Whole Foods Market (WFM), the organic superstore operator, has reported operating losses of $18.4m (£9m) at its UK stores, as a result of the challenging economic environment.
The company, which operates five Fresh & Wild stores and the flagship High Street Kensington site in this country, said that it was disappointed with its results in the UK and would be reviewing its British operations.
Globally, the US natural foods grocer said that would be cutting back its expansion plans after reporting a 30% fall in third-quarter earnings.
The company said that it was drastically lowering its outlook, suspending its quarterly dividend indefinitely and would open fewer stores next year.
The group said that it had revised its expected sales growth to between 6% and 10% for the coming year, down from the previously stated 25% to 30% growth, with identical-store sales expected to grow 0% to 4%, rather than the previously anticipated 7.5% to 9.5% growth.
WFM said that in the US it would reduce its 2009 store openings to nine new outlets and six relocated shops, instead of the planned 30 or 40 stores, as well as cutting capital spending by 50%.
The company expressed disappointment at the performance of the flagship store it opened in London last summer.
