Natural grocery chain to occupy space vacated by 99 Cents Only Store, pending renovations.
By Jonte’ Williams, Staff Reporter
A long-vacant storefront at Carson Plaza is getting a “fresh” makeover. Sprouts Farmers Market is set to open in the space once occupied by the 99 Cents Only Store, which shuttered in April 2024.
The Sprouts location at East University Drive will be the natural grocery chain’s first in the city, though no date has been set for the grand opening. City officials said Sprouts requested that the shopping center undergo a full renovation before moving into the space.
Carson Plaza has been under construction for several months, said City Council member Jawane Hilton, who called the upcoming store a “game changer” for the community. Hilton told The Bulletin the project will improve local access to fresh, affordable groceries.
“It is about time we address this issue,” Hilton said, adding that the City Council did not want to replace the 99 Cents Only Store with another discount chain.
The City Council announced the lease signing and the start of construction at a June 5 press conference. At the time, Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes called the project a “monumental moment” for the city.
“We’ve worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this development to fruition,” Davis-Holmes said. “I’m proud to see Carson continue to thrive with such an exciting addition to our city.”
Once Sprouts opens, it will face competition from nearby Walmart and Aldi, both located along Avalon Boulevard. Denise Williams, a Carson resident, said she looks forward to when the new market finally opens.
“I used to go to Food4Less in Compton, so when this Sprouts is built, I’ll check it out,” Williams said.
Other businesses in Carson Plaza are also anticipating a boost once Sprouts opens its doors. Carlos Vela, manager of the plaza’s Baskin-Robbins, said the new grocery store could attract more foot traffic to the area.
“After getting groceries, they might want more ice cream, which means more money for us,” Vela told The Bulletin.
Although expansion is on the horizon for Carson Plaza, it hasn’t come without challenges. Vela said ongoing construction has cut down on customer visits to his store.
“People think that we are closed,” he said. “It makes it hard for customers to come in because they see [construction crews] working in the front.”
Hilton acknowledged that several businesses have seen a dip in sales during renovations but said the improvements will ultimately benefit all tenants once construction is complete.
“We understand times are hard right now—working while being under construction—but it will all work out at the end of the day,” Hilton said. “Carson was a city to go through, but we’re going to change that to a city to come to.”
Although Vela felt the plaza was fine as it was, he agreed with Hilton about the long-term benefits of the renovations. “Nothing wrong with a little improvement.”
In an Oct. 21 email to The Bulletin, a Sprouts spokesperson said the company would share information about the hiring event for the new location and a grand opening date “once finalized.”