I'm trying not to jump to conclusions and I'm going to give it a chance, but I like my local Whole Foods exactly as it is. I can't imagine how they can lower the prices and keep the same quality that they've always had. I shop there because every single department is superior to what is available in other grocery stores. I have many choices in the area where I live and I don't need or want another generic experience.
Furthermore, my Whole Foods is already so crowded on the weekends that more people really can't fit inside it so I don't see why they need to broaden their customer base in the first place.
Same.
This is an interesting article https://newrepublic.com/article/119769/amazons-monopoly-must-be-broken-radical-plan-tech-giant
That was very interesting. Thanks for posting! It is becoming mildly frightening. I do not shop at Walmart for some of those reasons. Ever. No matter what toy or item is on "sale". And I'm a republican.lol.. I hate what Walmart has done. Never shopped there, never will.
It makes me very sad that 2 of my favorite stores have now been bought out in the past 2 years. It's the consumers fault. We want everything "cheap" and don't care about the consequences.
Another thing that bugged me about (at least my local) Whole Foods was the confusing layout of the store--odd, circular floor plan, with some aisles in a vertical direction and others in a horizontal one. The signage for the aisles is printed in a light colored font, on a light background. I don't have failing eyesight, but I find these difficult to read from even a short distance away.
All the other grocery stores in my area (there are 5 different chains here) have all their aisles facing in one direction, and have very clear, bold-faced signs for each aisle, that make it quick and easy to find what you're looking for.
I never thought about that before. I just beeline to the areas I want, then get out quickly.lol
Because that makes it more of a game, like a maze. So really entertainment and shopping in one place, hence the higher price.
I've only been to a Whole Foods once, just because until the last few months the closest one was 1 1/2 away and even now the closest one is 45 minutes away. I'm not driving that far for just groceries. When I did go there I did notice many prices were higher than my local grocery, even things like boxed mac and cheese. I did buy a couple things in the cheese section and bakery that I haven't seen in my store and were of a reasonable price. I remember there was a large deli type of section that had some interesting items and at ok prices. The croissants I bought there were very good (better than my store's) and on par with the price I pay at the grocery for their croissants.
I love both Whole Foods and Fresh Market, and have always lived close to both. I still shopped at Publix and now Kroger as well though. There are certain items that I buy at each.. over the past several years the larger chains have carried more organic items which is great. I like getting my fuel points at Kroger, and they often have Horizon milk on sale.
Things like fruit, veggies, olive bar, pre seasoned meat, ready to heat sides- these I will only get from Whole Foods or Fresh Market.
Ha!
Actually, my hubs likes to get a few special item things at Whole Foods, that he can't find elsewhere. He mentioned to me today that he is seeing some of the prices a bit lower, since Amazon took over. So that sounds positive for people who shop there on a regular basis.
If prices come down a bit it will be great, I just worry about Amazon ruining a great store.
Maybe, but, having the Amazon connection coupled with lower prices will blow the hell out of the status importance of the place. First thing you know it will be a more refined Walmart.
Never, in my entire life, have I met someone who shopped at Whole Foods for "status". That's crazy.
I don't know anyone who has time to worry about their "status" while running weekly errands such as grocery shopping. What I do worry about is feeding my family nourishing meals free of dangerous chemicals and unhealthy additives, something that Whole Foods makes very easy since they have strict rules about what ingredients are allowed to be in the foods they sell.
Exactly.
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