Dallas, Texas 09/12/2014 (FINANCIALSTRENDS) – Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM) started off the ninth month of 2014 averaging 40% lesser over the year, as its comparable store sales have taken a beating, and remain sluggish. The continued downturn has left most investors in this stock and the organic grocer sector wanting for more.
And in answer to investor feedback and market demands, CEO Walter Robb offered the following five-point plan.
5-point Growth Agenda
Walter Robb, who is co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, Inc.(NASDAQ:WFM) has in recent comments highlighted that the first focus for the organic retailer was accelerating growth.
The growth would be driven by increasing the number of stores with the numbers to reach 1,200 stores across the US. He also proposed that the existing stores would be reworked and upgraded, especially if they are older than 10 years. The store upgrades would range from décor to remodelling.
Whole Foods Market, Inc.(NASDAQ:WFM)as the third step proposes to lower the prices, so as to bring in ‘investing in value’ to the investors. Though this would lead to pressure margins and affect profitability as well. Fourthly, the company hopes to get its marketing outlook spruced to address its target audience. It will now make its initial investments in advertising. It also proposes to engage directly with consumers via social media. As Robb comments, “We are also moving forward with our digital roadmap to offer customers more choices and new ways to engage with us.”
Whole Foods Market, Inc.(NASDAQ:WFM) hopes the 5-steps proposed by the CEO will lead to growth and expansion of the company.
At the same time, investors do need to focus on the fact that Whole Foods has been one of the top dividend-paying stocks, in this sector. Thus far the company has been executing dividends based on its initiatives and is expected to become not only a high-growth stock but a dividend paying stock as well.
