Competition Sprouting for Whole Foods?

 I was showing homes to buyers in Dublin, CA today, and afterward I stopped at Sprout’s Farmers Market, a new grocery store in Dublin. I had driven buy it several times, but I had no idea what it was about. From the name,  I assumed it was some healthy crunchy granola boutique grocer wannabe – but I was pleasantly surprised. I am a huge fan of Whole Foods, and I certainly was not expecting Sprouts to be a competitor.

Upon entering the store, the first thing you notice is the wide short aisles. I could easily stand in the meat department and see the dairy section on the opposite side of the store. The produce tables were low and wide. Overall, the store, located on Amador Plaza Rd, was light, bright, and sparkling clean. Whole Foods sometimes feels claustrophobic. Not so in Sprouts.

The meat and seafood looked incredibly fresh and well trimmed. Best of all, the prices were substantially less than Whole Foods. The dairy section is small – more mainstream choices than organic, but the prices very good. I especially liked the bulk food choices. Plenty of nuts, grains, and other items.

Not all items in the store are organic – but there is certainly enough to keep me coming back.

As a Realtor, I know from experience that proximity to certain retail locations, restaurants, and coffee shops can affect price. For instance, a home located within walking distance of Downtown Pleasanton  will be worth more than the same home further away.

Businesses like book stores, Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee or Whole Foods in close proximity can also help the homes value. Sprouts will have that same affect overtime.

Liquor stores, rowdy bars, and 24 hour fast food restaurant chains can have the exact opposite effect. It all comes down to location, location, location.

When it comes to buying or selling your home, it’s critical that your real estate agent knows the area extremely well. That’s why you should always choose a local Realtor. The Hagley Group team members live, work, and play in San Ramon, Pleasanton, Dublin, Castro Valley – and we have been successfully been serving all of Alameda, Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties since 2006.

Ready for a new home? You’re ready for Hagley!