One of the more distinct angles for Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods has been how this move will help them accelerate their grocery efforts. It has been clear for some time that the fresh/grocery market was one that Amazon had been eyeing, but also one that would allude them without a broader physical retail strategy. Amazon needs prime real estate in the major areas where Prime customers may exist. Without question, they will acquire this exact thing if this deal is approved.
Whole Foods has strategically placed their nearly 450 stores in areas concentrated with people making over $100,000 a year. An interesting stat I found in a Morgan Stanley research note was 62% of Prime members are also regular Whole Foods shoppers.