Ellwood Thompson’s Master Plan
Do you remember Ellwood Thompson‘s last effort at expansion? It failed miserably. The shop they established in Chesterfield struggled and didn’t last a year.
This time is different. ET’s is looking to expand outside of Richmond, where they can continue their model of providing superior customer service and the freshest food as possible. According to the RTD, Charlotte and Northern Virginia are areas under consideration.
ET’s also has a better management structure in place. They snagged former Regional Director of Whole Foods Ryan Youngman to lead the charge. He should contrast well with owner Richard T. Hood.
But the obstacles are fierce. Whole Foods is still planning on merging with Wild Oats which will give it a larger presence and lower costs. While ET’s is focusing on differentiation, having the local-est food possible, will it be enough?
As for the effect WOTB, let’s hope that ET’s doesn’t lose focus on us. Hopefully the new management structure will mean they will be able to handle store on the corner of Ellwood and Thompson AND their grandiose plans.
It is difficult to have every type of produce/food available *and* have it all be local. Like tomatoes. All of ET”s tomatoes are from Florida these days. I’m sure as we move on in the season we’ll get some Hanover tomoatoes. But until then, if you want a BLT, there isn’t much you can do.
So if they want to focus on “Local” as their new brand, its going to be tough — I think.
Wouldn’t it be nice if Ellwoods focused on making their products affordable? Over the years, the store has appeared to veer away from what’s natural, simple, and unprocessed, to swollen ailes of inventory that mostly consist of top-dollar, high-brow, luxurious treats for the health conscious upper-middle class. Too bad that preserving our health and saving our planet continues to be inaccessible to most Richmonders. I don’t think that’s something worth franchising across the state.