Which Grocery Store Anchor Drives the Strongest Apartment Performance? An Updated Look at the “Whole Foods Effect” Post-Amazon Acquisition

Over the past two decades, the presence of Whole Foods in a neighborhood has functioned as an unmistakable cultural signifier, reflecting an area’s affluence, lifestyle preferences, and evolution. Much like other premium “lifestyle” brands including SoulCycle, Lululemon, and Equinox, Whole Foods has found success by combining high-quality products and service (and prices) with a perceived ethos of wellness, health, and self-care. This product offering has strongly resonated with affluent audiences, from Millennial urbanites to Gen X suburbanites, driving Whole Foods’ proliferation into every up-and-coming neighborhood (urban or suburban) in America.