Whole Foods to launch new ‘365’ stores in Atlanta (Decatur: appointed, home)

[Airforceguy]

As Whole Foods continues to expand in Atlanta, the organic grocer is also looking to bring its smaller, more affordable 365 store concept to the market. Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market Inc. is actively scouting three sites in metro Atlanta for its new “365 by Whole Foods Market,” according to sources familiar with the company’s plans.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/p...n-atlanta.html

[Atlwarrior]

Just make an Atlanta Business Chronicles thread and post all new articles there.

[AnsleyPark]

I think this is a smart move by Whole Foods. I went to one of their stores yesterday for the first time in years. While the layout, produce, meats, etc. are very nice, it is just too expensive. Their 365 brand is less expensive than many of the other brands they sell. However, given the proliferation of Sprouts and others, I wonder if this move is too little, too late.

[ATLTJL]

I wonder how Sprouts is doing in Atlanta? I know there's a lot of excitement and it's cropping up everywhere.

But I have yet to talk to anyone who feels more than "meh" about it after going.

[OneTrickNet]

I must be odd, because I don't think Sprouts is any cheaper than Whole Foods. Their cereal is still in the $3.50-$4.00 range. Organic produce is competitive, but not out of this world. All in all, I'm disappointed and underwhelmed with Sprouts. I don't get all the love for it.

If this new concept is able to undercut Sprouts or even Trader Joe's, they might have a chance. Otherwise, I think it might be a failure.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

I wonder how Sprouts is doing in Atlanta? I know there's a lot of excitement and it's cropping up everywhere.

But I have yet to talk to anyone who feels more than "meh" about it after going.

I really enjoy shopping at Sprouts. I like the size of the stores and appreciate the selection and freshness of their produce. My "go to" grocery, however, remains Publix. Now, if there were an Ingle's close by...

[DJDeadParrot]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

But I have yet to talk to anyone who feels more than "meh" about it after going.

I go to Sprouts mainly for their bulk goods, and for the Irish soda bread loaves. I've found the prices never exceed those of Whole Foods. Some of the time they're a good bit lower, though the selection isn't nearly as good. Still, I drop in every couple of weeks, but hardly ever for essentials.

[Airforceguy]

It looks like a Whole Foods may come to Decatur...

Developer S.J. Collins Enterprises is in advanced talks with Whole Foods for a site at North Decatur Road and Church Street, according to several sources familiar with the plans. The organic grocer could take a spot across Church Street from the Tesla Motors showroom.
Jeff Garrison, a partner with S.J. Collins, in a statement said he could not confirm the project. But, he said Decatur is a booming area that would be a good fit for a retail project.
The project would bring more investment and retail to an area that was overlooked for years, but now is seeing significant development.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/r...r-decatur.html

[PKCorey]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

Now, if there were an Ingle's close by...

Is the one in Peachtree Corners too far for you?

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by PKCorey

Is the one in Peachtree Corners too far for you?

I suppos not really too far. I stop by there when I'm in that neck of the woods. It's just that we have a Publix a half mile from home and a Kroger within a mile.