Whole Foods - Wild Oats Merger

Wild Oats store locations have been added to the Whole Foods website.

But as of March 1, 2008, the Wild Oats stores still have 'Wild Oats' signage out front.

Wild Oats staff people say the Wild Oats stores are going through extensive and fairly costly makeovers. The number mentioned was $1.5 million per store - no official confirmation of this yet.

Whole Foods says this about the merger:

"We expect that over time, you will see some great products and services currently offered in the Wild Oats stores make their way into Whole Foods Market stores and vice versa as a result of combining the best of both companies. Also, the Wild Oats Markets stores will eventually be re-named Whole Foods Market."

To me, there are a couple of very obvious changes at both Wild Oats Markets.

• The produce sections look fresher and more alive, feeling more like the displays at the Whole Foods stores.

• The staff seem more pro-active about asking: "Can I help you find something?" and then walking me to the product I'm looking for. Wild Oats staff were helpful before, but I don't remember them being quite this energetic.
  

• The Whole Foods 365 brands and Border Grill items have found their way onto Wild Oats shelves, along side some Wild Oats branded merchandise.

I hope this continues. Wild Oats had some excellent products & services (fresh juice bar, frozen pizzas, the new deli sandwich recipes, and their baked goods: specifically their cookies & muffins).

So this is the best of both worlds for me right now. And it seems like Whole Foods is really trying to fulfill their promise:

"We are committed to improving upon the already unparalleled level of service, amazing selection and attention to detail. By joining the strengths of two natural and organic foods pioneers, we see an opportunity to deliver a wider selection and a more robust, authentic shopping experience."