PHOENIX — Sprouts Farmers Market on Tuesday announced the locations of nine new stores scheduled to open in the second quarter.

The locations mark Sprouts’ entry into three new markets: Louisiana, New Jersey and Virginia.

Four of the new stores will feature an enhanced layout that the company said caters to the latest shopper trends through optimized customer engagement.

Earlier, Sprouts announced plans to open seven new stores in the first quarter. The retailer said it is on track to add 30 new stores in 2019 as it pursues rapid expansion.

Sprouts currently operates more than 300 stores in 19 states.

Since opening its doors 16 years ago, Sprouts has endeavored to appeal to everyday shoppers interested in fresh, natural and organic products at affordable prices, the company said.

The stores planned for second quarter openings are located in Baton Rouge, La.; Herndon, Va.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Los Angeles; Marlton, N.J.; Mesa, Ariz.; Oviedo, Fla.; San Jose, Calif.; and San Luis Obispo, Calif.

The Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Oviedo and San Luis Obispo stores will feature Sprouts’ newest operational and design enhancements that highlight department destinations and promote customer engagement throughout the store, the company said. The design, which maintains a center-store focus on produce, debuted last year in five locations.

Each new store will bring approximately 140 new career opportunities to its local neighborhood, according to the company. Sprouts said it offers competitive pay, team member discounts, a fun and rewarding culture, and numerous career advancement opportunities.

In addition, Sprouts said it is accelerating its investments in team members via enhanced pay and benefits as well as programs to develop leadership and recognize performance.

Sprouts’ customer offering spans fresh produce, meat and seafood from The Butcher Shop and Fish Market; freshly prepared entrees and sides at the Market Corner Deli; bulk food items; vitamins and supplements; dairy; bakery; natural body care items; and more, the company said. In addition to thousands of natural, organic and gluten-free groceries, shoppers can find more than 2,400 Sprouts Brand items.