1. What steps has Whole Foods taken in appropriately planning strategy? Assuming Whole Foods must develop a new business model, how should they go about this?
2. What opportunities and threats can be identified through examining Whole Foods in the context of the competitive forces model and a competitor analysis?
3. What has created the durability of Whole Foods' market presence? What has given them their competitive advantage?
4. What functional level strategies has Whole Foods employed? Have these strategies been successful?
5. How has Whole Foods positioned themselves in the marketplace and what impact has this had on their strategic direction?
6. What is the reasoning behind Whole Foods' generic level strategy?
7. What factors should Whole Foods consider in order to stimulate market growth? What strategy are they likely to choose based upon these factors?
This case outlines Whole Foods' competitive approach to dominating natural and organic food sales. Focal points in the case are the emphasis on quality and innovation, specified target groups, the Whole Foods shopping experience, and differentiation other than price. Listed on the S & P 500 and Fortune 500 companies, Whole Foods successes are due in part to its mission to provide high quality food, ethical business practices, motivational, and respectful work environment. Locating stores where 40% of residents have a college degree and in highly populated metropolitan areas and requiring foods to be fresh, safe, organic, and reflective of a healthy lifestyle has played a role in a well established Whole Foods brand image. Increased competitive aspects, however, have triggered Whole Foods to examine the need for new direction and ways to stimulate and sustain growth in the industry?