• Dot's Market: Like DLM, this is a local, privately owned chain, operating stores in Bellbrook and in northeast Kettering. Dot's is best known for its butcher shops and custom-cut meats.
• Fresh Thyme Farmers Market: This growing chain of specialty grocery stores opened two new locations in the Dayton area last year, in Sugarcreek Twp. and in Beavercreek. Many customers go there for the fruits and vegetables.
• Health Foods Unlimited: Local and privately owned, this store on Ohio 725 just east of the Dayton Mall offers organic produce, bulk fruits and nuts, vitamins, supplements, herbs, spices, and health and beauty items.
• Trader Joe's: This national chain has operated its only Dayton-area store in Kettering since 2002, and it is expanding its square footage by 25 percent. Known for bulk buying, signature items and low prices.
• Whole Foods Market: After skirting the Dayton area in favor of Cincinnati and Columbus for years, the national chain opened a store in Washington Twp. last year. Specializes in sustainable, organic, natural and/or fair trade items.
Keep in mind, the organic-food trend has not been ignored by other large chains with a significant presence in the Miami Valley, including Kroger, Meijer, ALDI, Walmart and Target, all of which have upped their game when it comes to organic and natural-food offerings.
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