I'm a long time WF stock holder and fan of "alternative" grocers. Since it was Wild Oats. There are some big investors that have been unhappy and applying pressure. WF is fundamentally a regional thing that they made multi regional. It doesn't work everywhere with everybody.
I'm just guessing, but I'd think WF would tighten up the philosophy a little, probably focus on whole and natural foods more than some of the other philosophies as that can scale. That would mean maybe leading a little less with local, FT, and only organic in favor of whole and natural food. Perhaps some more brand name stuff on the shelves. It provides a great way to roll out Go with a customer base that is probably receptive to it. THen I'd expect more technology stuff, curb side pickup, maybe even free delivery from amazon to WF stores for pickup, maybe.
You cant change WF too much or it just breaks and people like it for what it is. I think it would be easier to start a generic grocer from scatch than turn WF in to a safe-way.
I'm just guessing, but I'd think WF would tighten up the philosophy a little, probably focus on whole and natural foods more than some of the other philosophies as that can scale. That would mean maybe leading a little less with local, FT, and only organic in favor of whole and natural food. Perhaps some more brand name stuff on the shelves. It provides a great way to roll out Go with a customer base that is probably receptive to it. THen I'd expect more technology stuff, curb side pickup, maybe even free delivery from amazon to WF stores for pickup, maybe.
You cant change WF too much or it just breaks and people like it for what it is. I think it would be easier to start a generic grocer from scatch than turn WF in to a safe-way.