Abstract:
Fresh Market, a family-owned business, opened its first store in Greensboro in the early 1980s. The format of the store is based on a European market and has proven appealing to customers. Whole Foods is its nearest competitor. Fresh Market now has 130 stores in 25 states and 10,000 employees. Net sales topped $1.3 billion last year. Although sales have slipped slightly, the company still plans to open 16 to 22 stores this year, with 4 in Houston in its first foray into Texas.