Whole Foods Rumor Bites the Dust
The Local dispels the rumor started by the developer of the 365-unit rental at 470 Vanderbilt Avenue that Whole Foods was under consideration for the site: “‘There’s nothing in the works here right now,’ said Mara Engel Wedeck, contact for the Northeast region for the behemoth healthy foods chain.” Oh well.
The Local dispels the rumor started by the developer of the 365-unit rental at 470 Vanderbilt Avenue that Whole Foods was under consideration for the site: “‘There’s nothing in the works here right now,’ said Mara Engel Wedeck, contact for the Northeast region for the behemoth healthy foods chain.” Oh well.
Brownstoners:
Please read this:
http://fort-greene.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/about-whole-foods/
Thanks,
Andy Newman
The Local
DH – I realize I’m a bit late here, but “Whole Foods good” vs. “Wal-Mart bad” is almost entirely a class issue of the “Bobos in Paradise” variety.
Hrm… since the 4th ave location didn’t work out for them, 470 Vanderbilt does seem like a reasonable alternative, actually. It’s got the same proximity to the slope (roughly) and major traffic arteries — minus the brownfield issues.
The strongest voice against Wal-Mart a few years back was the union that represents grocery employees; at the time, Wal-Mart paid employees particularly badly (and would likely force some NYC grocery stores out of business if they moved in). Whole Foods isn’t perfect but has a much better record regarding employee pay and benefits.
If Wal-Mart ever came here and was its regular mega-size, I’d think they would have to go somewhere on the fringes where they could have a giant store and parking lot. I’m sure it would be popular, but would hardly be a neighborhood retailer.
DH, buy your deoderant at Duane Reade!
Yeah – best buy does that too. i feel that’s common place for larger stores with items that CAN be expensive (wal mart sells tvs, electronics etc)
I hear that “putting mom and pop stores out of business” mumbo jumbo re: wal-mart. come on, so I’m supposed to pay twice the amount for deodorant, toilet paper, soap, etc at a bodega to support local business, and then buy my groceries at WF? it just seems so fashionable to hate on wal-mart.
**the above rant was not directed at any previous commenters**
“I’m just not there with that whole “let’s treat all of our customers like they are criminals” thing.”
This is done at Home Depot, too. FYI, it’s as much about employees, and preventing “shortage,” as customers. They’re looking to prevent “inside jobs.” Not saying it’s right or wrong, but doesn’t normally bother me.
I don’t particularly care if a Wal-mart opens in the city, but I won’t shop there because they check everyone’s receipt as you leave the store.
I’m just not there with that whole “let’s treat all of our customers like they are criminals” thing.
As for Whole Foods v. Wal-mart…
Whole Foods sells high end stuff at moderate to high prices
Wal-mart sells cheap crap cheaply
Wal-mart is useful but not exciting. It’s basically a big Target, and I live a few blocks from Target and can’t say it does much for me. Is it useful? Sure. But exciting… no.
“the answer is super simple dipster. most nyc’ers are fake and hypocritical and like to pretend they are better than the rest of the country.”
I’m hoping that’s not the reason Rob, but that’s the impression I get.
the answer is super simple dipster. most nyc’ers are fake and hypocritical and like to pretend they are better than the rest of the country.
*rob*