Whole Food Markets

Whole Food Markets

Abstract

Whole Foods Market, Inc. has long been admired as an innovative company with quality standards, a devotion to community and environmental responsiveness, a healthy growth model and highly-regarded employment practices. However, the company has faced recent difficulties as a result of the economic recession, increasing competition, and complications from acquisitions. To revitalize the company from historical lows in its toughest year in history, Whole Foods Market must reassess its costs, refocus its expansion strategies, and promote its brand to compete for the diminishing consumer spending dollar. During the changes in strategic initiatives, it is also important for the company to keep Whole Foods Market's mission and its brand value intact. The chain is known for its high standards, quality, and ethical practices; this image is at stake when any changes in brand or reputation are made.

Whole Food Markets

Question 1

Fresh natural and organic foods and products with no preservatives or artificial ingredients, promote healthier eating/lifestyle and increasing consumer knowledge/education of food safety, environment and how pesticides affect the land as well as the human body.

Growth / Acquisitions

Whole Foods has a well defined type of business; therefore, this company had a rapid growth rate. The company expanded not only in the United States but internationally. The company has companies in U.S. states, Canada and United Kingdom. In fact, by 2008 the company has opened stores in more than thirty states. In addition, this company had different acquisitions. One of the acquisitions Whole Food had was when they bought Wild Oats Market.

Food Quality

Food quality is a very important standard for Whole Foods. This company has high standards when it refers to quality. In addition, Whole Foods appraise quality by nutrition, freshness, and appearance. In fact, the “search for quality is a never-ending process involving the careful judgment of buyers throughout the company” (Gamble & Thompson, 2011).

Variety

Whole Foods has a variety of products and brand selection. These included “some 30,000 natural, organic, and gourmet food products and nonfood items” (Gamble & Thompson, 2011).

Question2

Yes the Whole Foods strategy has worked well for the company. They have good products and seem to have happy employees who also obtain shares in the company. They do not have much competition only on smaller scales or small areas in existing regular food markets. The company is still expanding even in this poor market and acquiring new stores and companies.

Question 3

Yes, looking at the company's profits and growth I believe John Mackey has an excellent strategic vision for this company and employees. He has managed to maintain a top quality product, expand stores all over the country, offer good employee incentives and expand his food store chains all over the USA and some locations abroad, while still making good profits. The motto to me isn't two impressive it is just a play on words to somehow match the stores name “Whole Foods” the Motto Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet. If I didn't know we were talking about Whole Foods I ...