Lakewood, CO—In operation since 1995 as a natural products retailer in Independence, MO, Nature's Pantry, Inc. has been purchased by Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. The store is expected to begin operating under the Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage name by the end of 2014.

Nature's Pantry co-owner and partner Bob Perkins said of the acquisition, “We are proud and pleased to have the opportunity to align with Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, a company that shares our goal of making healthy eating affordable to all. We especially want to thank all of our customers and employees for helping us achieve this goal, and we look forward to assisting Natural Grocers in building on our success.” 

This acquisition is expected to represent one of 18 new stores that Natural Grocers, based in Lakewood, CO, plans to open in 2015. WholeFoods merchandising editor and president of Retail Insights Jay Jacobowitz advised Nature's Pantry on the deal. “The owners of Nature’s Pantry have worked extremely hard for 20 years, continually reinvesting in their store, paying close attention to customers and taking care of employees. At 17,000 ft.² today, Nature’s Pantry is a testament to the amazing success independent natural products retailers can achieve in this dynamic and growing industry of ours,” Jacobowitz said.

Published by WholeFoods Magazine Online, 11/7/14