SEEKONK (WBSM) — The SouthCoast’s first Whole Foods Market officially opened this morning, and if day one is any indication, it’s going to be a big success.

A spokesperson told WBSM that over 500 people were lined up ahead of the store’s opening at 8 a.m. The store was planning on handing out free samples from Seven Stars Bakery and coffee from the Wareham-based Jim’s Organic Coffee, two of the more than 200 New England-based suppliers whose products are featured in the store.

In addition, the first 300 customers in line were slated to receive a limited-edition Seekonk tote bag and a Secret Saver coupon with savings up to $100 off.

READ MORE: Seekonk Whole Foods Market Announces Opening Date

Previously, the closest Whole Foods Market stores to the SouthCoast were in Providence and Hyannis.

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A Peek Inside the Mid-Century Marketplace Design

The new 40,000-square-foot location at 940 Fall River Avenue, at the former site of the Clarion Inn Providence & Seekonk and Dublin Rose Irish Sports Pub. “The store’s design features bold dimensional typography and nostalgic signage that evoke mid-century marketplace charm, blending vibrant accent colors with natural wood warmth,” according to a Whole Foods release.

Courtesy Whole Foods Market
Courtesy Whole Foods Market
Courtesy Whole Foods Market

Sourcing Local: Over 1,000 New England Products Featured

The Seekonk location’s product assortment features more than 1,000 local items from New England, sourced with the help of John Lawson, Forager for Local & Emerging Brands at Whole Foods Market.

Courtesy Whole Foods Market
Courtesy Whole Foods Market
Courtesy Whole Foods Market

Grand Opening Giving: Whole Foods Donates to Area Food Pantries

As part of the grand opening, Whole Foods Market was also making a food donation to McAuley House and monetary donations to Doorways Food Pantry in Seekonk, Barrington Tap-In, and the Rehoboth Food Pantry.

Courtesy Whole Foods Market
Courtesy Whole Foods Market
Courtesy Whole Foods Market

Black Goose Market Place: What Else is Coming to Fall River Avenue?

The development of the site, which also features a TownePlace Suites 94-room extended-stay hotel and the Black Goose Tavern, continues on. The Darling Group is also looking for tenants to fill three other commercial units, a pad site with a drive-thru, and a bank kiosk.

Courtesy Whole Foods Market
Courtesy Whole Foods Market
Courtesy Whole Foods Market

New Bedford-Area Shopping Carts, Ranked

Shopping carts on the SouthCoast can be hit or miss. Barry Richard visited many stores across the New Bedford-Dartmouth-Fairhaven area and came up with his ranking of the various retailers' shopping carts, from worst to best.

Gallery Credit: Barry Richard

The Supermarket Etiquette Quiz

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