That’s a great article. I’ve never been to Whole Foods - the people I know who have gone have said ‘never again’ because of the prices. But I will have to go now, just to people watch ;-)
The people here are crazy at times and prices are high on some stuff so I only go to Whole Foods for special occasions or if I am on the road and want to eat something healthy. To keep the cost down, I stick to what I can carry with my hands: starting with their excellent bar or a Fake Bacon BLT sandwhich that is to die for, a snack or two, energy drink or protein drink and/or a Vegan ginger snap cookie - delicious. Apples are good too and they have real rye bread! I need to lean how to cook healthy foods though because all my eating out every other day is costing me a small fortune.
I don’t shop there. I sometimes go to Sprouts because their produce tends to be even cheaper than aldies,and in better condition, too.
Just about any of the organic type grocery chains will have the same crowd. Locally, Earth Fare is famous for the sour-faced anorexic cat ladies tottering slowly up and down the aisles. The only exception to that rule I can think of would be Fresh Market, if you have those where you are. It’s not quite so self-consciously catering to the organic crowd but beautiful produce, beautiful deli selections, hard to find high quality seasonings, etcetera. Not nearly as snotty of a crowd for whatever reason. Prices aren’t quite up there with Whole Foods either, but I would never call Fresh Market cheap. You want cheap, deal with Food Lion and their on again off again stocking of items you typically buy. One week it’s there, the next it isn’t, maybe it’ll pop up again at some point in the future, maybe not. Very easy to shop cheaply if you can deal with that.
“That’s a great article. I’ve never been to Whole Foods - the people I know who have gone have said ‘never again’ because of the prices. But I will have to go now, just to people watch ;-)”
I worked at Whole Foods Market (WFM) in Austin, so I am familiar with what the author was conveying. First, a couple of good points. The seafood aisle in Austin is one of the best I have seen that is not a fish store. Their seafood grill could be a nationally ranked restaurant it is that good. (growing up in NYC I know a bit about good seafood)
Their prepared meals are expensive, but again it is quality food and delicious. For the salad bar, same thing as well as their pastry section and in the Austin WFM, they have BBQ. With the abundance of world class BBQ joints in Austin and surrounding area, getting BBQ at WFM is like getting spaghetti at a diner. We will leave it at that.
The people who work on the floor are knowledgeable and always willing to help. Also, the staff are good at making recommendations for alternative selections. That’s the good.
The bad is less complicated. Patrons who frequent WFM are typically health fanatical libs who believe shopping at WFM is a status thing. From the valet parking to the constant need for attention. One time there I was called a troglodyte by a very pretty female who apparently was upset because her housekeeper was sick. I knew that because she wouldn’t shut up about it and wouldn’t move off to one side so others could pass while she bleated it on her phone. All I said was, “excuse me.” I said to her, “this is why you’re divorced and your kids hate you.” I took a shot since she wasn’t wearing a ring and was dressed as if to meet a rich guy. She started to cry. Highlight of my week.
Prices are also ridiculous. If I want this kind of food, I go to Sprouts which is Whole Foods for us poor troglodytes. But then again, HEB is now carrying a lot of the same stuff WFM carries at a third of the price. And I can stand on line there and not be stared at by the self absorbed weenies.
One thing WFM can do better, is have someone guide the patron to the next available spot in the queue. They do it, but only during meals since they want to get people out fast.