The east side of Wichita is losing another grocery store

The east side of Wichita has gotten a lot of new grocery stores in recent years, but it also has lost a couple.

First, Fresh Market left Bradley Fair in 2016. Now, Sprouts Farmers Market at Central and Rock Road is closing as of April 1.

“Choosing to close a store is always a difficult decision; however, as we continue to evolve our strategy in selecting store locations, we are focused on ensuring we operate consistently, and while it is infrequent, we sometimes find that the sales volume of a store does not support continued operation,” said Dan Croce, senior vice president of store operations in an e-mailed statement.

The Phoenix-based Sprouts, which has 378 stores nationally, still plans to keep adding 15 to 20 stores a year.

In early 2017, Sprouts moved into a new 30,000-square-foot building where Piccadilly Market & Grill used to be.

The chain’s concept is a cross between a specialty grocery and a more conventional grocery store. It carries a lot of natural and organic items.

Produce, which makes up about 25% of the store, has been the star of the store. Unlike most stores, Sprouts featured produce prominently in the center of the store.

Sprouts followed Whole Foods Market, which entered Wichita at Waterfront Plaza. As others came into Wichita, so to did Natural Grocers.

Trader Joe’s opened in part of the space where Fresh Market was.

In his statement, Croce said all Sprouts employees will have the opportunity to continue to work with the company.

“We greatly appreciate the hard work and dedication these team members have put in over the years and hope they will continue to work for Sprouts.”

The store will remain open daily from 7 am-10 pm. until it closes.

This story was originally published March 7, 2022 at 1:36 PM.