As we do every year, the WholeFoods Magazine team asked our readers for help in identifying natural products retailers who are going above and beyond, serving their local communities and the greater good for both people and the planet. With so many retailers contributing to the health of their local communities and beyond, narrowing the selection down to just one retailer to spotlight in our annual Retailer of the Year feature is a challenge, and we greatly appreciate the help we get from members of the natural products industry who answer our call and nominate their favorite stores.

This year, we received several outstanding nominations. Among them: Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage (NGVC), which, since 1955, has provided a place for customers to shop, learn, and improve their overall health journey. The industry member who nominated Natural Grocers said: “While MAHA may be a new concept for the general public, eating nutrient dense, whole foods, free of synthetic additives has been a way of life at NGVC for all 70 years of their existence.”

Also nominated this year: Fresh Thyme Market…and we agree that Fresh Thyme is a standout, as they were selected as our Retailer of the Year in 2022.

ROTY25.jpgAnother nominee was Kimberton Whole Foods, and after a careful review, we have selected them as WholeFoods Magazine 2025 Retailer of the Year! Among the shining attributes called out in the nomination: “For over 30 years, Kimberton Whole Foods have been natural food stewards of eastern Pennsylvania committed to feeding and supporting the communities of their seven store locations. They have a strong commitment to local farmers and producers and prioritize organic and fairly grown and sourced food…Kimberton are active advocates of their own communities. Since its inception in 2020, Kimberton Whole Foods’ Rounding Up at the Register program has raised $2 million for local non-profits by matching the generous donations of customers. With each of their seven locations rounding up for a different non-profit each month, they’ve supported a total of 206 organizations.”

In the September issue of WholeFoods Magazine, we will explore what makes Kimberton Whole Foods such a success, including leadership insights, lessons learned the hard way, and the focus that makes the positive difference. Join us in honoring their efforts!

There is much that we can learn by listening to the retailers who helped shape this industry. In our Merchandising Insights column, Jay Jacobowitz, President & Founder, Retail Insights, elevates the voices of independents. Read his latest columns to stay tuned in, including: 


We need your help!  WholeFoods Magazine’s Annual Retailer Survey

We took a deep dive into the state of independent natural retail in our 2025 Retailer Survey, published in March. If you missed it, read up on the key findings, including retailers’ goals, pain points, and bright spots. And now it’s time to start collecting data for the next survey. Every year, WholeFoods Magazine partners with Readex Research to survey independent natural products retailers on the state of business. Our thanks to all of the retailers who take their time to be part of this valuable educational project. This year’s survey is being emailed throughout the month, so be on the lookout! And if you haven’t participated but would like to, please email me at editor@wfcinc.com and we will get you on the list.