Whole Foods introduces 'value-oriented' stores

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Saddled with the moniker "whole paycheck" because of its prices, premium grocer Whole Foods will open its first five "value-oriented" concept stores branded "365 by Whole Foods Markets" next year in the United States.

These stores will carry its private brands promoted as "products that can fill your pantry without emptying your pocketbook." The stores will carry products made from whole grain flours, "shade grown coffee," organic milk and frozen vegetables, presumably also organically grown. Animal welfare and meat quality standards will be maintained, including "no antibiotics, ever."

There is no indication if this concept will come to Canada, or if some of the "savings" will be taken by lower prices paid to suppliers, i.e. farmers, who do a lot more work to get a premium price for their products.

In its last fiscal year, Whole Foods reported sales of US$14 billion from 421 stores in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. According to its website, there are six Whole Foods stores in Ontario. BF