Linden Hills Co-op Confident, Despite Threat of New Whole Foods in Edina
After 34 years in downtown Linden Hills, the Linden Hills Co-op moved just a block from Edina this summer. How will a plan to open a Whole Foods in Edina in 2012 impact the co-op?
A new Whole Foods will likely open in Edina in 2012, but employees at Linden Hills Co-op—which recently moved a block from the Edina border—aren't worried. They're confident the community-owned co-op will differentiate itself from the large natural foods chain through its strong relationships with local farmers and deep roots in the southwest Twin Cities community. The Whole Foods Market was approved by the Edina City Council last month and would occupy more than 36,000 square feet at the intersection of France and Parklawn avenue, which is 3.7 miles from the co-op's new location. Allie Mentzer, the co-op's marketing and member services manager, said the co-op's new location draws a substantial portion of customers from Edina. But she …
