BASALT — —Roaring Fork Valley residents showed their enthusiasm for Whole Foods Market on Wednesday when wave after wave of shoppers rolled through the store starting at 10 a.m. and easing only slightly by midafternoon.
The long-awaited natural and organic grocer opened at Willits Town Center in Basalt with a bread-breaking ceremony that replaced the traditional ribbon cutting. While the groundbreaking ceremony was well attended — with 250 or so gawkers — droves of shoppers came after the doors opened. The wait in checkout lanes was at 15 minutes by 11 a.m., but shoppers maintained a festive mood.
“It feels vibrant and alive and is obviously teeming with people today,” midvalley resident Jennifer Lane said about the new store. “Nobody minds waiting. Everybody’s excited. I’m thrilled.”
An informal survey of a handful of shoppers indicated they liked what they saw and will come back for more — often.
Patty Phelan, of Carbondale, was enthused enough to attend a breakfast outside the store that raised funds for the Buddy Program. She had to leave for work in Aspen prior to the opening, but she vowed she will be one of the best customers at the new grocery store.
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