Wild Oats Markets

Wild Oats Markets was a prominent American retailer specializing in natural and organic foods, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1987, the company expanded rapidly through organic growth and the acquisition of smaller health food chains across North America. At its peak, it operated over 100 stores and was the second-largest natural foods supermarket chain in the United States. The company focused on providing minimally processed foods, dietary supplements, and environmentally friendly household products. In 2007, Wild Oats was acquired by Whole Foods Market for approximately $565 million. The merger faced significant antitrust scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission before being finalized, eventually leading to the divestiture of several store locations.