   Don't forget about Whole Foods coupons.   Whole Foods is a new store for me simply because there is not one close enough for me to visit but that will change once this store opens on Wednesday 3/16! 

  

  

 

Awesome artwork! Just wait till you see the other paintings & pictures around the store.

  

  

Huge Meat Counter



I was very interested to learn about all the green steps the store has taken including an above ground cistern that will provide water for the floral departments and toilets, reclaimed barn wood throughout the store (it's gorgeous!), reclaimed wood pallets and more.  There are many other earth saving steps inside the store such as package free items, bulk offerings, biodegradable food packaging and more. Bring in your reusable grocery bags when you shop for a 10 cent per bag discount.



Bulk Spices



 The North Raleigh store is over 40,000 sf and offers an expanded section over the Downtown Raleigh store. If you need any help you could of course go to the customer service desk but you have another option here- stop by the help kiosk.  It will be staffed with a knowledgeable store associate to help you with anything you need.

Large Beer Coolers

There's something around every corner and for everyone in the family.  For example, there are frozen baby food and pet food options in each of their departments, talk about easy shopping!  Like salsa? How about fresh from the salsa and guacamole bar?  Would 16 flavors of gelato get you drooling?  Can you choose a favorite from over 400 different cheeses or 600 wines? And yes, they offer a list of suggested parings if you need help!  Do you know someone who likes craft beers?  A home brew kit would be the perfect gift.  There's a large hot food bar, salad bar, olive bar and soup bar (with 8 soups!), rotisserie chicken, sushi, pizza and more if you need a quick bite.  The bakery is already busy making desserts including vegan cakes and with two big windows in the bakery, you can sit in the café and watch the bakers do their magic.  



Another thing I liked about Whole Foods?  Their community involvement both in and out of the store.  Inside they offer classes such as Cooking Raleigh (get to know your kitchen, different ingredients, recipes and more) and Value Tours (Learn all about the store and how to get the best deals) more info about these classes and others will be on their website soon.  Outside the store they offer community partnerships and other programs to give back.

They are also kid friendly! They have kid size shopping carts for your little helpers, high chairs for the cafe and  check with the store for Earth Day events for the little ones!

  

Large Health & Beauty area



The new store will open at 8710 Six Forks Road in North Raleigh on Wednesday March 16th at 9 am.  Opening festivities begin at 7:30 am with FREE breakfast followed by a bread breaking ceremony at 8:30 am.  Store hours will be 7 am - 10 pm 7 days a week.

You can visit the North Raleigh store on Facebook for updates as well.

Check out the sweet bag full of goodies they gave me today at the Media Tour!

No, I'm not rubbing it in your face- I'm showing you what you could win because I have a goody bag giveaway for one lucky reader!  :-)

Sorry but this giveaway is only open to local readers.  I can meet you around town or at the store to give you your prize.


How to enter:

1) Follow the Momma Thrift Blog or subscribe in a reader - 1 entry 

2) Become a fan of Momma Thrift on facebook - 1 entry
3) Become a fan of North Raleigh Whole Foods on facebook - 1 entry

4) Subscribe to Momma Thrift's daily email - 1 entry (Don’t forget to confirm your email after you sign up)

Daily entry:

5) Click here to vote TODAY for my blog at picket fence blogs- 1 entry each day (Just click the link- no registration needed) 

If you already subscribe/ follow, that counts so make sure you check that entry!

*Giveaway has ended*

I was provided with a store tour and a goody bag to write this review but the opinions in the review are 100% my own.

Contest ends 3/16/2011 at 11:59PM EST.
One winners will be chosen from eligible entries received via random.org.  Winner will receive one reusable shopping bag, coupon and misc. grocery items from the Whole Foods North Raleigh store. 

Winner will be announced on the blog and sent an email confirmation.  Winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner may be chosen.
Contest & prize is the sole responsibility of Momma Thrift and is in no way associated with blogger.com or facebook.