But Whole Foods Market Inc. doesn’t pay for product placements or mentions on television shows. It has managed to make its brand name synonymous with healthy living, and grow its sales at a double-digit clip, while spending little on traditional advertising and marketing.
Consumers don’t see Whole Foods ads in their local papers, during daytime television shows or even in magazines.
While other food retailers spend heavily to draw shoppers, Whole Foods counts on its brand, its reputation and targeted community efforts to bring in customers.