Instant Alert: Whole Foods has a 'high class' problem that's leading to 'entirely empty' shelves

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   Whole Foods has a 'high class' problem that's leading to 'entirely empty' shelves by Hayley Peterson on Jan 9, 2018, 4:29 PM Advertisement Barclays analysts visited Whole Foods stores and found "entirely empty" shelves, displays, and hot food bars and produce that "appeared to have deteriorated." The problem could be indicative of higher shopper traffic at Whole Foods, but also lost sales.  "This is a high class problem if in fact sales have really accelerated – but is also an execution issue resulting in lost sales," analysts said.   Some Whole Foods stores are in disarray with "entirely empty" shelves and deteriorating produce, according to recent store checks by Barclays analysts.  In a research note published Tuesday, analysts said they encountered "high" out-of-stock issues last week in every department of one Midwest store across both private-label items and branded items. At another store located on the East Coast, which was hit with a winter storm earlier in the week, inventory problems were "extraordinary," analysts said. "The store had no bananas and the supply of eggs and Tropicana products was very low," the Barclays analysts wrote. "Entire displays, refrigerated cases, and end caps were completely empty. The prepared foods hot bar was entirely empty." "Admittedly, a winter storm had just impacted the region but we were surprised out-of-stocks were at such levels," the analysts added. Whole Foods did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The out-of-stock issues could be a positive sign for Whole Foods, indicating higher shopper traffic. But the issues are also indicative of lost sales. "This is a high class problem if in fact sales have really accelerated – but is also an execution issue resulting in lost sales," analysts said. The analysts also noted that the size and quality of produce at Whole Foods "appears to have deteriorated." "It is possible this is weather-related but our observations also coincide with several reports that customers felt quality of produce had started to deteriorate," the analysts said, citing a Business Insider report.  SEE ALSO: Furious shoppers say Whole Foods' produce has turned 'depressing,' 'barren,' and 'bone-dry' — and they blame Amazon   Share the latest business news with your network:    Email sent to: nguyenvu1187.love5@blogger.com   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011