Anyone wanna speculate on what happens to us? Does Amazon do away with the PFDS/Bakery team to make more room for groceries? Do drones take over steaming up bags of food? Do they have an expo drone to garnish and run food?
My guess is a slow transition away from at least the PFDS team, although they are 2nd or 3rd in sales in most stores, Amazon bought Whole Foods to get in the grocery business, not restaurant business.
Just because the department is safe under an Amazon model does not necessarily mean the resources in those departments are safe. Amazons goal is to deliver cheap product fast to the consumer taking cost out of the model at every single touch point. Why do you think the major union organization opposes to the Amazon buyout of Whole Foods. Because they know this will ultimately lead to lost or low paying jobs. Mr. m sold us out. While guaranteeing him a seat at the table
Tell me you are aware of brick and mortar Amazon stores....
PFDS will be key to the success of these stores as the strategy is tested and proven by whole foods. Any PFDS leader will agree that grab and go is the trend, and this is what Amazon will utilize to leverage the grab and go concept in their stores. I think PFDS is the safest team in the long run with the buyout.
Sodexo or Compass will take over. Pay rates will drop but everyone will be offered a job with them.
No, the money is most definitely not made in PFDS. It's true, at around 55% it's the highest margin team, but the labor is in the area of 25%, and the overhead for equipment and utilities are very high. Grocery is where the money is made.
Isn't the money made in grocery stores in the prepared foods sections? It's shocking to see how much has changed in the 9 years I've been around though. More stuff from bags, more frozen items I suppose.
Think IKEA cafeteria
Ultimately this will be known as the 'Culinary Team' . If you recall, a VP of Culinary was appointed around two years ago. This position is already tested at some SW locations. For now, all I can say is that 'get ready for a WFM evolution'
Holy c....!!!!!!