RAPID CITY, S.D. – Natural Grocers, the largest family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer in the United States, has announced plans to expand its South Dakota footprint with a new location in Rapid City scheduled to open this summer.

The upcoming store, situated at 855 Omaha St., Suite 300, marks the company’s second venture into the state following its 2022 debut in Sioux Falls. Company officials stated that the vibrant downtown and the role of Rapid City as a gateway to the Black Hills made the community a natural fit for their growth strategy.

To staff the new location, Natural Grocers will hold a virtual hiring fair on Tuesday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MDT. The retailer aims to fill various roles, noting that crew members in Rapid City can expect to earn between $17 and $23 per hour depending on experience, while assistant store managers may earn up to $60,000 annually. Interested applicants are encouraged to register through Indeed to interface with the recruiting team.

Beyond the hiring event, the company will host a community meet-and-greet on Monday, May 11, at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel, located at 2111 N. LaCrosse St. The event begins at 4 p.m. with a presentation on the company’s founding principles and grocery standards, followed by a public question-and-answer session.

Natural Grocers, which operates 169 stores across 21 states, is known for its strict quality guidelines. The retailer exclusively sells USDA-certified organic produce, free-range eggs, and pasture-raised dairy. Their products are prohibited from containing artificial flavors, sweeteners, or hydrogenated oils.

“Natural Grocers is intentional about entering markets where access to affordable, high-quality organic and natural foods can make a meaningful impact,” the company shared in its announcement regarding the Rapid City expansion.

The retailer also highlighted its commitment to employees, or “Crew members,” through a benefits package that includes “Vitamin Bucks” – an additional $1 per hour worked in store credit – and a birthday bonus pay tradition started by founder Margaret Isely. Additional perks for the Rapid City staff include store discounts of up to 30 percent and comprehensive insurance plans for full-time workers.

Candidates looking for career information can visit the company’s website or contact their recruiting department directly as the summer opening date approaches for the new Rapid City storefront.