<p>Whole Foods is furthering its expansion goals by moving into some of the <b>toughest markets and neighborhoods</b> in the US, according to Forbes.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">During its latest stage of growth, it will be opening up over <b>1,000 "smaller and urban" stores</b> in markets that were previously unimaginable for the retailer. In an effort to become <b>more accessible to the masses</b>, it is going for smaller stores in markets such as Brooklyn and Boise, as well as bigger stores in places like Downtown Detroit and Englewood.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Though the Whole Foods brand is well known, it was <b>previously thought to be out of reach by many</b>. These new stores are an attempt to overcome this perception and drive growth for the retailer.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">However, one of the largest obstacles to overcome is the integration into neighborhoods that on the surface don't seem like a good fit for Whole Foods. <b>Remaining true to the brand while also being inclusive</b> in these areas are important aspects of this expansion.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"This (move into lower income areas) is a bit of a stretch for us, but it’s the next stretch. And it’s one that makes sense…as long as we do it respectively and inclusively within a community," said Whole Foods Co-CEO Walter Robb.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">In order to move into lower income areas, Whole foods focused on initiatives like offering <b>carefully selected lower-priced items</b> than are stocked in other locations. Also included was more of <b>Whole Foods' house brand</b>, 365 Everyday Value, as well as <b>fresh food that is priced individually</b> rather than per pound. Regional <b>food stamp programs</b> are also accepted.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">In every community it enters, Whole Foods commits to truly becoming a part of that community. This has come in the form of nonprofit donations and adding jobs for people within those communities. With an <b>average hourly wage of $18.89</b> in 2013, the infusion of Whole Foods jobs could be a real boon for low-income areas.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Expanding into these neighborhoods ultimately means healthier food will be available to the local residents. While the benefits to these areas are obvious, the economics are also turning out favorably for Whole Foods. The Detroit, Brooklyn, Boise, and Lincoln locations are all <b>exceeding expectations</b>.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">So far, Whole Foods' latest expansion is an <b>interesting success story</b>, proving that it can market to a much wider audience.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/" target="_new" class="btn"> Whole Foods </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
