Sprouts Opens in Former 99 Cents Store, Signaling Santa Ana Retail Shift

Sprouts Farmers Market opened its doors on October 23, 2026, at the intersection of Bristol and Warner Avenue. The store occupies the space previously held by a 99 Cents Only Stores location. This opening represents the first completed conversion of a closed 99 Cents Only site in Santa Ana. The new store offers organic produce, specialty groceries, bulk foods, and wellness products. It brings a different type of grocery option to the neighborhood. The transition from a discount retailer to a specialty food market took less than two years.

The change began in 2024 when 99 Cents Only Stores announced its closures. The City of Santa Ana’s WORK Center team responded through its Rapid Response program. Staff connected affected employees with employment resources. They also provided alternative training services. The city stated that this effort helped workers move forward after the layoffs. The former store’s location was then prepared for new investment. The result is now a fully operational Sprouts location.

Santa Ana’s Economic Development team cites this opening as a key example of local business growth. The team assists with site selection, permits, and workforce connections. They aim to support businesses that choose to open or expand in the city. The Sprouts opening adds to a list of recent retail changes in the area. It follows other commercial shifts in the downtown and corridor zones. The city continues to monitor these developments through its economic development division.

In addition to the Sprouts opening, the city is selling nine vacant properties. The Public Works Agency released Request for Proposals No. 27-036. The package includes two commercial sites, one professional office site, and one mixed-use transit corridor site. Developers can register through the City’s PlanetBids procurement portal. A new Surplus Land Dashboard is also available. This tool displays property locations, legal descriptions, and availability updates. Multiple proposal submission dates are listed for interested buyers.

Local businesses are also receiving support. Bitesize Enterprise LLC received a grant from the Small Business Incentive Program. The studio is located in the historic Santora Building. Owners Tristan and Yvonne used the funds to cover equipment and materials. The grant helped them avoid taking on additional debt. The studio focuses on hand-printed apparel and creative projects. It hosts monthly events, including Santa Analog, an art walk featuring live crafts and music. The city’s grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Another local company, Spec Formliners, Inc., continues its operations from East 4th Street. The firm has been in Santa Ana for three decades. It designs molds for poured concrete structures. Its work appears on highways, bridges, and public spaces nationwide. The company holds a U.S. patent for a backer panel used with plastic form liners. These liners are built to be reused more than 50 times. Spec Formliners collaborates with architects and engineers on custom designs. It has installed projects in San Juan Capistrano and Spokane, Washington.

Upcoming events will also shape the city’s commercial activity. The Blading Cup USA is scheduled for November 6 and 7, 2026. The event will be held at the Yost Parking Lot on Spurgeon Street. It is now a sanctioned World Skate Challenger event. Competitors will vie for up to 20,000 points toward world rankings. The event attracts athletes and brands from around the world. It was founded in 2011 by Jon Julio, owner of THEM Skates. The competition includes professional and junior divisions in the Street category.

The city is also promoting the Made in California program. This initiative helps local manufacturers showcase their products. Eligible businesses can use the official program label on approved items. Program fees are waived through December 31, 2026. Businesses can also list their events on the Travel Santa Ana Events Calendar. This free marketing tool connects local activities with visitors. The city encourages businesses to submit their public events for inclusion in the calendar.