Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s Cultivate Image As Must-Visit Health Food Destinations

Unlike conventional supermarkets, Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s are destinations: places consumers seek out and travel to over long distances. The two chains’ retail strengths echo similar market strategies as they seek to capitalize on growing consumer interest in natural and organic products, according to “Whole Foods and the Natural Food Channel” and “Trader Joe’s and the Natural Food Channel,” companion Packaged Facts’ reports focused on retailing in the natural and organic food and beverage market segment.

In many ways, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have similar—and actually often the same—customers. Many consumers shop at both Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s, or would, if both stores were in the same trading area, notes David Sprinkle, Packaged Facts research director. The report reveals that consumers who are likely to shop at both chains have a higher-than-average education; are more conscious of labels, ingredients, nutrition and eating healthfully than the average consumer; are more interested in natural/organic products (and not just food); are more interested in gourmet foods, foreign foods, and the way food is presented; and are more concerned about environmental issues.  The Shelby Report – Read more…