Whole Foods

[mugofbeer]

Most understand and accept things they don't like or agree with, other's just like to bitch!!!

No company is perfect and I think Wal Mart has made some big public relations mistakes in the past. However, its simply become stylish to blame the world;s woes on Wal Mart. Wal Mart gives people choices. Its huge, its impersonal, its inconvenient - especially for the elderly who most need it, but it serves its purpose. Its far from the only player in town. Some people just don't think things through before they criticize and lay blame or they make statements because the media, their friends or MTV told them they should. I am guilty of it, too, but folks on here point it out which makes me a better person.

[jbrown84]

My brother lives in the Hollywood area of LA and less than a mile from a Whole Foods store. He's told me that he never shops there because it's much too expensive and doesn't have anything he needs that he can't get elsewhere at a lower price. That may not apply to OKC but I've always been fed very well when I visit him.

Apples to Oranges. We don't have anywhere near the alternative options that he has in LA.

[phinzup]

I am not sure how many people on this thread are in the grocery store business but I have long standing exposure to it - it is an extremely competitive business with a low profit margin.

And your average person in a rural or semi rural area are ecstatic when Wal Mart comes to the area. The city folk who want to run Wal Mart into the dust because it isn't good enough for them aren't thinking about how their country cousins are so grateful for the opportunity to have choices in what they can buy. City folk who forget that not everyone lives their lifestyle are just as bad as an old farmer who has no clue what works in the city.

And the fact is, Wal Mart isn't getting a government subsidy. If they stay in business, it is because people want to buy from them. The ones who hate them should vote with their pocketbook.

They stay in business in Oklahoma because there are few alternatives. Coupled with the effects of the current economy. I can remember when WM advertised "Buy American". Now they are the #1 importer of goods from China in the US. I DO vote with my pocketbook, I can't say I have ever WANTED to buy anything from WM.

Wal Mart has over 50% of the grocery business in Oklahoma now. Couple that with the fact that Oklahoma only has about a 3 million population. Not much of an incentive for new markets to open up here anymore.

[soonerguru]

Wal-Mart doesn't just pimp the Chinese products, it actually comes out and tells American companies that if they want to sell their products in their stores, they better move their manufacturing out of the US. They did this with Huffy bikes and numerous other products.

It's an interesting strategy. They're helping move American jobs overseas so Americans can all become poorer and the more poor they are, the more Americans will have to shop at Wal-Mart and buy their ****ty Chinese products. Eureka!

[ljbab728]

Apples to Oranges. We don't have anywhere near the alternative options that he has in LA.

You are wrong about that. In the area he lives in there are only about 3 grocery stores within about a 5 miles radius. Granted if you want to get in your car and drive for miles there are many options but we don't even like to do that here in OKC let alone in the traffic nightmare of LA. I am still not saying we don't need more options here in OKC just that an upscale store like Whole Foods is not the only answer.

[flintysooner]

I like Whole Foods and might shop one if it were relatively close to my home. But I wouldn't go far out of my way.

I remember very clearly when Wal-mart was the underdog. Back then the big retailers were able to keep many of the major suppliers from selling to Wal-mart. But those retailers were only in big cities so Wal-mart went to smaller places.

I also remember many locally owned merchants. A very few I recall fondly and the rest come in pretty much near the "I'm glad they're gone" level. I'm afraid "locals" have been rather idealized and romanticized much more than was ever the reality.

I have noticed that Homeland at 104th and S Penn has definitely made some changes in what I'm certain is anticipation of the new Crest and 104th and S May. And I do appreciate that Sushi bar.

[bombermwc]

Ok, this has been driving me crazy. WALMART DOES NOT EQUAL WHOLE FOODS! They are not even closely the same or resemble each other in any way, shape, or form. They cater to completely different crowds and they are usually mutually exclusive crowds at that. And having a Whole Foods doesn't make a city either. We have the same exact crap at Akins folks. So if you want it, drive your happy butt over there and get it. Otherwise you're going to same the same exact box of cereal at all of these stores, and at different prices. Pick your building/crowd/etc and go at it. Otherwise stop bitching about it, seriously. It's groceries....if you cook, then be a cook and make the best of what you think is sub-par...or move.

[foodiefan]

. . ."make the best of what you think is sub-par...or move.". . .and this kind of thinking drives ME crazy!! And. . .Whole Foods (Central Market/Trader Joes) is a world apart from Akins. With the "live with it or move" attitude, think of all the great businesses that have come to OKC (some local, some national. . .but wonderful none the less) in the past ten years. . .pirmarily because we wanted something different or better than what existed. I do buy a couple of things a WM. . .simply because no one else carries them (Cabot White Sharp Cheddar and 8 O'Clock decaf coffee beans). . . but mostly it's Crest/Homeland/Crescent Market. But. . .they are NOT WF/CM/TJ's. Heck. . . I'd drive to Shawnee if one of them went in there. . .just not as often. And yes, I do stop in to WF in Tulsa whenever I'm up there. . .along with Farrell Family Breads. . .just sure wish (and hope) we will have something similar/better here one of these days. But. . .settle or move?? No way.

[EBAH]

Geeze bombermwc, a little harsh. And, no, they do not have the same crap at Akins, not anywhere even remotely close to the same "crap". Sure for major "health food" brands they have most of what whole foods does (still nowhere near ALL). But, when it comes to gourmet quality base ingredients, like cheese, fish, meat, poultry, and vegetables (as well as bulk herbs, grains, oils, etc), they aren't even in the same stratosphere and neither are any of our local grocers. They actually cry numerous ingredients that would take you a LONG time to find locally. You could probably assemble almost everything that whole foods sells (and I mean raw materials not the packaged health food stuff) by going to a dozen or more stores in the metro (Forward, Cao Nguyen, India Mart, Crescent, Kamps, Wheelers, Avalon, etc). But never in one place.

I get your point, and to a certain extent I agree with you, make the best of what you have local and think positive. But you obviously aren't a gourmet or health food enthusiast based on your post. So, while I can understand you growing tiresome of this thread, for those of us who would be customers of such a store, is there anything wrong with us desiring one? No matter what you say I still am going to find shopping for groceries at Walmart or Crest to be lacking. If you do cook, and enjoy trying exotic things at home, a store like WF is a god send. All I am saying is, it's not your thing, but it is someone elses. And this kind of "like it the way it is or get out" mentality is purely incendiary and counter productive.

[EBAH]

hahaha foodiefan, must've been writing at the same time. Oh yeah, and bombermwc, what year you graduate from MWC? I am a Bomber as well...

[foodiefan]

EBAH. . .you were much more eloquent than I. . .I just wish someone would make an official announcement and we could put all this wishing/hoping behind us!!

[Celebrator]

For those who think "What's the deal with all the fuss about WF?" I understand your point of view to some extent, but the best thing about a store like WF coming to OKC is that it will raise the bar for the other grocers in the area. Wal-Mart will not change their model because of the entrance of a WF into this market, but some of the local chains WILL be pushed to be better...it's competition! That is only going to be a good thing for the grocery market in our area.

We moved here from Orlando about 6 months ago, and we do not miss Publix (or the new WF we got down there just before we moved... for that matter) as much as we thought we would. We really went to WF more as a restaurant than as a grocery store.

We shop some at Homeland (which is not really that bad...carry some local and organic things) Target, and love shopping the Oklahoma Food Cooperative (we have had family and friends visit us from Oregon, Colorado, and Washington DC who were VERY impressed by the CoOp).

Even if WF did not come, we would be happy with our existing mix. But a WF would give us a little bit more of a sophisticated reputation with some people...improving perceptions.

All in all, our supermarket situation could be a lot worse. If we are grateful for what we already have, we will probably get what we want!

[smooth]

For those who think "What's the deal with all the fuss about WF?" I understand your point of view to some extent, but the best thing about a store like WF coming to OKC is that it will raise the bar for the other grocers in the area. Wal-Mart will not change their model because of the entrance of a WF into this market, but some of the local chains WILL be pushed to be better...it's competition! That is only going to be a good thing for the grocery market in our area.

We moved here from Orlando about 6 months ago, and we do not miss Publix (or the new WF we got down there just before we moved... for that matter) as much as we thought we would. We really went to WF more as a restaurant than as a grocery store.

We shop some at Homeland (which is not really that bad...carry some local and organic things) Target, and love shopping the Oklahoma Food Cooperative (we have had family and friends visit us from Oregon, Colorado, and Washington DC who were VERY impressed by the CoOp).

Even if WF did not come, we would be happy with our existing mix. But a WF would give us a little bit more of a sophisticated reputation with some people...improving perceptions.

All in all, our supermarket situation could be a lot worse. If we are grateful for what we already have, we will probably get what we want!

Better? Define better in relation to supermarkets. If you think people being stupid enough to pay higher prices for food that is not treated for pests better, then I really don't know what to say. Give me food I know is pest free instead of this "organic" liberal crap any day!

[Celebrator]

Smooth, not sure why you're getting political here (I'm actually on the conservative side of the ledger). Conservatives can love the environment too.

When I say better, I just mean a better overall shopping experience...updated stores, greater variety, etc. The look and feel of many of the local stores here is not great...they feel quite dated. I have seen lots better stores in other markets (even much smaller ones) from coast to coast.

And while I do not buy organic all of the time, many of the practices used in producing organic foods just promotes better stewardship of the land and our animals. I am not a Sierra Club member, a vegetarian or an animal rights activist, just someone who likes to see people make responsible choices in their businesses (especially when it comes to food production) and I try and make that known with my consumer vote...my shopping dollars. That is why I mostly shop the OK Food CoOp, even though it is a bit more expensive, I like supporting our state's farmers and other small producers. Why not keep our money right here!

[gamecock]

I'm not sure why I'm posting this, but I'll give it another try. Some folks say, "you're going to same the same exact box of cereal at all of these stores, and at different prices," and others say, "pay higher prices for food that is not treated for pests...give me food I know is pest free instead of this "organic" liberal crap any day!" Again, it's not about the food. I won't even be going there to buy the "organic liberal crap" or the cereal. In fact, I will still buy cereal at Walmart, Target, or Homeland. But we'll go for the experience...have a few samples, get something at the bakery, buy some fresh fruit or some cheeses you can't find at Homeland, take something tasty from the hot bar, and so on. That's why Akins doesn't do it. Some people still don't get it.

[bluedogok]

If all you want is Kraft or store brand cheese (and other items), then you wouldn't get the difference in a Whole Foods, Central Market, Sprouts, Newflower/Sunflower and a regular grocery store. Down here we have the liquor retailer Spec's which gives all of them a run for their money when it comes to cheese and deli meats and other specialty items. It isn't just about organic/vegetarian items, it is about a whole lot more than that.

BTW - HEB is planning expansion for this year but unfortunately still staying in Texas.
San Antonio Business Journal - H-E-B plans to open new stores, hire 5,000 people statewide

[soonerguru]

Better? Define better in relation to supermarkets. If you think people being stupid enough to pay higher prices for food that is not treated for pests better, then I really don't know what to say. Give me food I know is pest free instead of this "organic" liberal crap any day!

Is this supposed to have the little sarcasm sign next to it? If so, nice comedy!

[jbrown84]

some of the local chains WILL be pushed to be better...it's competition!

Excellent point!

[betts]

Hahn-Cook on Classen is now demolished. I guess we will see if there's an announcement anytime soon, or if a sign goes up on that lot.

[Pete]

Doesn't the City require a permit for demolition that describes plans for the property?

I looked at the permit on the OKC website (it was issued way back in May) but it doesn't say anything about future plans.

[DelCamino]

Doesn't the City require a permit for demolition that describes plans for the property?........

No, there is no such requirement for a demo permit.

[CaptDave]

Finally had the opportunity to actually visit a Whole Foods store (Louisville KY) to see what the fuss is about. All in all, I liked it quite a bit - the prices on staples really aren't that much higher than other places and the meats looks really good. There was a lot more variety in things like cheese and the prepared food looked outstanding. I don't think I would shop there exclusively, but I can definitely see a combination of Crest and Whole Foods providing high quality, pesticide-free, organic food at a reasonable cost. This is coming from a single dad with two teenage boys and daughter to feed too!!!

[flintysooner]

Recently visited a large HEB store in San Antonio followed by a visit to Whole Foods.

The HEB reminded me of Wal-Mart although with significantly more food choices. Plenty of checkouts but long line in each. Not a lot of help in finding things. Crowded and huge.

Upon entering the Whole Foods we were greeted by an employee who asked if he could help us. We asked the location of an item and he asked if we'd shopped there before. We said we were new and he took us to where our item was stored. Made us feel really good about the entire experience if the visit had ended then. But that level of service was repeated several times during our short stay.

Reminded me of going to Coteney's or Buchanan's of my childhood except with about a thousand times more choices. If all the Whole Foods stores provide that kind of exceptional service it is easy for me to understand why people are repeat shoppers.

[gamecock]

We were in Tulsa last weekend and made a point of stopping by Whole Foods. It was the first time we had been to that particular store. Given what others have said, I expected it to be small. While it was smaller than some of their large stores, the experience was still fantastic--a huge produce selection, huge variety of cheeses, hot bar, bakery, and so forth. The store was packed (2PM on a Sunday). Some folks were eating inside; others were sitting at tables outside enjoying some of their purchases. I just can't believe we don't have one yet in OKC. There is absolutely nothing like it around here, and it is a shame.

[mugofbeer]

If all the Whole Foods stores provide that kind of exceptional service it is easy for me to understand why people are repeat shoppers.

You just have to remember that you pay for what you get. Whole Foods is more expensive and you can't go there to buy Cheerios and Dr. Pepper. It's a different type of store with different brands and is probably 20-40% more expensive than regular stores.