Is Wal Mart admitting to market saturation?

Photo: PSFK

Not likely. But spinning off a smaller business from such a giant is at least a nod at the success of specialization.

marketside, a small, neighborhood-friendly produce and prepared food source, is the new offspring of powerhouse Wal Mart. With no mention of the parent company, no similar colors or signage font, I'd be interested to know the motivation behind 'marketplace' branding. I can't help but jump on the assumption that sheer ignorance of the stores ties will drive initial business, since so many of us love to hate the most convenient store in the world.

The store is being tested, primarily in Arizona, and the pilot is said to consist of 10 stores.

It may just be narrow-mindedness, but this concept seems eerily similar to Whole Foods, which specializes in fresh, prepared (and outstanding) food options. I don't personally think I'll be switching once the store makes its way to Denver. Although I'll be interested to see what their price approach is and what it does to Whole Foods' pricing.


bk