Fresh Market closing in on first California stores

Greensboro, N.C. -- High-end grocer The Fresh Market is making a stand in California, as it prepares to open its first three stores in the state.



According to a Tuesday report by Investor’s Business Daily, Fresh Market has signed leases and begun construction on one store in Santa Barbara, one in Palo Alto and a third in Roseville. The grocer said it expects to open its first store in the state either late this year or early 2013.



The stores measure about 21,000 sq. ft., feature upscale design elements and typically compete with Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s, both of which have a substantial presence in California.