Sprouts confirms South Philly store but isn't coming to South Jersey

Sprouts Farmers Market announced that its first Pennsylvania store, under construction in South Philadelphia, will open before the end of the year. The 32,000 square foot store will be part of Kimco Realty's Lincoln Square development that includes Target, PetSmart and approximately 350 apartments.

It had been reported since last spring that Sprouts was coming to South Philadelphia and the vacant Macy's space at the Moorestown Mall in New Jersey. However, a spokesperson for PREIT, the mall's owner, said the company is moving forward with another grocer for the site.

Sprouts operates 280 stores in 15 states.

Whole Foods celebrates five years at Plymouth Meeting Mall

It's been five years since Whole Foods Market opened its 65,000 square foot store at the Plymouth Meeting Mall. Although Mall stallwarts Macy's and Boscov's are three times the size of the supermarket, the store's popularity make it a safe bet to refer to the mall as "Whole Foods - anchored."

Although I don't have sales numbers, it's well known that this Whole Foods location has been a great success. And since it opened, it has added the Cold Point Pub and Blue Route Taco Truck (on the roof!) to rave reviews.

According to marketing director Ashley Chaney, future enhancements include an expanded kids play area and more cooking classes and tastings.