Since we enjoyed the annual Florida pilgrimage for Disney, Universal, and a good deal of retail therapy (visit me, spend it on everyone else …), I thought it was good to spotlight some retailers in the U.S. USA are visited as part of the larger trips, with Whole Foods being the first in this series.
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However, it is far more difficult to have someone in the store who patrols the aisles and knows what to look at, what to grasp and what story the broader pictures can then tell.
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Mini sales talk over – let's take a look at Whole Foods, which is now firmly under Amazon's leash, and there have been visible signs that a model is coming that is less labor intensive and does away with some of the "bells and whistles" that we may be used to.
It makes sense that Amazon transfers the online food selection to Whole Foods via Prime Now.
Whole foods, Orlando.
This business in Dr. Phillips, Orlando, has been redesigned and now has a juice / coffee bar on the left with Produce on the right in the entrance (as always). The shop counters are still around the perimeter of the store, but in the bar / coffee area the center has completely disappeared.
Pizza is now a self-service option instead of being served by a team member. A switch seemed to be closed, but it was tedious to say the least.
Questionable shroud-based work for the cheese counter …
When you visit a number of Whole Foods in NY, NJ and FL, you get a sneak peek of the chain's progress. However, a business with problems is still a business with too many.
It is clear that the new world for whole foods is more of a & # 39; supermarket & # 39; with stronger counters that offer food solutions and are also suitable for online picking. This means that for "Prime" they can offer 2 hours shipping from any store Now "deliveries ….
Prime Now is picked "live" in Whole Foods.
There seems to be far less frills than before, for example, the Columbus Circle, NY store was a mecca for open dining and food preparation when you drive down the escalators into the grocery store.
But this was also revised and the open preparation room behind the scenes was largely replaced by white-tiled walls, which creates an overall "more homogeneous" experience.
The tactic of offering discounts on items for Prime customers isn't necessarily a long-term game. It's safe for Prime members, but if you're not a Prime member, you'll pay USD 99 + for a variable discount on products that may not be available to you, which is definitely questionable.
You can even use Alexa for the Prime Deals, do you bring your Echo to the store?
It is also exclusive. It is understood that Prime is a member club and that this is fair for online deliveries, etc. However, it is questionable to offer these members lower prices, but not the broader customer base, as Whole Foods can only grow at the speed of Prime members – provided that it does, switch your purchases from Walmart, Target, and any other state to the state you are currently using.
Whole Foods has problems with price perception, and the shift to lower prices will support their cause. However, there is still broad pricing for “insults” on a broad front, with some products showing huge price points. The lack of brands overall (due to the health of the chain) is fair, but to make the chain a target for more customers, more brands need to be added to the range.
Walmart is the "low price leader" and very popular with brands.
The reason for this is twofold.
1) Brands offer the customer security in terms of quality and they also offer a wider range for customers who do not necessarily have to shop elsewhere for the rest of their shopping.
2) Comparable products can then be compared to other retailers on a price basis to assess how the value increases. It's never just about the price, some customers pay a little more for convenience or because they can get x, y, z out of business.
Whole Foods can't afford to go out of their way on these branded items without limiting them to the prime discount.
There are signs of changes in store operations, appearance, and subsequent experience. It is unclear whether this would have happened independently of Amazon or due to the Amazon input and the need to meet a new income statement requirement.
However, there is certainty that this is happening and that retrofitted stores differ significantly. We can take stock, but the acquisition of Whole Foods still feels like an online fulfillment game that offers the opportunity to engage Amazon customers further.
Whole Foods has a number of specialized customers who shop ethically.
The challenge is that Whole Foods has a loyal fan base of customers who shop wealthily and habitually. However, you have to grow beyond the online business and make existing businesses work harder.
Adding online picking helps, but careful steps are needed to offset the need for more efficient business while continuing to serve core customers and attract new customers with or without Amazon Prime.
Change is good? The jury is in business about the changes in Whole Foods, but the reality is that in some cases, changes may have been necessary …
But you can't attack the cost base forever …
NB – store was visited in May 2019.
