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Dawn Klingensmith

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My Half-hearted Relationship with Whole Foods

September 30, 2011 By Dawn Leave a Comment

Often when reporting stories, I uncover a story behind the story that lack of space or relevance precludes me from pursuing. Sometimes, it’s not so much a story as further evidence that I am not normal, which, now that I think about it, hardly qualifies as “news.” 

This happened while researching an article on in-store marketing to women, or creating a retail environment that appeals to us gals. Whole Foods was mentioned time and again as a grocer that does this effectively.

Am I the only woman in the world who doesn’t find shopping at Whole Foods to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience?

In explaining how Whole Foods appeals to women, one source mentioned the cleanliness (no argument there) and the “gleaming piles” of produce. Am I the only one who dreads removing an apple from the perfectly formed, impossibly vertical pile for fear of triggering an avalanche?

Also, I can’t navigate my way around that store at all, and there’s not enough helpful signage for the directionally challenged. I cannot think of a single time I’ve gone to Whole Foods when I haven’t had to ask for directions. I’m not talking about “Where can I find nutmeg?” I’m talking about, “Where the heck am I?” I can’t get the lay of the land.

This isn’t intended as a harsh criticism of Whole Foods; I just don’t think the store’s setup is universally appealing. However, I do think the merchandise is well-selected and almost cruelly tempting, and I would probably shop at Whole Foods more often if I could afford to. They have good cheeses, and I like their bulk aisle.

But I’d need to brush up on my Jenga skills in order to buy apples, and leave a trail of organic multigrain bread crumbs to find my way around.

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About Word Tonic

Sundry topics that tickle my fancy: writing for fun and profit; health; culture; relationships; marketing; feline psychology. With a lemon twist.

Dawn Klingensmith Copywriter

About Dawn Klingensmith

Story assembler and serial deadline slayer. Oxford comma convert. (Sorry, Associated Press.) Random likes: cabernet franc, colored Sharpies, Chicago storefront theatre, old-school paper planners, and cats in sunbeams.

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