Whole Foods

CASE 1: Whole Foods Market in 2008: Vision, Core Values, and Strategy

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

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

2. Is the strategy well matched to recent developments and conditions in the natural and organic foods segment of the food retailing industry?

3. Do you think John Mackey has a good strategic vision for Whole Foods? What do you like/dislike about the company’s motto “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet?” Do the motto and the principles underlying it (Exhibit 1) really matter at this company or are they just nice words?

4. Do Whole Foods Market’s core values as presented in case Exhibit 3 really matter? Have Whole Foods’ core values contributed to the company’s success?

5. How well is Whole Foods Market performing from a financial perspective?

6. How well is Whole Foods Market performing from a strategic perspective? Does Whole Foods enjoy a competitive advantage over its rivals? Does the company have a winning strategy?

7. Do you approve of the decision to acquire Wild Oats Market? What are the Pros and Cons of the decision?

8. What recommendations would you make to John Mackey regarding the actions that Whole Foods’ management needs to take to get through the recession that began in earnest in 2008? Should the company severely cut back on opening so many new stores? Should the company vigorously contest the reopening of the FTC’s challenge to the Wild Oats acquisition?

9. UPDATE: What has happened since the time the case was written? Has Whole Foods’ situation improved or worsened? What has it done about store opening and its debt load?