Whole Foods Case Analysis

Mission/External Analysis According to Whole Foods Market, Inc.'s Form 10-K from 2002, the company's "goal is to become an international brand synonymous with not just natural and organic foods, but with being the best food retailer in every community in which we are located." The vision of Whole Foods goes deeper than just being a successful grocery store. The company is dedicated to ultimately improving the world in general; it plans to do this by continuing to focus on its immediate visions, which include offering the highest quality of all-natural foods and nurturing a respectful, motivated workplace in which employees are treated fairly. The company's philosophy also includes the declaration that "companies, like individuals, must assume their share of responsibility as tenants of the Earth." Overall external factors with immediate effects on Whole Food Market Inc.‘s business include economic, social, and ecological. Currently, consumers are overspending their personal income limits, energy costs are remaining high as well as interest rates rising. All of these economic issues result in a decreasing disposable personal income among consumers, which could lead to cost saving and discount purchases efforts. For Whole Foods, this can be seen as a possible threat to sales and earnings because of the company‘s well-known high prices. The most influential social factor, which can be seen as a definite opportunity for Whole Foods is America's current Health Consciousness state. Many consumers are taking a stake in improving their eating habits and overall health than ever before. With the continued spread of the health conscious movement, stores like Whole Foods can do nothing but gain.

Industrial Analysis The natural and organic food retail industry has grown rapidly over the past 20 years. This industry saw vast growth during the 1990s, but upon arrival of the 2000s, the growth has steadied itself at 7-9 percent per year from the previous