Whole Foods Market, the natural and organic grocery chain, is getting ready to open a new location in Encinitas at 134 N. El Camino Real.
The new store is planned for a portion of the former Kohl’s space as part of the ongoing redevelopment of Encinitas Marketplace, according to North Coast Current. The shopping center’s renovation is expected to cost approximately $10 million and take place over the next two years. Kohl’s served as the property’s anchor tenant until closing in April 2025. While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, customers can expect Whole Foods Market’s selection of organic produce, prepared foods, grocery items, specialty products, and wellness offerings.
Encinitas Marketplace is located on El Camino Real just north of Encinitas Boulevard and contains more than 124,000 square feet of retail space. Marketing materials from Jones Lang LaSalle outline plans for significant architectural upgrades throughout the center, including new facades and exterior improvements. The project is intended to modernize the property and attract additional tenants. The center changed ownership in January 2019 and was sold for $43 million.
RDC, a Long Beach-based architecture firm with experience on several major Southern California projects, designed the redevelopment plans. The firm’s portfolio includes Equinox La Costa, Fashion Valley, Del Mar Highlands Town Center, Costa Verde Center, and The Campus at Horton. Renovations are expected to refresh much of the center’s appearance while maintaining its role as a neighborhood shopping destination.
The property originally opened in 1981 as Wiegand Plaza and was developed by Quong Watkins Properties. Alpha Beta served as the original anchor tenant, followed by Lucky Stores, Albertsons, and later Kohl’s. Today, the center is anchored by Lawrance Furniture and includes tenants such as O’Reilly Auto Parts, My Sister’s Closet, Chick-fil-A, and The Kebab Shop. Verizon is also relocating to the center from another nearby El Camino Real location.
The upcoming store marks Whole Foods Market’s return to Encinitas after the closure of its Pacific Station location in 2017. Founded in Austin, Texas, in 1980, the company has grown from a single natural foods supermarket into one of the largest organic and natural grocery retailers in North America. This will be an excellent landing space for Whole Foods Market, bringing the brand back to a community where it previously operated for many years.
