Whole Foods/Wild Oats Merger: - The Arthur Page Society

Foods and appreciation for the open communication and transparency that Mackey created
with his blog. Others cited examples of similar situations that had occurred in the past and
included links that could help other readers understand the context of these kinds of
affairs. Many readers embraced the two‐way communication method of the blog and used
the opportunity to ask questions directly to the CEO regarding the merger.
Examples:
Eugene Y. (June 21, 2007):
“As a shareholder and customer of Whole Foods, I appreciate you giving us the
information you did about Whole Foods and the FTC. I have learned things about your
company from your blog that I couldn’t have found out on my own.” 67
JG (June 24, 2007):
“I personally have no gain with this merger but I too thought that the FTC was out of
line. I worked for GTE when they became Verizon and if that one went unchallenged I
can only speculate that Whole Foods forgot to pad the wallets of the fools in
Washington. I applaud Mackey’s voice on this matter.” 68
Other readers used the blog as an opportunity to speak out against the CEO, offering
criticism and alternate points of view.
Examples:
Bill (June 24, 2007):
“Sorry John I’m with the F.T.C. on this one. I have been a loyal Whole Foods shopper for
many years in Austin. But since the new Austin store was built everything has changed.
Prices have risen dramatically and excessively… The F.T.C. is a hero in this case. I truly
hope they will stop this merger… Thanks for allowing me to express my opinion.” 69
John Willis (June 26, 2007):
“HURRAY FOR THE FTC! If the history of business in America and the world teaches us
anything, it is the need for sound regulation. Sadly but truly, the human heart is a
thieving one all too much of the time.” 70
On June 27, 2007, Mackey created a new post on his blog entitled, “Questions from my blog
on Wild Oats Merger.” He used this post to respond to some issues and questions raised by
his public after his previous posting, “Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats, and the Federal
Trade Commission.” He voiced not only factual responses, but included personal beliefs and
opinions as well:
Example:
“…I long ago learned that most of the media isn’t particularly interested in “truth” or
“fairness” or “accuracy”. They are only interested in the “story”. Sensationalism sells. I
knew the media would take the FTC complaint and sensationalize it (no doubt the FTC
knew this too, which is why they wrote it like they did)…” 71
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