Whole Foods To Open At Former Stamford Lord & Taylor Location

STAMFORD, CT — Earlier this year, Whole Foods said that a new store was "in development" for Stamford, but offered no details on a location.

According to the Stamford Advocate, that location will be 110 High Ridge Road, the former site of Lord & Taylor.

The Advocate said Whole Foods is listed on a building permit that was filed in May by LT Stamford LLC.

The news comes a couple days after Saks Off 5th announced that it, too, will open a new location at 110 High Ridge Road this fall. The Advocate said Saks will occupy the second floor, which is 30,000 square feet.

"We are thrilled that Saks Off 5th and Whole Foods are coming to Stamford," said Loren Nadres, director of economic development for the city of Stamford, in a statement to Patch. "These two businesses will be a great addition to Stamford’s vibrant economic ecosystem and will expand retail and grocery options for residents across Stamford."

According to Whole Foods' website, the company has certain preferences for retail locations, such as:

• 200,000 people or more in a 20-minute drive time
• 25,000-50,000 square feet
• Large number of college-educated residents
• Abundant parking available for exclusive use
• Stand alone preferred, would consider complementary
• Easy access from roadways, lighted intersection
• Excellent visibility, directly off of the street
• Must be located in a high traffic area (foot and/or vehicle)

Whole Foods Market was founded in Austin, Texas in 1980, and eventually became the first certified organic national grocer.

Over the years, the company has grown in popularity as a destination for organic, natural foods with expansive seafood, meat, bakery and prepared food departments. There are now more than 500 retail and non-retail locations in the U.S., Canada and UK, the company says on its website.

This would be the 11th Whole Foods Market in Connecticut. There are locations in Avon, Danbury, Darien, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Greenwich, Milford, Westport and West Hartford (two stores).

Officials from Whole Foods could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday.

Read more from Stamford Advocate