But what about smaller natural-grocery rivals like Sprouts, Earth Fare and Fresh Thyme? In an article here on Forbes.com in 2015, it was reported that Whole Foods was "losing market share to aggressive rivals like specialty retailers Sprouts Farmers Market and Fresh Market." "I think competitors like Sprouts, The Fresh Market, Fresh Thyme, Earth Fare and Natural Grocers are totally screwed," says David J Livingston, owner of DJL Research, which provides market research and competitive intelligence for the grocery industry. The Fresh Market sold out to a private equity group," he says. All those Whole Foods wannabe chains mostly have B and C locations and are up to their eyeballs in debt."

Source: Forbes June 18, 2017 22:30 UTC