Whole Foods London

The UK arm of organic retail group Whole Foods Market is bracing itself for further expansion after reigning in operations during the global economic crisis, according to reports in the country.

Walter Robb, president of US-based Whole Foods, told the Financial Times that the group has revived plans to increase its UK presence as its core domestic business recovers from the economic slump, Retail Week reported.

Commenting on news that the group is seeking sites around half the size of its 75,000ft2 flagship store in Kensington High Street, London, Mr Robb told the publication: 'We want to build more stores in London, it's a fabulous city. 'It's harder to find real estate here...but we have some stuff there and we're working on it.'

Mr Robb added that Whole Foods had moved to rid itself of its expensive 'whole pay-cheque' image with shoppers.