Brattleboro, VT—Marlene’s Market & Deli, an independent natural organic retailer with stores in Federal Way and Tacoma, WA (and WholeFoods Magazine's 2021 Retailer of the Year), has agreed to be acquired by Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins, LLC, a Ventura, CA-based independent natural organic retailer with 15 stores in California and Hawaii.
Lassen’s, founded in 1971, makes its entry into Washington State, adding Marlene’s 22,000 square-foot Federal Way store and 15,000 square-foot Tacoma store to its growing portfolio. Started in 1976 by natural industry pioneer, Marlene Beadle, Marlene’s is also one of the natural industry’s founding members.
The news was shared by Brattleboro, VT-based Retail Insights, which advised Marlene’s on the transaction. “It is gratifying to see two long-time independent natural organic retailers join forces to continue their success," said Jay Jacobowitz, President of Retail Insights. "With 101 years of combined service to their communities, Lassen’s and Marlene’s prove the staying power of independent natural retailers in the highly competitive U.S. retail grocery sector."
