AKRON, Ohio - With Akron's Whole Foods Market 365 set to open next week at the old West Point Market site in West Akron, the company is hosting events to generate some buzz:

Pre-opening Party on the Patio

Saturday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring the family for a cookout featuring live music, prizes, giveaways and fun activities for kids from Akron Children's Museum and Cafe O'Play.

Sneak Peek Tours

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 3-7 p.m.

Join the Whole Foods Market 365 team for samples and a sneak peek tour of the store. Attendees will leave with a reusable bag and a coupon for the grand opening. To attend you must RSVP here.

A $5 donation is suggested at the door, with proceeds benefiting the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Grand Opening

Thursday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The grand opening celebration features the University of Akron Zips Dance Team and Zippy. Come early for coffee, pastries and reusable shopping bags. The first 100 people in line will receive a Whole Foods Market 365 gift card. The first 150 people to sign up for 365 Rewards on opening day will get free Zips football tickets.

#WhyNotAkron

Whole Foods hired about 70 people locally to staff the new 30,000-square-foot store at 1745 W. Market St.

The company won't say why Akron was chosen as the location of the sixth 365 store to open nationally, but it's likely because the University of Akron supports a strong Millennial presence -- which 365 stores lean toward -- and lower prices will appeal to an economically depressed region.

And prices are expected to go even lower since Amazon purchased Whole Foods in late August and slashed prices further.

According to Store Team Leader James Aguilar, the new Whole Foods 365 will appeal to college students, families and young professionals.

"Akron is a dynamic, growing city and it's exciting to see the community investing in the arts, recreational facilities and a revitalized downtown," he said in an emailed statement.

According to the company, here are the main differences between a Whole Foods Market and a 365 store:

Size

As a 365 Whole Foods, the store is about 10,000 square feet smaller than a standard Whole Foods Market.

Products

While Whole Foods Market stores stock specialty and hard-to-find imported goods, 365 stores focus on lower cost products that cover the basics on a standard shopping list, with an emphasis on the company's 365 Everyday Value brand.

Departments

Traditional Whole Foods Market are full-service, with cut-to-order meat, seafood and cheese. 365 stores are designed more for speed and ease with precut and packaged meat, grab-and-go meals and cheese and pre-packaged seafood.

Technology

Shoppers in 365 stores can use an app called "Delectable" in the wine department to scan wine and learn more about it, or order a meal from the Taqueria from a touchscreen, and learn more about the store's products via digital signage.

Rewards

Whole Foods Market 365 has a MyRewards Program with personalized offers and savings for 365 store shoppers. You can get the details here.

For more information, visit the Whole Foods Market 365 website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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