Leading natural and organic-foods grocer Whole Foods Market has leased a 55,000-square-foot space at Exton Square Mall, in line with a plan to rebrand the shopping center, property-management firm PREIT said on Monday.

"The redevelopment of Exton Square Mall, with Whole Foods Market as a catalyst, will draw other distinctive and high-quality retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues," PREIT CEO Joseph Coradino said. The mall sits on approximately 10 acres along Route 100.

"Satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers is a core value of Whole Foods Market, and this Exton location will provide us with yet another opportunity to do just that in the greater Philadelphia area," Whole Foods Market Regional President Scott Allshouse said. "We strive to provide the highest-quality products and handcrafted food and drink, including locally grown and made items, as we live up to the name 'America's Healthiest Grocery Store.'"

Whole Foods Market operates 424 stores worldwide, with 46 in the Mid-Atlantic region. It values transparency and natural quality standards.

PREIT, founded as Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust in 1960, is a real estate investment trust based in Philadelphia, specializing in distinctive shopping malls targeted at their surrounding communities.

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