What Does a Second Whole Foods Mean For Detroit?

Interesting that in a city with such a high poverty rate (though childhood poverty has dropped for the first time since the recession) a high power, high-end grocery chain like Whole Foods has seen success. So much that the company wants to open a second location. Even though its overall stock has fallen 35 percent this year, as Khushbu Shah at Eater.com reports.

Over at Curbed Detroit, talks of rumors that they are looking at a second location on Jefferson Avenue. If this is true my guess is that it would be near the Villages, but how will that effect new, smaller stores like Parker Street Market? Or other non-chain groceries likeIndian Village Market Place?

Shah pointed out that for the first time ever Whole Foods is looking to launch a rewards program, stating that since other cheaper grocery chains are now offering local and organic food at more affordable prices "the do-gooder chain is finally evolving beyond its exclusive niche." This could be a good thing considering that about 148,000 of the 740,207 low-income Michigan families will have 15 percent cut from their food stamps assistance in November. Good news is that Model D published a profile of three local businesses saying that Whole Foods is certainly aiding to their success. Anything "local" and more "affordable" in terms of groceries seems like a positive progression, anywhere.
—Lisa John Rogers