Jackson’s Natural Grocers Plan Crumbles Over Albertsons Clause
Jackson residents hoping for a new full-size grocery store downtown will have to wait. Plans for Natural Grocers to take over the former Dollar Tree building on West Broadway have hit a major roadblock due to a decades-old contract with Albertsons.
Natural Grocers, a Colorado-based health food chain known for organic produce and sustainable products, had struck a deal with property owner Pete Karns in December. However, they recently discovered that Albertsons, which once occupied the building before moving to its current “Y” intersection location in 2000, retains legal rights preventing another grocery store from operating on the property. This restriction will remain in place for nine more years.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to move forward with our plans at this site because Albertsons has the legal right to limit use of the property and would not allow Natural Grocers’ use,” said Katie Macarelli, the company’s public relations director.
Karns attempted to negotiate with Albertsons but says talks stalled. While Albertsons maintains it was willing to “negotiate in good faith,” no agreement was reached.
The 19,000-square-foot building, once home to Safeway, Farmer Jack, and Albertsons, is now back on the market. It also can’t house a pharmacy or liquor store due to additional restrictions.
For downtown and east Jackson residents, the setback is significant. Outside of boutique options like Pearl Street Market, grocery shopping requires a trip to the west side of town. Natural Grocers has stated it remains interested in finding another Jackson location.
Until then, the vacancy at the five-way intersection continues to highlight the challenges of bringing more grocery options to Jackson’s core.
