Hot speculation Thursday that Whole Foods Market might be taken over by U.S. grocery giant Kroger began to cool Friday. New York analysts say Kroger is not seeking to acquire the Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods and is more likely to expand its product offering or explore a smaller deal. Word that Whole Foods might be on the market is of interest in Toronto because of that firm’s locations here, and especially because of the yet-to-appear store at 1860 Bayview Ave.
1860 BAYVIEW AVE.
Recent remarks by Jeffrey Thompson, of RioCan, owner of 1860 Bayview, emphatically declared that WF would open at its Bayview and Broadway location, despite speculation that the grocer could pull out of the deal. Most observers believe Whole Foods delay in opening in South Bayview is related to business conditions in the U.S. WF has seen sliding results through four quarters and continues to be mocked for products which seem superficial. The most notable example of this was “asparagus water” for $6 U.S. A recent satire on HBO contained skits about ads for a block of ice with an avocado balanced on top for $25.99, a pomegranate that listened to National Public Radio $64.99, granola blown back and forth between two fans for $300 and tilapia wearing yoga pants for $84.99. RioCan executive says Whole Foods WILL open on Bayview
