WEST VILLAGE — An organic market opening soon in the West Village won't have to look far to stock its shelves — many of the items will come from the neighborhood.
Mrs. Green's Natural Market is moving into 585 Hudson St. in June and is planning to "forage locally" for its produce and goods, according to Sherry Schultz, the company's senior vice president.
"We have teams that are going to be out looking for amazing local organic products that are unique to this area," Schultz said.
As long as the products meet the company's organic standards, Mrs. Green's is eager to stock the store not just with produce from in-state farms, but also with jams, baked goods and other healthy treats made by Village residents, Schultz said.
The Hudson Street store is the first New York City location for Mrs. Green's, but one of 18 in the tri-state area. The company has been around for almost two decades, and Schultz said she grew up shopping at Mrs. Green's when it was one of very few places that provided "great farmstand produce."
New Yorkers can expect to see more Mrs. Green's stores opening up around the city, but Schultz said the store specifically chose the West Village to launch its first city operation.
"We felt it was the right entry point into the city," she said. "When you think about great neighborhoods with progressive foodies and people who will really embrace it, the West Village immediately comes to mind."
Mrs. Green's Natural Market is looking to not only be a provider of organic, gourmet groceries and prepared foods, but also a place where people can get advice about "healthy life strategies," from vitamins to sustainable living.
The store will have pizza, a large organic salad bar, a beverage bar, a juice station and a bakery with organic and gluten-free options. But Schultz is most excited about the opportunity to engage with local vendors.
"I think so much of what we do is about stimulating the local economy and the local entrepreneur," she said.
