London store will be the best, pledges founder
The founder and chief executive of Whole Foods Market has claimed that the retailer could reach $12 billion (£6.9 billion) in sales by 2010, about two-and-a-half times the figure for last year.

John Mackey told shareholders yesterday that the Austin, Texas-based natural foods grocer will have to open about 25 to 30 stores a year, beginning next year, to reach the target.

'We bring so much business to any market we are in that we are one of the most desirable tenants,' he said. 'In our top markets of Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC we are able to concentrate stores closer and closer together.'

The $12 billion goal by 2010 is $2 billion (£1.2 billion) higher than previous projections.

By the end of the company's fiscal year to September 25 2005, the company retailer sales of $4.7 billion (£2.7 billion) and added 12 stores to reach a total of 175.

A flagship store is under construction in London and is scheduled to open early next year.

'When it opens, it will be the finest Whole Foods store to that point,' said Mackey. 'Whatever we've done in New York and here in Austin, we will do better in London because our culture continues to improve.'

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