Case Questions
1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing? Whole Market Foods strategy is in pursuit of offering the utmost quality, least processed, most appetizing naturally preserved and fresh foods. By concentrating on growth, store location, product line, pricing, and merchandising, Whole Foods Market is in search of promoting healthier lifestyles while also educating consumers in regards to food and the environment.
2. Is Whole Foods’ strategy well matched to market conditions in the food retailing industry (one of the criteria for a winning strategy discussed in Chapter 1)? From the case, I believe that Whole Foods’ strategy is well matched with the current market conditions of the food industry. Not only does the company provide consumers with a variety of competitively priced health conscious products to choose from, but also creates a value added environment which customers are easily able to become accustomed to as a “third place”. By exhibiting a dynamic fit with their surroundings and the economy, and creating as well as sustaining a competitive edge in the industry, Whole Foods Market has created a winning strategy.
3. Do you think John Mackey has a good strategic vision for Whole Foods? Why or why not? What do you like/dislike about the company’s mission/vision “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” that is set forth in case Exhibit 1? Do the mission/vision and the core values underlying it (case Exhibit 3) really matter at this company or are they just nice words and cosmetic window dressing? Explain. I would say that John Mackey has an excellent strategic vision for Whole Foods. By looking at the growth the company has been able to achieve regardless of their past problems, as well as the customer and employee satisfaction that had been openly discussed by business analysts, employees, and customers. Not only has the company been able keep