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Whole Foods Market

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Case Study: Whole Foods Market 2006: Mission, Core Values and Strategy

1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing?

Founder John Mackey strongly believed in Whole Foods’ mission to be very selective about store inventory, sticking to the company’s core values and ensuring that customers had an enjoyable and interactive shopping experience, while keeping with planned strategies that have set them apart from their competitors. Store Development and Growth Strategy: Prior to 2002, Whole Foods’ strategy for expansion meant the acquisition of smaller, similar chains. The obstacle here was that acquisitions proved to be very limiting in square footage as well as location. Since 2002, Whole …show more content…

Whole Foods actually stands behind their motto by obtaining the highest quality foods possible (“Whole Foods”), by employing qualified individuals through a strict hiring and screening process (“Whole People”), and by being socially and globally responsible through partnering with organic suppliers and not-for-profit organizations. This motto is specific in it’s purpose and not vague or general in any way.

4. Do Whole Foods Market 's core values as presented in case exhibit 3 really matter? Are they "real" or just cosmetic window dressing? What evidence can you cite to support your answer? Have Whole Foods ' core values contributed to the company 's success? Why or why not?

Whole Foods’ core values are indeed sincere, especially where a sense of community is concerned. For example, Whole Foods sponsors the program, “Whole Planet Foundation” where small loans are granted to individuals in impoverished areas of the world to start a small business utilizing a special skill or trade; Whole Foods also assists with financing low-interest loans to local farmers to ensure their continued livelihood to provide locally grown produce and livestock; Whole Foods also participates in their annual “5% Day”, where 5% of the day’s net profit from each store is donated to a chosen local non-profit charity. Whole Foods does not limit their motto and core values just to print – they are proactive in what they believe in.

5. How well

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