CHARLEBOIS: Has Amazon's Whole Foods bet six years ago been a bust?

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The necessity for increased competition within Canada\u0027s grocery industry is a consensus that resonates across the nation.

Loblaw and Empire, the conglomerate behind Sobeys, experienced share price depreciations exceeding 3.5 percent, while Metro observed a nearly three percent decline in its stock valuation. Canadian grocery retailers swiftly pivoted towards the burgeoning food virtual market, marked by the proliferation of “Clicks and Collects.”

Moreover, the footprint of Whole Foods has remained unchanged since its acquisition. While the United States boasts approximately 500 stores, Canada’s count remains fixed at a mere 14. It is imperative to note that the cost of the average grocery basket at Whole Foods substantially eclipses the norm, a disconcerting observation in an era marked by skyrocketing food prices.

Presently, Amazon Fresh operates 38 stores, none of which are situated in Canada, although a few are scattered across Europe. Notably, Amazon temporarily halted the expansion of this venture less than a year ago, ostensibly for a comprehensive reassessment. In practice, these stores have often provided lower-quality products at inflated prices, resulting in an underwhelming consumer experience.

This development stands in stark contrast to the last attempt by an American grocery retailer to penetrate the Canadian market, a venture undertaken by Target in 2014, which concluded with well-documented challenges.

 

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