New Seasons Market Opens First NorCal Store in San Jose

New Leaf Community Market in Evergreen, wholly owned by New Seasons Market, will become New Seasons Market Evergreen on March 14. New Seasons is an independently owned grocer operating 15 stores in the Portland-Vancouver area and one of the Portland area’s largest private employers. Customers of the store, located at 5667 Silver Creek Valley Rd., San Jose, will now enjoy all of the natural and organic products New Leaf offered, plus an additional 2,500 popular, competitively priced products. Following their mission to be the ultimate neighborhood grocery store, New Seasons Evergreen will offer everything from air-chilled chicken to JIF Peanut Butter in one convenient stop. While the product mix will expand, the same friendly faces will continue to provide extraordinary customer service.

Since New Leaf Community Markets joined New Seasons as a wholly owned subsidiary in 2013, the mission-aligned grocers have explored opportunities to tailor offerings in each neighborhood to meet customer needs. “We are thrilled to bring the neighborhood grocery experience to the Evergreen community,” said Wendy Collie, President and CEO of New Seasons Market. “By that we mean offering our customers a wider variety of product choices, expanding the number of local food producers we work with, providing the friendliest service, and collaborating with community partners to increase their positive impact.“

Continuing New Season’s and New Leaf’s dedication to supporting education and hunger relief organizations, the Evergreen store will partner with, and provide financial support to, the Evergreen School District and Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. 10 percent of profits of the companies each year will be donated to local non-profits.

New Seasons Market has been a pioneer in supporting regional food economies since opening its doors in 2000 by building strong and long lasting relationships with local growers, farmers, ranchers and producers and helping bring unique artisan products to market. New Seasons was the first grocer in the world, and New Leaf the second, to become certified B Corporations, which recognize businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.

In addition to a great shopping experience, customers can attend weekly wellness lectures and cooking classes in the new community classroom. Every day, the Solutions Center offers meal ideas and free samples of treats and “Local Finds”—products made by small local food artisans, crafters and growers. When customers see something they would like to try, all they have to do is ask. Wine or craft beer tastings and food pairings are offered every Friday 5 pm – 7 pm. And veterans and seniors will receive 10 percent off on most items on Veterans Tuesdays and Senior Wednesdays. Store hours are 8 am - 9 pm daily.

Grand Opening Celebration Week Starts Saturday, March 14

The public is invited to a week of fun events, give-aways and sampling starting with a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, March 14. One percent of sales from March 14 – 20 will be donated to the Evergreen School District.

• Saturday, March 14: Grand Opening Celebration. Store opens at 8 am. The Joseph George Middle School drum line will perform before and after a Bread Breaking Ceremony at 10 am. A Tasting Fair featuring many New Seasons vendors will take place from 10:30 am – 5 pm. Kids and families are invited to paint a tile for the store during the Community Mural Project from 10:30 am – 5 pm. There will be a drawing for a one free year of groceries and goodie bags for the first 100 customers following the ceremony.

• Sunday, March 15: Tasting Fair will take place from 10:30 am – 5 pm with many New Seasons vendors, free

• Monday, March 16: Gluten Free Store Tour highlighting customer favorites from 2 pm – 3 pm (RSVP to Lana.Sumati@newseasonsmarket.com), free

• Tuesday, March 17: For St. Patrick’s Day, a pop-up green smoothie bar will be blending healthy green drink samples from 11 am – 3 pm, free. Traditional Irish fare such as corned beef and cabbage will be served at the Hot Bar.

• Wednesday, March 18: New Seasons Market Store Tour: who we are and what we’re about. Free samples and goodie bags included, 11 am – 12 pm, free (RSVP to Lana.Sumati@newseasonsmarket.com), free

• Thursday, March 19: “Kid’s Craft Corner” in the Community Classroom: drop your kids off for a fun activity while you shop from 2:30 pm 4:30 pm, free

• Friday, March 20: Wine Tasting and Food Pairing from 5 pm – 7 pm, complementary

• Saturday and Sunday, March 21 & 22: Wellness sale features free samples, Q&A with nutrition experts and 20 percent off all vitamins, supplements and body care products.

About New Seasons Market

Founded in 2000, New Seasons Market is a leader in the grocery industry. New Seasons Market offers a product mix that gives customers choice and convenience with an extensive selection of local, natural and organic products as well as everyday name-brand items. It is the first grocer in the world to become a Certified B Corporation, which recognizes businesses that place as much value on taking care of their staff, the community and the environment as they do on growing and operating their business. Giving back to the community is a core value and part of New Seasons Market’s culture, demonstrated by the company’s commitment to giving 10 percent of its after-tax profits to hundreds of nonprofit organizations that work to end hunger, educate youth and protect the environment. In 2013 alone, the company donated to more than 1,000 nonprofits and community organizations in the neighborhoods it serves. With 2,900 employees, the independently owned grocer operates 15 stores in the Portland-Vancouver area and is one of the Portland area’s largest private employers. Three additional stores are scheduled to open between 2015 and 2016. In 2013, New Leaf Community Markets, a like-minded natural grocer, joined New Seasons Market as a wholly owned subsidiary. Currently, five New Leaf stores operate in California’s Central Coast and East Bay region under this partnership. Learn more at www.newseasonsmarket.com.