Since its acquisition by Amazon in August, Whole Foods has implemented some changes that are causing its suppliers to worry. Among them are centralized buying, higher charges for placement in certain sections of the store, and a new inventory system.
While most suppliers are staying on with Whole Foods, CNN Money reports that some of them are diversifying their customer base in anticipation of more changes from the retailer. Will Harris of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia, like many other suppliers, once got a loan from Whole Foods to expand his production. Now, he’s more skeptical. “Despite their altruistic philosophy, at the end of the day, Whole Foods is a stock company, and they owe allegiance to the shareholders,” he told CNN.
Meanwhile, suppliers aren’t the only ones worried about the future of Whole Foods. The company’s new inventory system is reportedly driving some employees to tears. And customers have noticed stocking issues in outposts across the country.