The Whole Foods store in Bellingham at the Lakeway Center is currently undergoing remodelling, and progress is being made such that it might open a month earlier than planned.
According to spokeswoman Susan Livingston, the grocery store, which is just over 51,000 square feet in area, will offer a coffee and juice bar, a pizza restaurant, and many other features. There will be seafood, meat, bakery, and wine departments.
Livingston said the remodel has been going very smoothly. Fixtures are now being installed and stocking of the store will soon be taking place.
In the coming weeks, the store plans to hire about 150 people. This will be a good opportunity for business card printing, as these new employees can use these cards to promote the store and its new features.
Grants have also been awarded to local schools for healthier meal programs by the company. The Bellingham school district was recently given $120,000 to help it improve its lunch programs. Funds from the grant will enable the school district to assess its current program, create workshops, and be used for technical assistance.
Several Bellingham middle and elementary schools will also receive school garden grants from the Whole Kids Foundation.
The reopening of the store was originally scheduled for June, but is now likely to happen on Wednesday, May 11.
