Whole Foods in West Valley (Phoenix, Mesa: apartment, neighborhoods, university)

[dajohnson99]

Why is there no Whole Foods in the West Valley? I'm talking specifically about places like Peoria, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, etc... It just seems like there is a huge market that is missing out.

This may seem like a stupid question but I don't live there yet and I know that sometimes local people know things that other don't. I looked on the Whole Foods website for new openings and stores in development and the only one on their slate is in Tempe.

Anyway, thank you if you can answer this question.

[grmi66]

Probably simple demographics, my guess is that Whole Foods has a target income bracket within a 20 minute drive of a store that they need to hit.

I'm an ex-west valley resident and while there are some nice neighborhoods in the area, there are still a lot of working class and lower income neighborhoods that blanket much of the west valley. One reason why you will see more full size Hispanic grocery stores and carnicerias (little neighborhood butcher/convenience stores) dotting the area.

[goolsbyjazz]

I've been pushing for one in the car East valley around the Mesa/Gilbert area.

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by goolsbyjazz

I've been pushing for one in the car East valley around the Mesa/Gilbert area.

I would think the former Albertsons at Power/Queen Creek would be a good location for one.

[grmi66]

Whole Foods is owned by Amazon. Trust me, they know every detail about the demographics in the west valley and then some. If they can't pencil out a profit, they won't open a new store.

[PhoenixSomeday]

Where in Tempe? I work a mile away from the one at Baseline and Rural, or, at least, where it used to be. I went there a few weeks ago and it's gone. Signs taken down, store empty.

[vaporaze]

Originally Posted by dajohnson99

Why is there no Whole Foods in the West Valley? I'm talking specifically about places like Peoria, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, etc... It just seems like there is a huge market that is missing out.

This may seem like a stupid question but I don't live there yet and I know that sometimes local people know things that other don't. I looked on the Whole Foods website for new openings and stores in development and the only one on their slate is in Tempe.

Anyway, thank you if you can answer this question.

Yeah we have been craving a Whole Foods in the north west valley for a long time. Especially over in north Peoria by lake pleasant and Happy valley. Whole foods location scout have to see that this would be a good area for them. I think they will eventually open one but for now i guess driving east on the 101 to Scottsdale Rd is the closest.

[dajohnson99]

Originally Posted by PhoenixSomeday

Where in Tempe? I work a mile away from the one at Baseline and Rural, or, at least, where it used to be. I went there a few weeks ago and it's gone. Signs taken down, store empty.

It's going to be on the corner of W. University Ave and Ash Ave in the new apartment building called The Local.

[dajohnson99]

Originally Posted by vaporaze

Yeah we have been craving a Whole Foods in the north west valley for a long time. Especially over in north Peoria by lake pleasant and Happy valley. Whole foods location scout have to see that this would be a good area for them. I think they will eventually open one but for now i guess driving east on the 101 to Scottsdale Rd is the closest.

That's what my thought would be too. I've seen Whole Foods locations in other states in very obscure locations with demographics that aren't their target that are still very successful so there should be no reason for there not be one somewhere in the West Valley.

[dajohnson99]

Originally Posted by grmi66

Whole Foods is owned by Amazon. Trust me, they know every detail about the demographics in the west valley and then some. If they can't pencil out a profit, they won't open a new store.

That's true!