TT post may 6 2016

"I haven't seen this reported ..."

Now it's reported.

http://m.toledoblade.com/Retail/2016/05/06/Whole-Foods-plans-a-new-concept-store.html

Whole Foods Market has redrawn its plans for Toledo, with officials announcing this week that the company will forgo building one of its traditional markets in favor of its new value-focused concept called 365 by Whole Foods.

"Toledo is not a $4.99 for a pound of grapes kind of town."

Company officials say the store will put more focus on Whole Foods’ house brands while eliminating some high-end items.

The 365 concept also lowers overhead costs by doing away with in-house butchers and fishmongers.

Like Whole Foods Markets, the 365 by Whole Foods stores will sell prepared food on site.

More from the story:

Officials did not say when the Toledo location would open. The first 365 store in the country is slated to open this month in Los Angeles.

... the company’s high prices have driven other shoppers away. Experts say the new 365 stores are an attempt to address that ...

With this week’s announcement, some have wondered whether the scaled-back store will still carry the same clout.

Interesting concept ...

One original feature will be the Friends of 365 section, which are essentially stores within a store that are run by independent but like-minded companies.

When the company first floated the idea, it suggested possibly having tattoo parlors and record stores inside the store.

“Each store kind of has its own unique process,” Mr. McCormack said. “Some will be all local distributors, some will be larger chains. It really just depends.”

Mr. McCormack said Whole Foods hasn’t yet named vendors for the Toledo location.

#toledo #food