‘We’re not a boutique store’: MOM’s Organic Market opening first Illinois store in Mount Prospect

Mount Prospect will be the launching pad for MOM’s Organic Market’s expansion into the Chicago area.

The environmentally conscious grocer is holding the grand opening for its 19,000-square-foot store at 201 W. Rand Road the weekend of Oct. 16-18.

Doors will open at 9 a.m. on opening day. Regular daily hours run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

It will be the 28th store nationwide for the chain, which boasts the highest-quality, 100% organic produce.

The emphasis is on curated local and regional products and a stress-free shopping experience, according to the store’s literature.

“We’re excited to join the Mount Prospect community and introduce more Chicago-area shoppers to what makes MOM’s different,” said Scott Nash, founder and CEO of MOM’s Organic Market. “Our goal has always been bigger than selling groceries. We want to make it easier for people to make choices that are better for their families, their communities and the environment.”

Founded in 1987 by Nash in his mother’s garage, MOM’s has grown to 27 stores across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. MOM’s plans to open another store in Naperville in the spring.

The company is all-in when it comes to its commitment to sustainability.

You won’t hear the question, “Paper or plastic?” there, since the store doesn’t offer plastic shopping bags.

It features waste-reduction initiatives such as annual denim and holiday light recycling drives.

Its recycling centers go beyond bottles and cans, accepting items such as cellphones, tablets, eyeglasses and corks.

General Manager Jennifer Kulb was on hand as workers prepped the store for opening. Several of the shelves already were filled with everything from snacks and international foods to cosmetics and paper goods. The frozen sections were similarly stocked, with prepared meals, breads and desserts. Brands in the frozen section include Ezekiel 4:9 and Saffron Road.

“We’re not a boutique store,” she said. “We have had the same owner for 40 years, who is our CEO. Our culture has remained intact and has only grown in a beautiful way.”

Kulb has worked for Whole Foods and food co-ops in Philadelphia.

“When I eventually found MOM’s, I was, like, ‘This is everything I wanted in a healthy work culture, but also a grocery store,’” she said.

She said the store is doing something different.

“Our mission is to protect and restore the environment,” she said.

The store’s products, she emphasized, are free of hydrogenated oils, synthetic colors, and preservatives.

MOM’s has compostable straws and gloves.

The store goes the extra mile for customer friendliness, including extra-wide aisles.

“Nobody bumps into each other,” Kulb said.

In addition, the market features quiet music, for the benefit of both workers and shoppers.

MOM’s gets produce deliveries every day. Kulb said produce keeps fresh in the fridge for up to a week.

The store’s meat is pasture-raised and the seafood is held to high standards.

Even the snacks are healthier, including Unreal candy bars, a Snickers-style bar made without hydrogenated oils or corn syrup.

MOM’s shoppers will find brands you might see at other stores, including Seventh Generation cleaning products. But it also features items that people might not find familiar, like Jenny’s Tofu products and such regional vendors as the Just Coffee Cooperative.

“When you shop, there is always something new and exciting,” Kulb said.

Guests are invited to enjoy free samples from vendors during the grand opening.

The weekend also marks the launch of MOM’s annual Denim Drive, taking place Oct. 16-30. Customers are encouraged to bring old or worn denim to the store to be recycled and given a new life as home insulation.

For the grand opening, MOM’s also is partnering with Go Green Mount Prospect. MOM’s will donate 5% of grand opening weekend sales to support the organization’s work, including litter cleanups, invasive plant removal, native gardening initiatives and more.

Go Green Mount Prospect will be on hand Sunday to give away free native seeds to customers.

Customers also can visit the MOM’s Organic Market website to download a coupon for $15 off their first purchase of $75 or more at the new Mount Prospect location.

For more information about MOM’s Organic Market, visit momsorganicmarket.com.

szalusky@dailyherald.com