Whole Foods Market 2010: Challenges and Strengths

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Abstract

Whole Foods is a successful retailer of natural food materials in the United States. The firm also operates many stores in Canada and the United Kingdom. This discussion highlights some of the challenges and strengths associated with the company. The paper explains how Whole Foods can compete with large food companies in the United States.

Introduction

Whole Foods Incorporation uses the best business strategies in order to become successful. The company embraces the concepts of innovation and excellence.

This paper highlights the major issues facing the company. The essay also identifies the company’s competitive advantages, strengths, and weaknesses. The discussion also explains how Whole Foods should compete with large companies such as Publix, Safeway, Sam’s Club, and Wal-Mart.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Whole Foods

Whole Foods has several strengths that make it successful. The first strength is its ability to offer a wide range of natural products. Such products do not contain chemicals, hormones, or antibiotics. The company has over 190 stores in the United Kingdom and North America. The “employees and leaders understand the importance of quality customer service” (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010, p. 8).

Whole Foods’ acquired of various firms such as Wild Oats in order to emerge successful. The desire to offer quality services and customer support is a major strength. Whole Foods’ vision “is a major strength” (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010, p. 3). The company also has several weaknesses.

The firm is mainly concentrated in North America. This situation reduces its bargaining power in the global market. The company’s pricing strategy makes it impossible to realize its business goals.

Opportunities and Threats Facing Whole Foods

Many people are currently buying and consuming organic foods. These people will continue to support the company’s marketing strategy. Every person wants to have the best shopping experience. Whole Foods provides the best experiences to its customers (Varner & Cooper, 2007). The company uses sustainable business practices because many people are sensitive about climate change.

The current economic situation is also an opportunity for Whole Foods. The first threat facing Whole Foods is competition. The company “faces competition from firms such as Wal-Mart and Safeway” (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010, p. 4). Every economic downturn is capable of affecting the company’s business performance.

Strategic Factors Facing Whole Foods

Whole Foods is currently facing numerous challenges. However, the company is working hard in order to emerge successful. The firm should identify new potentials and opportunities in order to realize its goals. The issue of supply chain management (SCM) means a lot to the company. The company must work with certified suppliers and producers. Pricing is also a major concern.

Whole Foods “does not use its pricing strategies to deal with competition” (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010, p. 12). The decision to open new stores is a major strategic concern for the company (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010). The current level of competition has become a major concern for Whole Foods.

Whole Foods’ Core Competencies

Core competencies are critical because they determine the success of every firm. Whole Foods uses its core competences to emerge profitable. The company works hard to market quality organic and natural products to its customers.

The company uses the best customer relationships (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010). Whole Foods uses good leadership and planning strategies. Whole Foods is always leading by example. The company uses teams to support the changing needs of its customers. The firm has acquired new partners in order to increase its performance.

The Keys to Success in Whole Foods

Whole Foods has been a successful company in the industry. Whole Foods uses a proper business strategy in order to succeed. The company addresses the needs and expectations of its consumers. Whole Foods embraces teamwork in an attempt to fulfill the needs of its customers (Varner & Cooper, 2007).

John Mackey continues to support the company’s strategic plan. The leader has presented the best ideas and concepts in order to make Whole Foods a global competitor. The “firm analyzes the education and income levels of different locations before starting a new store” (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010, p. 11). Whole Foods focuses on proper services and quality products in order to emerge successful.

What Niche is Whole Foods Trying to Establish?

Whole Foods is trying to establish a new niche. The company wants to be the leading marketer of organic foods. However, such foods are becoming common in the global market.

The company is using “the best ethical practices and respectful working environments to support this niche” (Varner & Cooper, 2007, p. 9). Whole Foods is also working hard to support the choices of every client. The company is developing a green world that can support the health of every citizen (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010).

How Whole Foods Can Compete With Large National Food Chains

Whole Foods has the potential to compete with large national food chains such as Wal-Mart, Publix, and Safeway. The corporation should begin by diversifying its products and services. The company must embrace the concept of pricing because it has the potential to improve its performance (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010).

The company should also market its products in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and China. The use of appropriate supply chain operations and outsourcing practices will also improve the company’s competitive strategy.

Evaluation of Whole Foods’ Growth Strategy

Whole Foods has demonstrated one of the best growth strategies. The company has been acquiring new companies such as Wild Oats. The company has also continued to open new stores. The practice has made the company more profitable. The company offers quality services and support to every customer.

This approach continues to support the firm’s growth strategy. Whole Foods also engages in acceptable business practices and strategies in order to emerge successful (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010). The company should acquire new partners in order to become profitable.

Evaluation of Whole Foods’ Performance over the Past Few Years

Whole Foods has been a successful competitor in the American market. The company’s expansion strategy has increased its gross income. Whole Foods “reduced its long-term debt from $929 to $734 million in 2008” (Harasta & Hoffman, 2010, p. 14). The company was also outperforming its competitors in terms of growth. Whole Foods has always acquired or opened new stores.

Within the last thirty years, Whole Foods has been marketing quality products in order to remain competitive. The company has differentiated its operations thus becoming successful (Varner & Cooper, 2007). The company should embrace new opportunities and strategies in order to achieve its business objectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Whole Foods is a major player in its industry. The company embraces the best values and practices in an attempt to remain competitive. Whole Foods’ “core competencies and strengths such as proper customer support and effective strategy have made its business profitable” (Varner & Cooper, 2007, p. 17). The firm must also embrace new ideas in order to remain competitive and profitable in the future.

Reference List

Harasta, P., & Hoffman, A. (2010). Whole Foods Market 2010: How to Grow in an Increasingly Competitive Market? RSM Case Development Center, 1(1), 1-15.

Varner, C., & Cooper, H. (2007). Product Markets in Merger Cases: The Whole Foods Decision. Web.

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