Lakeland residents and businesses are looking forward to a big shopping day on May 13, when a major grocery store once again draws retail dollars to the city.
Sprouts, a high-end grocery store, focuses on fresh, natural and organic foods, and it will open a 28,000-square-foot store in the old Kroger location in Lakeland on May 13.
The store will be at 9050 Highway 64, where the highway intersects with Fletcher Trace. The nearest large intersection is U.S. 64 and Interstate 40.
Ginny Dunn, economic development coordinator for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, said, “Lakeland is very proud to have the first Sprouts Farmer Market in Tennessee. Sprouts will certainly increase customer traffic for neighboring businesses.”
She also predicted, “Lakeland, Barlett, and Memphis will all benefit from the continual rise in traffic counts on this section of Highway 64 as consumers flock to one of the fastest growing grocery store chains in the U.S.”
Lakeland city manager Jim Atkinson estimated that the store may bring in as much as $150,000 to $200,000 in tax revenue annually. It also could increase foot traffic to other nearby shops.
Lakeland mayor Wyatt Bunker said, “It’s an exciting time for us.”
Residents are dedicated to shopping locally, he said, and Sprouts is a great fit for the city. “I think they’re going to be a great community partner, and they’re going to fill a need in our community.”
Grand opening
The Lakeland store will open its doors at 7 a.m. May 13. Special events and giveaways include:
- Muffin and coffee samples served to everyone in line before the doors open.
- One-dollar deals throughout the store.
- The first 200 shoppers in line will receive 20 percent off their initial total purchase.
- Upon checkout, every 15th shopper will receive a coupon book featuring Sprouts savings.
- Every customer will receive one free reusable bag with purchase.
Celebrations will continue through the weekend:
- Saturday, May 16: The first 200 customers making a purchase will receive a coupon booklet for five free sandwiches.
- Sunday, May 17: Upon checkout, every 15th customer will receive a $5 coupon for a purchase of more than $15 the following week.
A second Shelby County Sprouts location will open in Germantown on July 8.
Written by Carolyn Bahm, Express editor. Contact her at (901) 433-9138 or via email to bartlett.editor@journalinc.com.
