New grocery store opens Friday as longtime shopping center undergoes revitalization
Carson, CA — A familiar Carson shopping center is getting a fresh start this week.
Sprouts Farmers Market will officially open its first Carson location Friday, Sept. 18, bringing a new grocery option to Carson Plaza at University Drive and Avalon Boulevard and filling a storefront that had been vacant since the closure of 99 Cents Only Stores in 2024.
The new Sprouts, located at 619 E. University Drive, will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:45 a.m. Friday, with doors opening to shoppers at 7 a.m. Grand-opening activities will continue through Sunday, Sept. 20.
While the arrival gives residents another place to purchase groceries, the opening also represents a larger investment in a shopping center that has served Carson families for decades.
Carson Plaza, built in the early 1970s, has housed a number of familiar businesses over the years. After 99 Cents Only Stores closed its location in April 2024, the large storefront remained empty as plans for a new tenant developed.
Sprouts ultimately selected the property, but city officials previously said the company requested renovations to the shopping center before moving in. Construction included improvements to the center’s exterior and storefronts.
The City of Carson has highlighted the Carson Plaza improvements as part of its broader economic-development strategy, which includes efforts to reinvigorate retail, attract businesses and improve major commercial corridors. The city’s Fall 2025 Carson Report specifically identified the shopping center’s renovation and the incoming Sprouts as part of that effort.
The location is also positioned near California State University, Dominguez Hills, placing the new market within convenient reach of students, university employees and neighborhoods surrounding the University Drive and Avalon Boulevard corridor.
State Sen. Laura Richardson welcomed the new store, saying Carson residents would benefit from increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables as well as additional employment opportunities.
“The residents of Carson will no doubt benefit from having fresh fruits and vegetables, unique food items, and new job opportunities,” Richardson said in Sprouts’ announcement.
Sprouts have several promotions planned for opening weekend.
The first 200 shoppers Friday and Saturday will receive a complimentary reusable tote bag, while the first 400 customers Friday will receive a free long-stem rose. Customers will also be able to sample products throughout the store.
Shoppers who sign up for the free Sprouts Rewards program can receive 20% off one purchase during the grand-opening weekend, subject to the company’s promotional terms.
Sprouts specialize in fresh produce, natural and organic foods, meat and seafood, prepared foods, bulk products, vitamins and supplements and products designed for various dietary needs.
The company said the Carson store will also feature produce from regional growers, including Family Tree Farms and Five Crowns Farming. Through Sprouts’ Food Rescue program, edible food that is no longer suitable for sale will be donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
The store will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For Carson Plaza, Friday’s opening marks more than the arrival of a new retailer. It puts a major storefront back into use, introduces another grocery option for nearby residents and adds momentum to ongoing efforts to refresh one of Carson’s longstanding neighborhood shopping centers.
Grand Opening at a Glance
Sprouts Farmers Market – Carson
619 E. University Drive
Friday, Sept. 18
Ribbon Cutting: 6:45 a.m.
Doors Open: 7 a.m.
Grand-Opening Activities: Sept. 18–20
Regular Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
