LAKEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Grocery retail is a competitive business and with the increase in demand for online shopping, retailers are looking for new ways to engage customers on the web. This fall, Natural Grocers will expand its e-commerce platform by offering an innovative click and collect option for purchasing holiday turkeys.

Consumers can pre-order a turkey by visiting www.naturalgrocers.com/turkeys.

Why is Natural Grocers selling turkeys online?

According to a research report from Deloitte University Press¹, "...customers are increasingly accessing [product information online] before visiting a retailer's venue to make a purchase." This means consumers need an online resource where they can learn about the product, so they can make an informed decision about their purchases.

Natural Grocers' turkey site enables customers to conduct their research on a platform that is tailored to the most sought-after holiday meal item while enabling them to reserve a turkey on the spot, making their in-store purchase more streamlined.

"The grocery business is changing, and information and convenience is at the forefront of this new transition," said company Co-President, Kemper Isely. "We've always been innovators in the retail space and now we're also leading the way by providing customers more options and more world-class service online."

The Natural Grocers turkey website provides customers with:

• A simple, clear and easy-to-navigate website for ordering a holiday turkey
• Resources to help them make educated decisions on which kind of non-GMO turkey to buy (organic, free range or heritage)
• Recipes for turkey preparation, baking and side dish options
• Holiday hosting tips and videos
• Pre-ordering for only $5 and easy in-store pick up
• Free phone customer service on Thanksgiving day provided by Mary's Turkeys

As a special bonus to make holiday turkeys even more affordable, Natural Grocers will also offer special pricing for {N}power^SM loyalty program members who reserve their turkey before November 1.

"The turkeys we sell are raised in a very humane way; they're given room to roam, quality feed, and no antibiotics or growth hormones.  We believe this provides a more nutrient-dense and flavorful holiday meal," said Heather Isely, Executive Vice President. "And combined with the recipes and meal planners we provide, our customers will be able to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving dinner that's healthier and more nutritious."

With shoppers – especially millennials – focusing on higher quality, organic and natural food options, the Natural Grocers turkey site will make it easier for consumers to start a new American tradition – one that's good4u^SM and good for the environment.

About Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (NYSE: NGVC; NaturalGrocers.com) is a rapidly expanding specialty retailer of organic and natural groceries, body care and dietary supplements. The company offers a flexible, neighborhood-store format, affordable prices and free, science-based nutrition education programs to help customers make informed health and nutrition choices. Founded in Colorado in 1955, Natural Grocers has over 3,000 employees and operates 126 stores in 19 states.

¹Hogan, S. K., & Paul, A. K. (2015, September 10). On the Couch: Understanding Consumer Shopping Behavior (Rep.). Retrieved http://dupress.deloitte.com/dup-us-en/industry/retail-distribution/understanding-consumer-behavior-shopping-trends.html

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SOURCE Natural Grocers