Last week Whole Foods announced that it has acquired Wild Oats Markets, the parent company of our local Capers Community Market. What used to be a two horse race for the niche Organic grocery market is no longer. Wild Oats Markets was one of the leading natural and organic foods retailers in North America with 109 stores across 23 states and British Columbia. The press release announcing the acquition states that BC’s very own Capers Community Markets will be eventually re-branded Whole Foods stores.
The Kitsilano store opened on West 4th in November 1993 and was also home to an environmentally-conscious fine dining restaurant upstairs that was 10 years ahead of its time. Farewell Capers!
Last modified: June 22, 2008
I love Capers and am sad to see them become Whole Foods, but they were American-owned before Whole Foods bought them, so I can’t feel too much remorse.
Go Choices!
I’d be a little worried about buying any beef from Whole Foods for a while if I was you (being someone who is contemplating buying beef from Capers/Whole Foods in the near future).