Profile: Whole Foods Market Inc (WFM.OQ)

Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Whole Foods Market), incorporated on August 15, 1980, is a natural and organic foods supermarkets. As of September 25, 2011, Whole Foods Market operated 311 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Company’s stores average 38,000 square feet in size and 10 years in age, and are supported by its Austin headquarters, regional offices, distribution centers, bakehouse facilities, commissary kitchens, seafood-processing facilities, meat and produce procurement centers, and a specialty coffee, tea procurement and roasting operation. As of September 25, 2011, it operated 311 stores, of which 299 stores operated in 38 United States and the District of Columbia; seven stores in Canada; and five stores in the United Kingdom. It owns 12 stores, two distribution facilities and land for one store in development, including the adjacent property. It also owns a building on leased land, which is leased to third parties, and has one store in development on leased land.

Whole Foods Market offers a range of natural and organic products with focus on perishable foods. The Company’s product selection includes produce, seafood, grocery, meat and poultry, bakery, prepared foods and catering, specialty (beer, wine and cheese), coffee and tea, nutritional supplements, vitamins, body care, educational products such as books, floral items, pet products and household products. It estimates its stores carry on average approximately 21,000 stock keeping units (SKUs). Its store brands feature approximately 2,600 SKUs led by its primary brand and 365 Everyday Value.

The Company owns two produce procurement centers, which facilitate the procurement and distribution of the majority of the produce it sells. It also operates four seafood processing and distribution facilities, a specialty coffee and tea procurement and roasting operation, and 10 regional distribution centers that focus primarily on perishables distribution to its stores across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. In addition, it has five regional commissary kitchens and seven bakehouse facilities, all of which distribute products to its stores. Other products are procured through a combination of specialty wholesalers and direct distributors.