New supermarket retailer will have a busy Oct. 14

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is upping its store count in the greater Chicago market.



The new specialty grocer will open three Chicagoland stores on Oct. 14, with one in the city, one in Crystal Lake and one in Naperville. The openings will give Fresh Thyme seven Chicagoland locations.



The chain, which offers organic products at value prices, recently opened a central support hub in Downers Grove, Illinois.



Each of the three store grand openings will have a grocery giveaway to the first 250 shoppers in line. Lines typically form several hours in advance, so Fresh Thyme advises interested shoppers to arrive early. Festivities will continue with free samples, vendor demos, live music, face paintings and other entertainment throughout the weekend.