• 1 page describing the company, interesting facts about the c...

• 1 page describing the company, interesting facts about the company, the company's competitors broadly defined and then the 3-4 key competitors.
• 1-2 pages on the company's 3 or more competitive strengths, their 3 or more competitive weaknesses and explain why for each one.
• 1-2 pages of what you think will be the 1-2 key issues that will determine the near term and long term stock price (they could be different for each time frame).

These solutions may offer step-by-step problem-solving explanations or good writing examples that include modern styles of formatting and construction of bibliographies out of text citations and references. Students may use these solutions for personal skill-building and practice. Unethical use is strictly forbidden.

Whole Foods Market is one of the biggest health food store chains in the United States and the first national “Certified Organic” grocer. It’s America’s Healthiest Grocery Store which seeks out the finest natural and organic foods available and maintains the strictest quality standards in the industry. All of its stores are certified. Beginnings of Whole Foods Market are related for John Mackey and Renee Lawson who opened a small natural foods store called Safer Way in Austin, Texas, in 1978. Two years later, they partnered with Craig Weller and Mark Skiles, owners of Clarksville Natural Grocery. This partnership resulted in opening of the original Whole Foods Market on September 20, 1980. They made this decision because they considered that the natural foods industry was ready for a supermarket format. They have started at 10,500 square feet and a staff of 19, quite large store for that time standards. Next year, on Memorial Day, the worst flood in 70 years devastated the city of Austin and the Whole Food Market’s inventory was wiped out and the equipment was damaged. The losses were enormous, approximately $400,000, and without insurance the company had to find solution to repair the damaged caused by flood. Customers, neighbors, as well as creditors and investors helped them to clean up the damaged. Whole Food Market re-opened only 28 days after the flood.
In 1978, John Mackey and Renee Lawson borrowed $45,000 from friends and family to open store called Safer Way. When they partnered with owners of Clarksville Natural Grocery, the new company was created and become successful because of committed staff. This company grew in one of the best companies in natural and organic food industry. In the last 25 years, Whole Foods Market had an average annual total return of more than 14%. Business strategy to Whole...