Whole Foods Trims Sales Outlook

[Sherman A1]

It appears that Whole Foods is still doing very well, despite their CEO's recent comments and general economic headwinds.

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market here on Wednesday said its comparable-store sales growth slowed in the first quarter, and it slightly reduced its sales outlook for the year.

Comps in the 16-week first quarter, which ended Jan. 20, rose 7.2% — much higher than most of the food retailing industry but below its range of 8.5% to 8.9% over the past year.

The company also said its comps for the year are expected to fall in the range of 6.6% to 8%, vs. previous projections of 6.5% to 8.5%. Sales for the year are now expected to rise 10% to 11%, vs previous projections of 10% to 12%.

Net income for the first quarter was $146 million, vs. $118 million a year ago, and sales were up 14%, to $3.86 billion.


Read More: http://supermarketnews.com/retail-amp-financial/whole-foods-trims-sales-outlook#ixzz2LEzdGcWF

[Warpy]

1. I guess they're finding out what Walmart admitted last week

Their customers are tapped out. If they want increased sales, they're going to have to hope for a sizable hike in the minimum wage, something they will shriek about putting them out of business until it happens and their sales improve.

It looks like retail, at least, is finally relearning that the money pump works from the bottom up, not the top down.

[quaker bill]

2. Read it more carefully

Sales are up at WF just not up as much as they estimated, but growing very fast for the industry. Having one around the corner, I can say that it is regularly packed with people, and that shopping there is not something you do if your budget is tight. The only beater cars in the lot would be mine and likely the staff that work there. The rest are pretty shiny, new, and pricey. I do not even want to go near the place on a saturday as it is jam packed from open to close.

They do carry much better produce than the other local options.

[bigdarryl]

3. Yeah where I live in Jersey there's one in Cherryhill thats always packed especially on weekends

Everybody is into this organic food and trying to eat right because every time you turn around there's some report saying this isn't good that isn't good for your body. Like SOY now it's supposed to be not good for.Aspartame is another product that came out as a low to no calorie product in replace of sugar and for diabetics now its supposed to be bad for you.

[WinkyDink]

8. Then you know it's "Cherry Hill." :-)

[Javaman]

4. They are now not the only game on the block...

they now have competition from once traditional grocery stores who know carry organic at better prices.

Here in Austin, near the the WF's "flagship" store there will be soon some major competition. A Trader Joe's and a Central Market are opening up in the next 2 years within blocks of it.

[ananda]

5. I would like to see more Trader Joe's here in Austin.

My nearby HEB has nearly everything its own Central Market does.

HEB's prices are much better than WF's too!

[Javaman]

6. Not only are HEB's prices better...

but their quality of organic produces is much better as well.

[WinkyDink]

9. Non-union TJ's is owned by the German billionaire Albrechts, owner of non-union Aldi's. Just an FYI.

[Javaman]

12. So is WF's...

It will be interesting to see how to non-union corps play out in their grugde match.

I have a feeling, as per usual, the workers will suffer.

[bluestate10]

10. In the Northeast, Price Chopper is an excellent choice. Affordable with lots of Green and

Organic choices and lots of produced in the USA items. Price Chopper carries the Central Market label, I assumed that label was it's house label.

[otherone]

16. Price Chopper is anti- union

But it is where I shop cause of the gas discount..

[quaker bill]

15. True, but the only name on the block here

We have had health food stores since the 1970s, but nothing like WF.

[Javaman]

17. I don't know where your located. So it becomes like a walmart. Funny how half of wf's board is

made up of ex-walmart execs. They pick a territory of least resistance. Give it time.

[flamingdem]

7. Maybe they should reconsider loaves of bread at $5 nt

[Renew Deal]

11. The way I'm reading this is that they are trimming from excellent to great

[Sherman A1]

14. Exactly

however, they are indeed trimming their expectations and that in and of itself is worthy of note.

[zappaman]

13. Headed over there now!

Their meat department is outstanding!
And since we have no butchers around, I will be going over to get a nice tri-tip to grill. The weather is great today and perfect for a BBQ!