Why isn't there a Whole Foods, Sprouts,Trader Joes in South LA (Los Angeles: 2013, neighborhood)

[hipcat]

Is it because of the lower property values in the area? Because I often see black and hispanic shoppers at Whole Foods whenever I go to the stores in Torrance. So it's definitly not just a race thing why there isn't these organic food stores in South LA.

[PDF]

Wouldn't these be wealthy blacks and hispanics? These races living in South LA don't need grocery chains like that.

[Ruth4Truth]

I just spoke to a manager and Whole Foods, and she said the company's planning on opening lots of new stores nationwide. She said the company's doing well and will be expanding.

[hipcat]

Originally Posted by PDF

Wouldn't these be wealthy blacks and hispanics? These races living in South LA don't need grocery chains like that.

Why not? South LA is basically a food desert. There have been numerous complants for having fresh food grocery stores in the area for years. I used to live on Crenshaw and Florence. And there's little in the way of food options over there other than fast food, and liquor stores.

Here's an article that talks about this.

http://www.neontommy.com/news/2012/0...me-communities

[PDF]

Originally Posted by hipcat

Why not? South LA is basically a food desert. There have been numerous complants for having fresh food grocery stores in the area for years. I used to live on Crenshaw and Florence. There's little in the way of food options other than fast food, and liquor stores.

But these chains have to be willing to open up there, and I don't see that happening. I work for one of the chains you mentioned, and they are expanding in others area of LA. South LA isn't even on their radar.

[Ruth4Truth]

Whole Foods might not, because they're more high-end in their pricing. But Trader Joe's isn't. Though it has a pretty eclectic selection in their packaged and frozen foods. But it's a discount retailer. Might be perfect for that neighborhood.

[annonymous0381]

Even stores like Ralphs and Vons won't open a store in South LA. I'm curious as to why?

[Ruth4Truth]

In my town there are 2 Whole Foods within a block of each other (one was a Wild Oats that Wh. Foods acquired), and across the street is Trader Joe's. And there's a fresh fruit and veggie market in the same block. A few blocks away are two Smith's grocery stores. Those are all mid-town. North end has 3 grocery stores, two in the same shopping mall. Then in the south end of town, there's nothing other than an Albertson's. Strange distribution of stores. They clump up, but in the south end, there's only 1.

[jm1982]

This is a good question. I would think a Trader Joes would do well in the USC area, ...looks like the Village@USC project might have a Trader Joes...it seems like it would make sense
The Village At Usc : Curbed LA

Also I read recently that some Fresh+Easy stores might get bought out by Trader Joes. Fresh+Easy not doing well

Looks like there is a F&E at
3335 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007

Fresh & Easy Not Cool Enough For CA: Trader Joe's or Walmart Could Take Over Stores - GroStos - Curbed LA

I don't dislike F&E but I think Trader Joes is a better store overall..and their products are a lot more appealing.

[jm1982]

Not sure why they won't open a store... I guess it must be because they think the neighborhood wouldn't support it.

If a company thinks they will make money somewhere they will open a store in that area.