Story updated at 4:00 p.m. to include comments from Natural Grocers and others
JACKSON, Wyo. — Natural Grocers, the Colorado-based natural and organic grocery store that had announced a new store in Jackson, has given up any plans to open a store in the area.
According to an email sent from Natural Grocers’ customer service on Monday, June 23, the company “will not be moving forward with a store in Jackson at this time.” The grocer announced in December that it would open a new location in the summer of 2025, in the former Dollar Tree location.
The email continues: “Sometimes, despite our best efforts, permitting and other factors just don’t align the way we hope. We’re definitely disappointed too, but we remain committed to exploring future opportunities in the beautiful state of Wyoming.”
According to Natural Grocers’ Director of Public Relations Katie Macarelli, grocery chain Albertsons has the legal right to limit the use of that property and would not allow Natural Grocers to open there.
That story was corroborated with Pete Karns, a landlord of the property. Karns said that Albertsons was a tenant in that plaza over 20 years ago until the current location was built and the store was moved. Albertsons negotiated an exit plan that would not allow the owners to put another grocery store in the space.
“They didn’t want more competition coming into the valley,” said Karns. He added that the property is currently back on the market and up for lease.
There are currently two Natural Grocers in Wyoming, in Casper and Cheyenne. The closest location to Jackson is in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
