Gelson's Opens Market on OP Blvd

GELSON'S MARKET TO OPEN MARCH 17

Gelson's Markets will open its first store in Santa Monica, located at 2627 Lincoln Boulevard, just south of Ocean Park Boulevard, on Thursday, March 17

Less than two weeks after announcing the closure of all stores in California, Nevada and Arizona, embattled grocer Haggen Inc. said in November that supermarket chains Gelson's Markets would buy some of Haggen's locations.

The Bellingham, Wash.-based grocery chain said in a statement that Gelson's signed a purchase agreement for eight California stores and Smart & Final signed an agreement for 28 stores in California and Nevada.

Gelson's, based in Encino, is a high-end supermarket chain with 18 stores across Southern California. The company did not provide financial details of the sale.

Gelson's opening will commence with a ribbon cutting at 9:00 a.m. Gelson's will thank its first 200 customers with a special gift bag valued at $20. In addition, all customers will have the opportunity to sample featured merchandise and dishes throughout opening week.

"With its proximity to a variety of diverse neighborhoods, its iconic beach culture and residents' appreciation for the great food of the Southern California lifestyle, Santa Monica is an ideal community to open a Gelson's store," said Rob McDougall, Gelson's president and CEO. "We are thrilled to launch our first store in Santa Monica – our 22nd store overall – and we know the local community will appreciate the premium-quality merchandise and exceptional customer service that has become the hallmark of Gelson's."

The Gelson's Santa Monica store claims it will place an emphasis on "fresh, great-tasting food across a broad spectrum, including grass-fed beef, organic and non-GMO items, and vegan, vegetarian and raw food options. The full-service deli will offer signature creations from Executive Chef Peter Fiore along with healthful and delicious salads from Gelson's Registered Dietitian, for the benefit of Santa Monica residents, employees and visitors alike. With a mission to customize each store for its neighborhood, Gelson's Santa Monica will include a carving station (selected hours), gourmet cheese section, olive cart, soup and salad bar, hot food bar, fresh sushi and poke bar, kosher foods and bakery, along with a coffee bar, dining area, floral department, custom and ready-made gift baskets, and free gift wrapping. "

About Gelson's

Founded in 1951, Gelson's currently operates 21 full-service specialty grocery stores in Southern California. "Each Gelson's Market features the full amenities of a traditional supermarket, with the local flavor of a neighborhood market," the chain said.