Cencosud Continues Expansion and Consolidation in the United States with the Opening of Two New The Fresh Market Specialty Supermarkets 

• The stores are located in Crofton (Maryland) and Chicago (Illinois) and are part of an expansion plan aimed at surpassing 170 stores in the coming months.

Santiago, November 4, 2024 – Just over a month after announcing the opening of a new supermarket in Seminole, Florida (United States), Cencosud announced the opening of two new The Fresh Market stores, this time in Crofton (Maryland) and Chicago (Illinois), expanding and consolidating the Chilean retailer’s presence in the North American market.

In Illinois, this is the fifth The Fresh Market store in the state, while the Crofton location marks the fifth store in Maryland, where customers will have access to specialty products, bakery items, seafood, premium meats, and high-quality fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, the stores will offer a variety of prepared dishes, such as burgers, pizzas, hummus protein bowls, and salads in the Chicago location, while the Crofton store will feature classic pork ribs, pizzas, and salads, as well as a wide assortment of grab-and-go products.

Cencosud representatives stated that:

“The Fresh Market is a highly valued specialty supermarket among Americans, positioned for its fresh products and high-quality prepared food offerings. These new openings are part of an expansion plan that aims to exceed 170 stores in the coming months, in a market with ample room for growth in this format.”

Jason Potter, CEO of The Fresh Market, explained:

“We are very excited to be part of the community in Lincoln Park (Chicago, Illinois), where we bring an innovative offering with all the quality of The Fresh Market, along with a coffee shop and in-store prepared products, creating a gathering place for friends and families.”

Regarding the Crofton store, he added:

“The opening of this new location marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy. Our goal is to provide communities with the highest quality products and a unique, convenient, and pleasant shopping experience. We aim to become part of the Crofton community and offer our customers a place where they feel welcome.”

It’s worth noting that, just a few months ago, The Fresh Market was recognized in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 for best bakery, best deli, and best prepared food.

To celebrate the opening of the two stores, each location held a classic “bread-cutting” ceremony, supplier tastings, live music, and a donation to the Maryland Food Bank and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The stores will be open all week from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and customers can also shop through the The Fresh Market website or app, accessing special offers. The Chicago store includes a coffee section, which will open at 6:00 a.m.