There has been numerous communication on this board as to the fate of buyers in the new WFM dispensation. With all the changes that are happening for now, I can tell you but one thing. This company is making changes in buying for inventory control, days on hand and increase stock turns and evidently increase cash-flow. They want to fine-tune the buying patterns to a level of 'auto-pilot' that by September 2017 we will see a lay-off of more employees, especially buyers company wide. Let's not forget the lay-offs of Sept 2015. The fact of the matter is that, we are in deep, deep trouble (this management is very aware of this). There will only be a buy-out when the PPS hits $25. Until, then just stay-tuned.
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Three years later and auto-replenishment is finally on the horizon.
Op- it seems this has been the direction we have been headed since the days of Love Fest and Let's-be-Target. The only details left unknown are when and how. I am seriously somewhat surprised to still be here. I feel that infighting at the top has bought us some time but they will start culling again at some point. Ever since 2015 I've played every season as if it were my last and I'd advise other buyers to do the same.
Not quite right here.
Frozen is going to test pilot a global auto program in the fall in the Southwest.
Who says WFM needs to be bought out?
Bulk is next in 2018 in SW.
Buyers will become inventory replenishment specialists in some cases or Dairy and Grocery Buyers will divvy Froz and Bulk buying....so maybe layoffs for some...who knows.
Global knows it still needs store level buyers.
They gotta cut 300$million in the next few years..soooooo..
Organic Buddha has legit posts. Track record of being spot on. Auto pilot will be a nightmare.
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Going back to 2014 (I think?) we were required to attend "buyer classes" (at least in the NE region), it was made clear in one of the classes that the end result was to be a more "automated" buying process that would eliminate buyers or decrease their roles dramatically. With the layoffs of 2015 and the rumors I heard back then, it was clear that that was the direction they were shooting for. That being one of the reasons why I walked.