Bakeries staffed by skilled bakers will be a key attraction at two new Whole Foods Market stores set to open in London and Glasgow, with further regional stores in the pipeline.

The company will open a 22,000sq ft shop at a former Safeway in Giffnock Glasgow at the end of 2011 and a 20,000sq ft store in Richmond, south-west London, early in 2013. The stores will provide jobs for 300 local people, including skilled chefs, butchers and bakers.

“We will be baking and cooking in the stores each day and we will be offering an amazing array of fresh, healthy and organic food. We are also committed to supporting regional producers and will be offering a host of products sourced locally,” said Jeff Turnas, Whole Foods Market UK regional president.

The retailer currently has five stores in the Greater London area, including its 80,000sq ft store in Kensington. The announcement signals the first expansion of Whole Foods Market’s UK business since it opened its Kensington store in 2007 and comes after posting an 11.8% fall in sales in the UK in the year to September 2009.

“We are delighted to underscore our commitment to the UK and make this further investment in our business here. It’s always been our ambition to open stores the length and breadth of the UK,” said Turnas.

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