[iokevins]

From the article, it seems like issues with their "order-to-shelf" system:

"Order-to-shelf, or OTS, is a tightly controlled system designed to streamline and track product purchases, displays, storage, and sales. Under OTS, employees largely bypass stock rooms and carry products directly from delivery trucks to store shelves. It is meant to help Whole Foods cut costs, better manage inventory, reduce waste, and clear out storage."

...

"A reduced back stock means that any unexpected increase in shopper demand or a product-shipment delay can result in out-of-stock items across every department, multiple employees said."

[cratermoon]

Target's attempt to expand into Canada failed for a similar reason -- they couldn't get product onto shelves.

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/the-last-days-of-target-cana...