Smart move of the week: Good Earth to relocate to Fair-Anselm Plaza

A photo-shoot and lease signing ceremony generated lots of press yesterday for the news that Good Earth Organic and Natural Foods Store is expanding and relocating to the ex-Albertsons store at Fair-Anselm Plaza. The store will grow in size from 8,000 sq.ft currently to 20,000 sq.ft and include an expanded prepared foods selection and more non-food items.

The Plaza was acquired earlier this year by LRG Capital Real Estate Partners, a Larkspur-based investment fund. In keeping with the green philosophy of both the store and the town, the project team is considering several sustainable features, including daylighting, solar PV and a grey water reuse system.

This is a smart move by the Good Earth owners.  It's a relatively safe expansion in a town where they are already established with a store that residents like.  It also prevents any competitors from opening in the Fair-Anselm space. And there is no chance a competitor will open in their old store: Good Earth plans to use that building for their school lunch business.