A Twelvemonth Later Amazon Acquisition, Whole Foods Deals Alongside Centralization In Addition To Layoffs

From GeekWire:

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 twelvemonth after its blockbuster acquisition of Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, Amazon is shaking up in the manner the natural grocery shop is run. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 novel efficiency-first ideology agency greater centralization for the Austin, Tex.-based grocery chain — as well as the layoffs that come upwards with it.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Whole Foods is laying off hundreds of in-store marketing employees. They were inward accuse of drawing out the familiar chalkboard signs, every bit good every bit organizing local events inward an endeavor to connect Whole Foods stores with the communities they serve.

These layoffs are a sign of a greater force for centralization at Whole Foods. More as well as to a greater extent than decisions, similar finance as well as purchasing, are beingness made at the headquarters inward Austin rather than at private stores. According to The Wall Street Journal, Whole Foods executives tell that centralization volition meliorate efficiency as well as salvage money. The Journal also said that hundreds of layoffs accept led to calls for unionization inside the company. Whole Foods did non similar a shot response to GeekWire’s asking for comment on the claims.

In March, dozens of Whole Foods executives as well as senior managers reportedly left the company. The turnover was said to accept caused line organization alongside suppliers as well as employees close Whole Foods losing its identity every bit it continues to integrate with Amazon.

Things shifted inward the provide chain, too. The Wall Street Journal said suppliers were angered past times the higher rates Whole Foods charged them to sell products. Whole Foods at nowadays charges at to the lowest degree a three per centum fee to restock items as well as run promotions for suppliers who sell $300,000 worth of trade annually....MORE