Sprouts Farmers Market is headed for Middle River, taking over the former Big Lots box at the Costco Plaza on Pulaski Highway, county and community leaders confirmed. If and when doors open, the specialty grocer would give eastern Baltimore County another option for fresh produce, bulk items, and natural foods. Officials say there is still no firm opening date on the books.
Where It Is Going
The new Sprouts is slated to fill the vacant Big Lots space at the Costco Plaza, roughly the 9977 Pulaski Highway address, according to Patch. Local reports note that the site sits at Pulaski Highway and Campbell Boulevard and serves shoppers from Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Middle River, so the long-empty anchor spot will not be sitting quiet forever.
Local Officials Back The Move
Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has praised the fit for the busy corridor, and Essex–Middle River Civic Council president Josh Sines helped push the news out after posting about it on social media. "I can confirm the rumors are true," Sines wrote, according to the East County Times. Community leaders say the store will add a much-needed extra grocery option for nearby neighborhoods.
Sprouts’ Growing Local Footprint
If it opens as planned, the Middle River location would be Sprouts’ second store in Baltimore County. The chain already operates a Towson location at 803 Goucher Blvd., per the company’s Maryland store directory. The Towson outpost and other recent Maryland openings show Sprouts targeting suburban shopping centers and adding produce-forward options where large boxes have closed, according to Sprouts Farmers Market.
What Shoppers Can Expect
Sprouts typically builds its stores around a heavy focus on produce, a curated grocery assortment, and community programs. At past Maryland grand openings, the company has highlighted job creation and food-rescue partnerships. The Westminster press release said the store would create 80 job opportunities for our residents and pledged donations to the Maryland Food Bank, per Sprouts. Local merchants say that replacing a vacant big-box space could give foot traffic across the plaza a healthy boost.
Timeline And Next Steps
For now, there is no public timetable for construction, permitting, or a grand opening. Lease paperwork and buildout typically follow the initial leasing announcement. The news of the Middle River deal was reported this week by the Baltimore Business Journal and by other local outlets. County and company spokespeople have not yet provided additional details on hiring plans or a projected opening schedule.
