San Diego, CA—Jimbo’s…Naturally!, comprised of four natural retail outlets in San Diego County, is the official selection for WholeFoods Magazine’s Retailer of the Year in 2012. Since its first store was founded by Jim “Jimbo” Someck in 1984, newer locations have flourished into valued presences in their communities on the strength of natural and organic values along with a commitment to quality.

Jimbo’s stores share an emphasis on organically grown food products, including fresh local produce, as well as aspiring to spread the value of sustainability. Both of these threads are embodied in Someck’s vision statement, “A piece of organic fruit in every child’s recycled lunch bag.” The reuse of shopping bags has been encouraged since 1999 through the store’s It’s in the Bag program, which also supports charities.

Under Jimbo’s leadership, the chain has also taken up the thread of the growing non-GMO movement, including a focus on bringing in non-GMO certified products. Stringent ingredient standards await every product before being admitted into a Jimbo’s location. Outside the store, there is an obvious commitment to children through the support of local schools, and to investing in the community through education and local charity work. Be on the lookout for next month’s full coverage of Jimbo’s in our Retailer of the Year feature.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, June 2012