That has been my experience as well, to the point of thinking of writing to the very conservative CEO of Whole Foods. Those who work there, in my town anyway, are the darn nicest people in any store.
I’ve extolled the Whole Foods business model on FR for a long time ....boy did I get flamed. Now John Mackey, is the *new* Conservative darling. Heh.
There’s info out there about the *decentralized teamwork* and how each department manager is responsible for his/her area...salaries are posted in common areas...and if you have any personal drive....advancement within is common.
Last summer my wife & I went to Whole Foods. I wore my Vietnam veteran cap & expected trouble from liberal shoppers. But there were no “babykiller!” shouts, nothing, the grey ponytailed guys just pretended I wasn’t there. The checkout gal said, “Oh, you get veterans discount!”
I’d go back if it wasn’t so expensive.