Gelson's Markets opened a store in the Coachella Valley-area

Gelson’s Markets, one of California’s premier supermarket chains, opened its first-ever Coachella Valley-area store, located at 36-101 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, on Thursday, January 28.
Gelson’s thanked its first 200 customers with a special gift bag valued at $20. In addition, all customers will have the opportunity to sample featured merchandise and dishes throughout opening week.

"Gelson’s has been looking for a great desert location for nearly 15 years, and we’re excited to come to Rancho Mirage,” says Gelson’s President & CEO Rob McDougall. “Our goal is to serve the local community by providing premium-quality merchandise and exceptional customer service, while also re-employing many of the dedicated employees of the former Haggen store."

Gelson’s remodeled the existing store, which now features new salad, hot foods and antipasti bars; a carving cart within the service deli; wellness set; and an enhanced juice and cut fruits counter. The Rancho Mirage store also features upgraded check stands and a customer service desk to facilitate the company’s signature service offerings.

The supermarket chain, long revered by chefs, celebrities and foodies in Los Angeles and Orange County, purchased eight Southern California locations from Haggen after the chain filed for bankruptcy in late 2015. Reopening quickly with some essential improvements was a priority in order to re-employ existing Haggen associates, some of whom have worked at the location for many years under previous ownership. A more extensive remodeling is slated later in 2016.

Gelson’s currently operates 18 full-service specialty grocery stores in Southern California. Each Gelson’s Market features the full amenities of a traditional supermarket, with the local flavor of a neighborhood market.