Erewhon officially opened its Glendale store Wednesday as animal rights activists disrupted the grand opening ceremony with protests targeting the upscale grocery chain’s sale of goat milk products tied to alleged animal abuse investigations.
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The market at 520 N. Glendale Ave. opened at the site formerly occupied by Virgil’s Hardware Home Center.
Members of the animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere gathered outside the store Wednesday morning wearing goat costumes, “bleating” and holding signs criticizing Erewhon’s sale of Meyenberg Goat Milk products.
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Protesters alleged one of the supplier’s dairies was connected to documented animal neglect and abuse.
“I came today for the voiceless,” said Jennifer Martinez of Los Angeles. “I wanted to push my limits. It’s my first time, and I want to do everything I can to spread awareness.”
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The organization said several activists entered the store and disrupted the opening celebration before being escorted out by security.
Police later responded and spoke with demonstrators, according to the group. No arrests were reported.
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Direct Action Everywhere said the protest was part of an ongoing campaign urging Erewhon to stop selling products tied to factory farms where activists allege criminal animal abuse has occurred. The group said it previously contacted Erewhon seeking changes to its sourcing policies but had not received a response.
Erewhon did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the protest or the activists’ allegations involving the company’s suppliers.
The store is one of several recent Southern California expansion projects for Erewhon, which has grown from a single Los Angeles market into a luxury grocery chain.
“Erewhon’s decision to invest in Glendale reflects confidence in our city’s economic future and the strength of our local economy,” Glendale Mayor Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian said in an earlier statement. “We are proud to welcome a business that will create local jobs, attract new investment and continue contributing to Glendale’s growth and vitality.”
Company officials said the store was designed to reflect the surrounding neighborhood while continuing Erewhon’s emphasis on organic produce, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable farming partnerships.
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Founded in 1968, Erewhon now operates 14 locations across Los Angeles County.