Whole Foods = Starbucks

5/14 - "Whole Foods (WFMI) released results and profit fell 13%, again proving like Starbucks' (SBUX) results, consumers will go for the less expensive option for like items...While the company backed its same store sales number of 7.5% to 9.5%, given results to date, one has to think that will turn out to be just way too optimistic.

Like Starbucks, Whole Foods is being hit by a slowing economy and increased competition. Both, unfortunately, are not reacting to it and actually seem to be denying the effect of competitors, preferring instead to focus on macro conditions...The problem with that is growth for both slowed before macro conditions deteriorated. One can only assume that it was because customers we able to find organic meat, eggs and juices at their local markets and rather than make the trip to pay premium prices, choose "the same for less"."

"Here is t...