Exclusive: Update on Lexington Fresh Market opening

Just over two years after announcing it would open a store on Sunset Boulevard in Lexington, The Fresh Market on Wednesday said it no longer plans to open the location this year.

The company plans to focus on “improving core operations” at current stores, “so it has decided not to open any previously announced new stores for 2018,” according to a statement issued by the company. “Our focus remains on strengthening and growing our in-store operations, guest service program, merchandising selections, future offerings and, of course, our team members, as well as planning and executing new store openings after 2018.”

The Lexington store was to be a major anchor for the Lexington Marketplace shopping center on Sunset Boulevard next to La-Z-Boy. A second anchor, Hobby Lobby, opened there last fall, and numerous other tenants have opened as well, including Tijuana Flats, Aiden Lane, MOD Pizza and Brain Balance. Ulta is in the process of interior construction and is expected to open within a few months.

The Fresh Market has two other Columbia area locations: on Forest Drive in Trenholm Plaza and on Two Notch Road.

This story was originally published March 7, 2018 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Exclusive: Update on Lexington Fresh Market opening."