Some new grocery shopping options are coming to the Mobile area. Hot on the heels of getting their first Publix, Whole Foods has announced recently that they plan to open a store there as well. The new Publix still has some time to reign over the current market however, as the Whole Foods is not slated to be open until 2015. The Mobile movers are glad that the Austin-based natural foods retailer sees Mobile as a market worth moving into, and many see it as a positive sign for the local economy and retail industry.

Grocery competition will heat up, however, as the new Whole Foods will be positioned directly across from the Fresh Market, and both will be down the road from locally owned and operated Virginia’s Health Foods. The ready to serve section of Whole Foods could also prove problematic for restaurants. The existing Winn Dixie underwent a makeover that has it now boasting an open air farmer’s market feel, so there is no shortage of healthy grocery options in Mobile.