SACRAMENTO, CA - The smaller-format store appears to be a hot trend in the retail circuit, and Raley’s Family of Fine Stores is the next chain to catch the fever.

According to the Sacramento Bee, Raley’s is shopping closer to its West Sacramento home for a new location, with plans to design a smaller-than-usual format.

"We've got a prototype store in the works," Michael Teel, recently-appointed Majority Owner, CEO and President of Raley's, said, according to the Sacramento Business Journal. "It's more along the lines of a natural, organic smaller format."

Teel alluded to two potential locations, but would not confirm where the store might be. He did, however, tell the Business Journal that the new brand would likely be either Raley's or Bel Air.

“Raley’s is looking at new ways to expand and grow in the Sacramento market,” Chelsea Minor, Director of Relations and Public Affairs for the retailer, told the Bee. “We feel like there is a lot of excitement around new development downtown. We are exploring various options downtown. We are excited to be part of it.”

While the Raley’s chain is born and based out of the city, it reportedly pulled out of the downtown area a generation ago, making this the first store in that region in several years.

Minor also stated that the chain is sensitive to the changing demand of customers, likely designing the newest store to appeal to the health- and local-product-conscious audience.

Raley’s was not yet willing to disclose details on any chosen sites or other specifics on when it wants to break ground. AndNowUKnow will keep you up to date on this story as it develops.

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