Hundreds of organic and locally grown products have come to Oklahoma City, and they're here to stay. Whole Foods is now open, and the employees have seen nothing but busy days in their grocery store.
THE IMPACT
This new grocery store brings with it not only healthy foods, but hopeful changes for the area and the state. Whole Foods brings jobs, health awareness, options, and an economic edge to Oklahoma. "I've seen customers come from hours away just to buy products from Whole Foods," says John Gallaspy, a supervisor at the store in Oklahoma City.
THE CONTEXT
Whole Foods is one of few businesses in this country that is expanding during America's economic crisis. Interestingly, "one of the reasons Whole Foods opened in Oklahoma City is the one in Tulsa was just too busy. We're the largest organic retailer in the United States," says Gallaspy. He says that this one is always busy too. "People are willing to pay for quality food."
THE HUMAN DIMENSION
Before Oct. 12, the only Whole Foods store in Oklahoma was in Tulsa. Suan Grant has been selling her award-winning pepper jelly at the Whole Foods in Tulsa since 2009. Now, she can sell her pepper jelly a little closer to home. "I'm very happy Whole Foods opened in Oklahoma City...now I don't have to drive as far to sell my jelly! I really think this will help my business," says Grant.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oklahoma City's new grocery store is expecting this expanding business to stick around. Gallaspy says, "having Whole Foods in a central location may even help our state's obesity problems." The future is looking bright and healthy for Oklahoma!
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