05/15/08

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ The Texas-based Whole Foods company hopes to
open its first store in Idaho next year.

The upscale retailer of organic and natural foods operates about
270 stores nationwide, with 89 more in development.

Developers say construction of the natural foods store in Boise
is still on track, but they've scaled down plans for an attached
hotel and condo project.

City officials originally approved a 17-story hotel and
condominium tower next to the Whole Foods store.

Developers have since cut the tower down to seven floors.

The Whole Foods store, which doesn't sell products with
artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, is expected to employ
200 to 300 people.

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Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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