Why The Fresh Market is more fresh than Whole Foods

Why The Fresh Market is more fresh than Whole Foods
Tags: Customer Experience, Customer Service, Merchandising, Supermarkets & Grocery Stores
August 29, 2011 - Annamaria Turano

Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market, Inc. is a specialty grocery retailer focused on providing high-quality products in a unique and inviting atmosphere with a high level of customer service. The company operates 107 stores in 21 states, located in the Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. A recent press release from Craig Carlock, CEO, The Fresh Market highlights the chain's customer value proposition and its expansion goals: "We look forward to introducing The Fresh Market's concept of quality perishables, excellent customer service and a unique atmosphere to an expanded customer base, and we look forward to offering neighboring communities a rewarding new food shopping experience."

In the release, Carlock compared the store's feel to older European markets and indicates that the store environment is designed to deliver a sensory-friendly environment. "Our customers enjoy shopping in an environment that appeals to all the senses," he said. "The smell of freshly brewed coffee and bread right out of the oven, the sound of classical music, soft lighting with antique décor in an intimate setting, and the ability to select and taste fresh, high-quality products all work together to create surroundings where customers are encouraged to experience the food."

Why is The Fresh Market the "new" Whole Foods?

Pricing is practical. Comparing apples to apples (or, in this case, gourmet cheese to gourmet cheese), The Fresh Market's offerings seem to be priced in line with conventional supermarkets. The market offers a refreshing change vs. "Whole Paychecks" higher-priced cheese, meat, seafood, etc.
Good things come in small packages. The smaller store footprint means that the parking lot, store, and registers are easier to navigate – even on a busy weekend afternoon.
Delight and dazzle drives loyal customers. Whole Foods' mission of "Satisfy and Delight" might be trumped by The Fresh Market as TFM's warm ambiance, warmer customer service, and hot-yet-free coffee ensures customers leave with a smile on their face and a spring in their step.

Customers should be looking forward to The Fresh Market's continued goal of enhancing the grocery shopping experience.

Tim Bernal
56835042
Is this a paid advertisement? I don't think Whole Foods is the end-all, be-all for grocery stores but there is nothing to this article that makes a tangible claim as to why Fresh Market is a better place. The 3 reasons are completely subjective (except possibly price, but is it really apples to apples on quality, and if so, are they somehow able to secure lower costs or are they just taking a lower margin off of lower volume).

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