Whole Foods is planning to open a new chain of stores. The company is building a team to focus exclusively on the new concept and that it's already negotiating leases. Stores are expected to start opening next year, followed by a "fairly rapid expansion." Whole Foods' new plan is pressuring the company to draw a sharper distinction between itself and competitors. Last year, for instance, it launched a program that ranks produce and flowers based on their environmental impact.
The company is negotiating for real estate – and searching for the right hotel chain to operate the health resort. So far in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, Whole Foods has opened three new stores, including one relocation, and expects to open six additional stores.
The new chain tailored toward younger consumers could also pressure margins, given its focus on lower prices. But during a conference call, Whole Foods co-founder and co-CEO John Mackey said it will broaden the company's reach with a new generation of people interested in natural foods.
