Natural Grocers opens locations in North Las Vegas, Henderson

The first 100 percent U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic grocery store has opened locations in the Las Vegas Valley.

In what were once Fresh & Easy locations, Natural Grocers celebrated its grand opening Aug. 9 in North Las Vegas at 6305 Simmons St. and in Henderson at 1660 W. Sunset Road.

“This store is filling a void that the city had on specialized stores that focus on the organic model,” said Terri Sheridan, economic development specialist for the city of North Las Vegas. “I think this store focuses on the individual that likes to spend time outdoors and those who focus on their health and are looking for an alternative food shopping opportunity. Due to the store’s high level of standards, I think it will thrive in this community.”

The Lakewood, Colo.-based grocer sells local and national brands of all-organic and natural groceries, dietary supplements and body care products. The chain sells meat of animals raised without antibiotics, growth promoters or feed containing animal by-products. Dairy products come exclusively from confinement-free cows, and eggs come from cage-free and free-range chickens.

Store manager Jonathan Edge said the animal products will soon be labeled by rankings ranging from bronze, silver and gold, which refers to the amount of space the animal had inside its cage.

Additionally, Natural Grocers doesn’t sell products with artificial colors or sweeteners, bleached flours, genetically modified seafood, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, parabens or phthalates, according to its website.

Both locations are approximately 14,000 square feet to create a small neighborhood market setting. Each hired roughly 50 people.

A nutritional health coach is set to be present in both locations for free advice and food tours on specific diets. The store also plans free science-based nutrition classes, health coaching and cooking demonstrations.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags as the store has bag-free checkouts to create a more sustainable environment.

Natural Grocers was founded in 1955 by Margaret and Philip Isely upon five core principles — nutrition education, quality, every day low pricing, community and employees.

Its focus on nutrition came from Margaret, who became chronically ill after the birth of their second child. When conventional medicine was unable to help her, she turned to the health mavericks of that time: Adelle Davis and Roger J. Williams. After the remarkable improvement in Margaret’s health brought on by following this nutrition regimen, the Iselys became health crusaders, according to the store’s website.

Since opening, Edge said people have been receptive.

“People have come up to me and thanked me for opening the store,” Edge said. “It wasn’t my decision to open it, but I’m happy to be here. You can tell this store is important to people here.”

North Las Vegas resident Seatyn Steele echos Edge.

“I love this store,” Steele said. “I used to drive to Whole Foods in Summerlin, so it’s nice to have a store with more organic selections nearby.”

Among the more specialized items that the store carries are Miyoko’s Kitchen artisan cultured vegan cheeses, organic dragon fruit and Abe’s Mini-Muffins, Edge said.

The store is also willing to price-match items with other grocery stores. The chain has more than 3,000 employees and operates 120 stores — including one in Reno — in 19 states.

Natural Grocers is open from 8 a.m. to 9:04 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 7:35 p.m. Sunday. Call 702-395-0642 or visit naturalgrocers.com.

To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.