Whole Foods Case Study
Nick Zawisa
Strategic Management
September 23, 2010
Case Study: Whole Foods Market Since 1980, Whole Foods Markets has grown from a small local store in Austin, Texas, to the largest retail chain of natural and organic foods in the United States. Whole Foods has been leading the natural and organic foods movement across the United States, working to gain acceptance among the growing number of consumers interested in eating healthier foods. The company has built a reputation for being selective in the products sold and only providing its customers with the highest quality foods available. The mission of the company is to advance the cause of long term sustainable agriculture practices while promoting a cleaner environment. Thus, explaining the company motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet.” Whole Foods thrives on promoting an interactive store and good corporate culture among all team members. Having a sense of collective fate integrated throughout the company, Whole Foods has worked to make a positive work environment where team members can build a rewarding career, reaching their highest potential. Through this strong corporate culture they have attained Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, for 11 consecutive years from 1998 to 2008. John Mackey, founder and CEO, states that the company’s vision is, “To become an international brand synonymous not only for natural and organic foods but also for being the best food retailer in every community where Whole Foods stores were located.” Managers at Whole Foods, strive to create a pleasurable shopping and eating experience for its customers, promoting an interactive store atmosphere where community can interact, educate, and grow.
In this report I will examine and study Whole Foods Market and its effectiveness in the market. Along the way I will be performing an environmental analysis, defining the company’s strategic direction and how it could be improved, giving recommendations to find the ideal
Strategic Management
September 23, 2010
Case Study: Whole Foods Market Since 1980, Whole Foods Markets has grown from a small local store in Austin, Texas, to the largest retail chain of natural and organic foods in the United States. Whole Foods has been leading the natural and organic foods movement across the United States, working to gain acceptance among the growing number of consumers interested in eating healthier foods. The company has built a reputation for being selective in the products sold and only providing its customers with the highest quality foods available. The mission of the company is to advance the cause of long term sustainable agriculture practices while promoting a cleaner environment. Thus, explaining the company motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet.” Whole Foods thrives on promoting an interactive store and good corporate culture among all team members. Having a sense of collective fate integrated throughout the company, Whole Foods has worked to make a positive work environment where team members can build a rewarding career, reaching their highest potential. Through this strong corporate culture they have attained Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, for 11 consecutive years from 1998 to 2008. John Mackey, founder and CEO, states that the company’s vision is, “To become an international brand synonymous not only for natural and organic foods but also for being the best food retailer in every community where Whole Foods stores were located.” Managers at Whole Foods, strive to create a pleasurable shopping and eating experience for its customers, promoting an interactive store atmosphere where community can interact, educate, and grow.
In this report I will examine and study Whole Foods Market and its effectiveness in the market. Along the way I will be performing an environmental analysis, defining the company’s strategic direction and how it could be improved, giving recommendations to find the ideal