Two interesting, and unrelated (?) items from the same newsletter (Agenda Inc's Live Feed).
As reported by The Wall Street Journal (12/2), the nation's leading natural and organics food chain reported projected 2007 growth slowing to the 6-8% range (which sounds pretty bloody good to me , off from 11% growth for 2006 and a peak of 14.9% in 2004. The street punished the stock -23% on 11/3.
I'm guessing (despite the denials of Whole Foods chairman), that what's really on the mind of Wall Street is WalMarts earlier this year announcement of a major push into the organics space.
So, what's a niche marketer to do?:
The chairman cut his salary to $1--admirable, but not likely to improve the bottom line
Far more interesting is the announcement of a Dallas test of a full-service, in-store spa, with a full menu of treatments, including a 10 minute "pick me up" massage, and a full spa food menu. Dubbed, REFRESH, it includes the sale of a range of natural cotton clothing and bedding, a range of high end beauty and body products, and a full service "food concierge" , who will shop, meal plan, suggest gifts, and deliver (all for a mere $20/hour).
Small luxuries, time as currency--spot on.

 

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