Could the Memphis area support more than 1 Whole Foods? (Bartlett: coupons, lease)

[tigerphan]

Do you guys think that Memphis could support more than one Whole Foods?

The current east Memphis Whole Foods is in a location that isn't convenient to very many people in either mid town or in Germantown. It's very far out of the way for any of the households in Desoto County, Lakeland, Collierville, Cordova, downtown, and Bartlett....of which there are many potential shoppers.

The grocery options here are a bit weak now that Kroger bought out their competition. Seems like a great opportunity for independents and national chains (such as Whole Foods or specialty stores like Trader Joes) to expand into the region.

[Darkseid]

Originally Posted by tigerphan

Do you guys think that Memphis could support more than one Whole Foods?

According to their corporate office and studies: no

[jabogitlu]

I'm not sure that Whole Foods' target demographic is Desoto County, Cordova, or Bartlett... certainly not Lakeland... There is a reason they're in East Memphis. If they ever open another one, it will probably be in Germantown.

[Kyle]

As for a second Whole Foods, it probably won't happen because of reasons mentioned slightly above my post, and also because there is a planned expansion of the current location once Office Depot's lease next door is up.

[Kabluey]

Memphis has a history of local groceries. I know that it's tough for small, local businesses to compete with national and global conglomerates, particularly in an industry like this, but I'd love to tap into the knowledge and experience that I assume is significant.

When talking about organic grocers (which is really what Whole Foods strike me as their niche), I remember the name Square Foods that struck me (name-wise) as something similar. I know they went out of business quite a long time ago (90s, IIR). I wonder if that name has cachet still. It's a pipe dream that I'd love to see that name resurrected (as long as it's done well).

TJ seems to be more of a fit, because it's more affordable, in my experience. I suppose it wouldn't be such a competitor that it would drive off farmers' markets or Easy Ways.

I wonder really what Whole Foods provides that farmers' markets don't? I've been to WF in the Tucson area, and what they seem to add is organic or "healthy" prepared frozen, boxed or otherwise packaged foods. And maybe a variety of farmed products that locals can't grow? Is that what people in Memphis are going to WF for? Kashi cereal and the like?

[jabogitlu]

Well, I don't go to Whole Foods (well - I have used their hot bar for lunch, and they have a good health & beauty section). All of the products I want that fall in that niche can generally be found at Kroger for much cheaper.

[JMT]

There actually used to be two Whole Foods locations in Memphis. When I first moved to Memphis in 1997 there was a small Whole Foods on Union in Midtown. I believe it had been Square Foods, or some other locally owned organic store which Whole Foods bought. Whole Foods eventually closed it and expanded their East Memphis location in order to have one large store in Memphis instead of two smaller stores.

[REPBOY]

Originally Posted by jabogitlu

Well, I don't go to Whole Foods (well - I have used their hot bar for lunch, and they have a good health & beauty section). All of the products I want that fall in that niche can generally be found at Kroger for much cheaper.

While I prefer the price point at Kroger, I fairly often find still partly frozen veggies or worse, freezer burned items like the avocados which were rotten when I peeled them yesterday. Fish, seafood and meats are obviously inferior to Fresh Market and Whole Foods, but it's easier to shop and stay within a budget, using coupons and getting gas points at Kroger. International Market on Germantown in Cordova has the freshest fish (usually live) and selection of certain vegetables of anywhere else in town.

[My_home_town]

I like Whole Foods. We visit there depending on what shpooing we have planned for the week. For staples we generally shop (Ok here it goes) Walmart. Their prices are good, the produce is fresh and their general pantry stuff is just fine. We also in addition to Kroger, hit Aldi's. I was opposed to going there and paying a quarter for a cart ;-), but they actually have some private label stuff we love. Their cereal and bread is good and cost effective. Their milk is good too.

[Kyle]

Originally Posted by JMT

There actually used to be two Whole Foods locations in Memphis. When I first moved to Memphis in 1997 there was a small Whole Foods on Union in Midtown. I believe it had been Square Foods, or some other locally owned organic store which Whole Foods bought. Whole Foods eventually closed it and expanded their East Memphis location in order to have one large store in Memphis instead of two smaller stores.

I remember the Midtown location and going there as a little kid (early-mid 90's). It was called Squash Blossom. Then Wild Oats bought it out, closed that location, and kept the E. Memphis location. Whole Foods eventually bought out Wild Oats a few years ago, and it's now a Whole Foods today.