In a time where increasing numbers of larger retailers are scaling back, Whole Foods Market is leading the way in providing its customers first-class in-store counter experiences, including meat, fish and delicatessen.
Whilst some of the bigger retailers have made the decision to remove counter offerings, leaving customers with just an aisle-browsing option, independent and specialist retailers, such as Whole Foods Market, is offering customers greater variety. This ranges from valuable guidance and personal service, to elevated consumer experiences that larger retailers cannot match.
At Whole Foods Market, investing in elevated in-store experiences with specialist-trained counter staff has long been the standard and remains a priority. Whether it’s supporting independent and local suppliers or stocking regional, unique foods to enable a wide offering at its counters, there is a genuine focus on product quality and service.
However, showing traditional craftmanship and expertise to be at its heart, the stars of the Whole Foods Market show are the expertly trained staff behind the counters. Many of its butchers and fishmongers have been with the business since its UK launch. In Whole Foods Market Richmond, there are three staff members with over 100 years combined experience in the meat industry, creating a fantastic opportunity for the next generation to learn the craft as part of the retailer’s focus on apprenticeship schemes.
Michael Whittemore, meat and seafood category merchant at Whole Foods Market, comments: “We are traditional in the way we do things here, anyone visiting our meat and seafood counters can testify to that. We are true believers in maintaining the artisan craftsmanship that the trade deserves. We make our own sausages, burgers, and other value-added products in house to ensure the quality and consistency of product is the best it can be.
“Meat and seafood are at the heart of our fresh offer; we offer best in class customer service with all our team members having the core key skills and knowledge enabling them to pass this on to our customers.
“Whole Foods Market is a strong supporter of apprenticeships and we have put nine team members through the level 2 and 3 butchery apprenticeship with another eight currently completing their apprenticeship. The level 2 butcher apprenticeship takes around 18 months to complete, and from there they can progress to the advanced butcher level 3 stage which takes another 24 months.”
In a market where physical interaction and unique consumer experiences are in decline, there is something to be said about the traditional. That’s why Whole Foods Market continues to invest in its counter experience from recruitment to training and quality standards.
