The Fresh Market and Athleta to Open in Scarsdale

Two new storefronts are set to open on White Plains Road next week. The Fresh Market, a specialty grocer opening in the former Old Navy space at 723 White Plains Road, will hold its grand opening Wednesday, January 18 at 9:00 am. Athleta, women’s high-end athletic-style clothing, will debut with a special shopping evening on Tuesday, January 17 at 5:00 pm and officially open Wednesday, January 18.

The Fresh Market, a specialty retailer focused on providing high-quality food products, will hold its grand opening at 9:00 am on Wednesday, January 18. Must-go-to Grand opening activities will include chef demonstrations, food sampling throughout the store, and drawings for The Fresh Market gift cards. A reusable shopping bag and sample-sized bag of the company’s gourmet coffee will be free to the first 1,000 customers. According to Craig Carlock, the company’s president and CEO, “We look forward to introducing The Fresh Market’s concept of quality perishables, excellent customer service and a unique atmosphere to an expanded customer base, and we look forward to offering neighboring communities a rewarding new food shopping experience.”

This will be their second location in New York State with another The Fresh Market opening soon in Southampton. The 21,000-square-foot facility, located in the former Old Navy space, will offer a bountiful produce department with more than 400 items and a large organic selection; salad, soup and sushi bars; an expansive bakery offering freshly baked breads and 14 different pie varieties daily; prepared meals; an extensive coffee selection; a European delicatessen; and custom-made gift baskets. In the bulk department, shoppers will find granola, nuts, dried fruits and fresh herbs and spices. Gluten-free items will be available throughout the store, which will have dark wood paneling, soft lighting with antique décor, and piped-in classical music. Fresh seafood will be delivered to the store several times per week and there will be a full-service meat counter with a butcher always on duty, as well as more than 200 imported and domestic cheeses. And, as a bonus, the staff will cheerfully carry your groceries to your car or SUV, no tip required.

Historically, each new The Fresh Market generates 90 jobs, most of which are filled locally. In addition, as a good neighbor, The Fresh Markets partner with local food banks and other nonprofit organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry. Its stores donate both perishable and nonperishable products to local food banks on an ongoing basis. The Fresh Market was started in North Carolina in 1982 and currently operates 111 stores in 21 states, located in the Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. With the addition of The Fresh Market, Fig & Olive, Haiku, and Sakura, Scarsdale residents will not lack for food choices. Visit the company’s website at www.thefreshmarket.com and sign up for “Fresh Ideas,” the company’s weekly e-mail newsletter that includes specials, as well as recipes and information about in-store events.

The Fresh Market 725 White Plains Road, Scarsdale www.thefreshmarket.com

Finish up at the gym early on Tuesday, January 17 because Athleta is putting on what promises to be an exciting event to celebrate the new store opening. From 5:00 pm-7:30 pm, shoppers will be able to enjoy cocktails and a private shopping event showcasing the Spring 2012 collection. This marks the ninth store for Athleta and the third one in metro New York. The brand, founded in 1998 and now owned by Gap Inc., provides women athletes (sorry, nothing for men) with apparel for different sports and fitness activities. The next day, Wednesday, January 18, the Athleta chain will open up its 3,700-square-foot store, carving out space from the newly renovated Gap store next door. For those who love GapFit’s athletic-style clothing, it will continue to be carried by Gap, but Athleta will cater to a different customer base by offering the best quality fit, technical detail, stretch, performance and durability at a higher price point. The Gap will continue to offer women’s, men’s and children’s clothing in its ultra-chic renovated storefronts.

Athleta Vernon Hills Shopping Center, 700 White Plains Road, Scarsdale www.athleta.com