What are Whole Foods Markets Like? [Archive]

parrotsparrotsp

01-13-2006, 11:23 AM

We are getting one spring 2006. From the pics on their website it looks like grocery store heaven. I am afraid for my checkbook...are their prices usually in line with other local stores? The only other "upscale" grocery store we have here is The Fresh Market (which is just southeast regional) but their prices are HIGH. I do go there for certain cuts of meat and if i want to splurge on something really high quality like nice filet mignon or the annual fresh t-day turkey. It's quite far out of my way though. The Whole Foods has been in building phase for about 9 months, i'm getting impatient! What do i have to look forward too?

Beth H

01-13-2006, 11:34 AM

I've only been in one (near my sister's house), and I was in food nirvana - beautiful produce section, beautiful meats, great grains, etc. I am not sure it would be economical to do all of your shopping there - maybe a once-a-month kind of place for special things?

Edited to add that Whole Foods makes Fresh Market look like a Piggly Wiggly.

marshcl

01-13-2006, 11:40 AM

I really like Whole Foods, but I think I would go bankrupt if I shopped there regularly... I only buy things on sale and go more as a treat than as a regular shopping trip... And... never go hungry. If you do, buy a salad at the bar and sit and eat it BEFORE you shop...

Here is how I shop there...

We shop there for some special things, including:
Thanksgiving turkey - normally just get a whole breast but it's so good and only once a year.
Herbs - around thanksgiving and Christmas, they have fresh herbs (not in little plastic packets) and those aren't too expensive.

They have cheap eggs and some others things are, in general, a good deal. We like their mini-baguettes because we can actually eat it before it goes stale. I normally walk up and down the aisles and allow myself one on-sale item per aisle...

tbb113

01-13-2006, 11:42 AM

Whole Foods nickname is Whole Paycheck ;) That said I do shop there occasionally for ready made food and hard to find produce (or impulse shopping because I'm in the neighboorhood)

skupe123

01-13-2006, 11:45 AM

It's a great store with prices to match. I don't buy a lot of things there. I did just buy corn meal in their bulk section for $.59/lb. (cheap) and kasha for $1.99/lb. (also cheap). I also bought a jar of their own crunchy almond butter for $4.99.

I love their bulk stuff and noone else has one in the area. They have great meats and fish. The bakery is delicious and you don't feel as guilty if you buy something that they have made. I often buy small portions of their side dishes if I don't feel like making one of my own. Oh, they have the best salad bar, not cheap but it has the most incredible selection of toppings.

They make the most wonderful salmon stuffed with spinach, feta and pine nuts that is rolled up like a jelly roll that you bake at home.

As with other stores, I go in for the specials and a few specialty items.

Have fun!

Suz

mundy

01-13-2006, 11:46 AM

My friends and I refer to it as "Whole Paycheck" but that doesn't stop us from going there! Its definitely more costly than regular grocery stores but you'll find things there that are hard to find elsewhere. If you like to buy organically grown products, you'll like Whole Foods. I like their bulk food bins where I can get just the quantity I want of whole grains, dried fruits, nuts, etc.

Meganator

01-13-2006, 11:47 AM

I find meats and produce to be more expensive overall, but worth it if you want some particular thing or want to pay the extra for organic, or whatever. A lot of the things they have are not available in the regular store so you can't compare directly, but I would guess the average price is a little higher. However, their house brand, 365 something (exact name escapes me at the moment), is a very good value for many items, and several of those have gotten great reviews in various places (e.g. Cook's Illustrated). I believe the 365 olive oil and balsamic vinegar, for example, are well-reviewed and at a good price. Huge bulk food section.

As the hometown of Whole Foods, we have 2 here. Personally, I buy bulk foods, such as grains, flours, etc., bulk maple syrup, and the occasional olive oil type thing. They have bigger selection of whole wheat pasta and different types of flours that aren't available in the regular grocery, also. Good selection of non-mainstream yogurts, also. Great cheeses, also, although whether it is a better selection than elsewhere just depends on what else is available to you locally. Their prepared foods and bakery items look great, but my experience with those is limited.

luvItalian

01-13-2006, 11:53 AM

How timely. I just had my first experience 2 days ago. I am soooo excited, it was great. I purchased some meats and swordfish. Had the swordfish last night and used their orange-ginger soy marinade. It was great even the kids ate it all up. I have to say the swordfish price was $2.00 a pound higher then Stop and Shop (I would not buy their seafood though) and the same price as our local fish market. I also served their frozen bread and it was great also.

The first night I picked up some of their own guacamole because my kids are big fans. We went through the whole container.

My friend is a Whole Foods pro and she says once you know what to look for and how to shop there, the overaall food bill is not dratically higher, but is higher. She does buy a lot in bulk and swears by their 365 brand.

I agree you should not go there hungry because everything is very tempting. I am looking foward to using the flank steak and chicken sausage I purchased.

Middydd

01-13-2006, 12:04 PM

My friend is a Whole Foods pro and she says once you know what to look for and how to shop there, the overaall food bill is not dratically higher, but is higher. She does buy a lot in bulk and swears by their 365 brand.

I also find their 365 brand to be really good quality for a reasonable price, especially olive oil.

I love finding unusual treats in the produce section, like Meyer Lemons.

parrotsparrotsp

01-13-2006, 12:11 PM

Thanks everyone! Now I'm even more excited.

I do like to buy bulk/organic because i make alot of the birds foods from scratch, and prefer to serve organic to the birds. It's hard to find organic (and especially unsulphured) dried fruits, etc at any local store here, so if they have that it will be a real bonus. Whole paycheck, LOL. Better not be! However, hubby and i are converting from serious eater outers to cook ins, so even more expensive things in stores look good when you consider the dining out alternative.

Shadowlady

01-13-2006, 12:16 PM

I agree with what's been said above. We also love their olive bar! The produce (at least what is currently in season locally) is not much more than the average grocery, but all the imported goodies are what makes the store special!

clairea

01-13-2006, 12:20 PM

I love Whole Foods, but I do find it a bit more expensive. Since I try to keep a really tight rein on my grocery budget, I shop mostly at another store, and then go to WF every few weeks for things that I can't get elsewhere. I think if you shop carefully, though, and don't mind a small increase in your food bill, you probably could do all your shopping there for not too much more. I love the bulk bins and the 365 brand stuff, and I find things like pasta, etc. then similar products in other grocery stores (but of course the whole grains are always more expensive than the white stuff :( ). There is so much wonderful look prepared food, neat cheeses, etc. at WF, though, that you have to be pretty disciplined to get in and out without picking some of that stuff up (which can be very expensive). We do use their prepared foods occasionally, as it is less expensive, or at least no more expensive, than a restaurant and they have some really wonderful things. I have had the salmon that is mentioned and it is delicious. They also have these fabulous desserts that come in individual sizes so everyone can get what they want :)

Claire

Melman

01-13-2006, 12:29 PM

Alisa, just curious...are you in the Greenville, SC area? I've been anxiously waiting on the Whole Foods on Woodruff Road to open ever since they announced it. The rumor I heard is that they're opening in March.

Regardless, I've been to WF in various places between Boston and Atlanta. Strangely enough, the prices in Charlottesville, VA were MUCH higher than either Boston or Atlanta. I was surprised by that. I doubt it's a place I could do all my grocery shopping...but I'll do a good bit of mine there. It's definitely higher than Publix, the FreshMarket, etc....but the quality may be worth it.

I can't wait!

petitechef

01-13-2006, 12:35 PM

I"ve only been once ... A good amount of items that I found there I also find a Trader Joe's.

The produce and meats at Whole Foods are amazing, worth the money if you want great quality. You get what you pay for is how I justify it.

Their prepared food section is just amazing! And their bakery is excellent...olive loafs..yummy!!!

stacy7272

01-13-2006, 12:50 PM

I"ve only been once ... A good amount of items that I found there I also find a Trader Joe's.

This is what I was thinking. Years ago Whole Foods was useful for finding things that the regular grocery store didn't carry but now grocery stores are so well stocked and if you have a Trader Joe's nearby that is no longer a reason to shop at Whole Foods. But I still love Whole Foods - I just don't go very often and don't buy much. The produce section is just gorgeous.

What I go there for is the bulk items. I love those bulk bins!!! This is one way that Whole Foods can actually save you tons of money!

Meganator

01-13-2006, 12:54 PM

Years ago Whole Foods was useful for finding things that the regular grocery store didn't carry but now grocery stores are so well stocked and if you have a Trader Joe's nearby that is no longer a reason to shop at Whole Foods.

Unfortunately, some of us are unlikely ever to have a Trader Joe's...I would like to go visit one, though!

parrotsparrotsp

01-13-2006, 01:05 PM

Alisa, just curious...are you in the Greenville, SC area? I've been anxiously waiting on the Whole Foods on Woodruff Road to open ever since they announced it. The rumor I heard is that they're opening in March.

Yes, i'm in Simpsonville, so it will be a little bit of a hike, but sounds worth it! Everytime I drive past there i'm waiting for the store to be there! I thought it would open on a similar timeline to the other stores that are in that new shopping center, but noooooooo, we have to wait :rolleyes: :)

I do appreciate the Homegoods/Marshalls store opening, got a nice deal on a Le Creuset there :)

andie

01-13-2006, 01:11 PM

I don't do a ton of regular shopping there ($$$), but it is one of my favorite places to go for lunch. The one near my office in downtown SF has an amazing salad bar, hot food bar, and sushi bar. Best lunch!

marshcl

01-13-2006, 01:18 PM

if you have a Trader Joe's nearby that is no longer a reason to shop at Whole Foods.

I usually do a 'special' grocery run every couple of weeks. We are very lucky in that we have a TJs across the street from a Whole Foods. I normally swing by TJs first, then pick up stuff at Whole Foods if TJs is out or doesn't carry what I'm looking for.

I have found that the Trader Joe's meat seems to be slipping - not as good as it used to be and the one near me doesn't seem to have Laura's Lean Beef anymore... And their product is all prepackaged so if you only want one zucchini, you're stuck buying their little bundle in a package. So I don't consider TJs a substitute for WFs... especially when it comes to produce and meat.

Although, if TJs has something, it is usually a ton cheaper than the same thing at WF.

dorothyntototoo

01-13-2006, 01:23 PM

The week after Xmas I went to a Whole Foods Value Tour. I went with two others from our cooking club & there were about 20 of us. We were taken on "A Two Hour Tour" of the store by the Marketing Mgr. The purpose was to show us that "anyone can afford to shop at WF". She pointed out their value line - 365 - can be seen on all of the labels & stressed their ecologically friendly features. We got lots of samples - she turned us loose in the bulk foods area & we could taste anything we wanted in about 5 min. & then could select about 1/4 lb. of one item to take home. The greatest thing about that was she showed us how to get the stuff out of the dispensers without getting it all over the floor & do it in a sanitary manner. :) My conclusion was that it's a gorgeous store & everyone was very nice & helpful, but I couldn't shop there on a regular basis. I spent about $20 on a few things to take home - salmon "burger", chicken sausage, whole grain bread, bulk granola cereal. If this service is offered at your store you should take advantage of it to learn your way around the store.

tbb113

01-13-2006, 01:24 PM

bobmark226

01-13-2006, 01:27 PM

I like all the 365 stuff too. Especially recommended are the excellent salsas and don't start me on the sweet potato chips! And I agree about their chicken sausages, which are, surprisingly, a buck or two less than most store brands. The two things I beg people to bring me now are the whole wheat bagels, just great toasted, and the Wellshire Farms 40% less fat bacon, many varieties, at 4.99/12 oz.

If you're a coffee fanatic always looking for something different like I am, check out the shelves in the coffee area (not their own bins) for lots of interesting things from area roasters. They're different in every store as they use local micro-roasters to furnish them.

There are a lot of things I like from WF, but I really don't understand the raves for the produce section. Outside of some truly hard-to-find things like kaffir lime leaves, I don't think they offer much beyond what a really good supermarket does, and at a much stiffer price. Since I've moved up here, I primarily use two chain grocers, Hannaford's and Price Chopper and an independent, Adams, which is known for its produce. All three, though, have very high quality fruits and vegetables at better prices, including some very good sales. I know some of you live in places where a good produce section is hard to find and admittedly, WF's is showcased beautifully, but for all the time and money I've spent in them, most times I'd cross the street to get the same quality for a lot less $$$$.

Bob

Lillith

01-13-2006, 01:33 PM

IMHO comparing TJ's and Whole Foods are like comparing apples and pumpkins! Yes, they are both food stores but their items are not at all comparable nor does TJ's carry the ready-to-eat items like Whole Foods or have a bakery, etc.

I agree that there's no comparison. I really like TJ's, but shopping at Whole Foods is a real experience! I'm convinced that all the TV cooking shows get their food from there, especially the meat. Every piece of, let's say boneless chicken breasts, are the exact same size, perfectly trimmed and look like something out of a magazine. Their bakery items are works of art! My GF and I shared a blueberry scone (we were on the way to the chocolate show in Manhattan and didn't want to eat too much beforehand!) and it was absolutely scrumptious. Oh, the TJ's near me does carry a wide variety of ready-to-eat items; not nearly as much as WF, but a good selection.

inthekitchen

01-13-2006, 02:07 PM

Whole Foods is great. I like the cheese selection, personally. I think Whole Foods is much better than Wild Oats, if any of you are familiar with that chain. Whole Foods is in a whole other league!

Typically, I stick to Whole Foods for eggs and meat. I prefer to pay a higher price for eggs and meat if the quality is good.

The eat-in options I usually find good, but too expensive for my tastes. I had a 3.99 beef empanada there a week ago, and it was delicious, yet too small to justify the price. There sandwhiches arent anything to write home about either.

But, overall, great store. I havent ever been to a TJs, though.

Beth H

01-13-2006, 02:10 PM

parrotsparrotsp

01-13-2006, 02:16 PM

What? How does Greenville get a Whole Foods? Now I'm really jealous. . .:)

Probably by having a REALLY prime piece of real estate to put it on. Its on the busiest road in town, growing like leaps and bounds, and a really nice shopping center opened just across the street from the new shopping center where the Whole Foods will be. You'll have to travel up here LOL. We'll share :)

luvItalian

01-13-2006, 02:24 PM

Just another product update. Kids have friends over so I heated up some 365 frozen pizzas. Cheese pizza and spinach with Feta. Both are a big hit.

SusanMac

01-13-2006, 02:48 PM

I recently learned that each WF makes their own cheese & wine/beer purchases. Thought that was pretty cool. That means you can have lots of variety from store to store.

A few other things to know:
* they tend to have great cooking classes
* each WF must give a certain amt of revenues to charities local to their store
* they are known for taking great care of their employees & are non-union (actually, I don't know if that part is companywide)
* last year they stopped carrying any foods w/trans fats

Lrimerman

01-13-2006, 03:04 PM

I don't really shop at any other grocery store than WF. I buy from our local buying club or local farmers, etc. Regular grocery shopping is WF. It has increased our food bill, but there aren't any other stores around here that have a decent selection of Organic, especially produce.

I don't usually buy their prepared food, but boy the ones I have had are good. We do get our lunchmeat there, turkey and roast beef usually. It is so good (although it only stays fresh for about 3 days) and has no artificial anything and no sulfites or preservatives or MSG which I am allergic to. I do love their olive bar, but it isn't organic or anything and the one at another independent market is like $4 a pound cheaper, but unless I need to drive the several miles to go to the other one for something else, I just pay the greater amount if I need something.

I do find their 365 brand stuff to be really good quality. I love their 365 soda pop. It has no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and is sweetened with evaporated cane juice instead of HFCS. Still it is pop, but for the few times I really want pop, it is way better than the national brands. I love the root beer, ginger ale and the key lime. Here they also sell my favorite local chips and salsa.

I just went today to shop for my daughter's birthday party. Went a little crazy (but of course this time of year fruit for the fruit tray is outrageous) and spent $220.00, so I guess it is deserves it name of Whole Paycheck this week.

Lisa

mbrogier

01-13-2006, 03:46 PM

I love their 365 brand, especially their frozen fruit. They have items that Trader Joes just doesn't carry. They also carry varieties of Alexia frozen potatos and their wonder onion rings that I haven't found anywhere else. I also love their cheese and bulk sections.

ParrotParrot, we actually just got a Fresh Market up here! I really miss the one in Greenville. I used to get my in-laws to bring me some of their great coffee. I'm actually drinking some of their Christmas Blend right now. :D

bkiaj

01-13-2006, 03:57 PM

We're supposed to get WF in the fall, I think. Depends how many more law suits it has to win. It's been in the works for a long time but still no structure (as of mid december anyway).

I drive right past there on the way to class, so I am really excited. We don't have a TJ, but do have Fresh Market, which I love, but it's not directly on my way to anywhere. WF could be the undoing of my grocery budget, though!

It is great to learn all these tips from those of you who have experience. Just makes me all the more eager for Opening Day!

Canice

01-13-2006, 04:26 PM

I do most of my grocery shopping at Whole Foods, in large part because it's just a couple of blocks from me and it's *cheaper* than the other grocery store the same distance away .

I never quite bought into that "Whole Paycheck" thing but maybe it's "compared to what"? There's no inexpensive mainstream supermarket in this town, and I buy loads of produce at the neighborhood/ethnic markets. And since I don't really buy meat, that knocks WF's two most expensive categories out for me. They have great fish though, that's worth the price, and I think the 365 stuff is a great value -much cheaper than Safeway- as are the bulk bins (especially for herbs and spices) and their dairy is the same price at TJ's with a cheese department that cannot be compared. I also buy all my shampoo and such there. I think they sell great products in a pleasant shopping environment. My BIG gripe is that they keep "upgrading" the one in my neighborhood, and I feel like I'm losing a LOT of what I liked, as they try to make it more like the store Andie goes to, which is a lot newer and bigger. Every time I see that they're going to "improve my shopping experience" I know the store is going down another notch. :mad:

fci5767

01-13-2006, 04:30 PM

It is great to learn all these tips from those of you who have experience. Just makes me all the more eager for Opening Day!

You may want to steer clear on opening day. It will be a madhouse. I made the mistake of going to one in South Florida a few days after they opened (on crutches, no less) and it was crazy.

Beth

Melman

01-13-2006, 05:47 PM

Yes, i'm in Simpsonville, so it will be a little bit of a hike, but sounds worth it! Everytime I drive past there i'm waiting for the store to be there! I thought it would open on a similar timeline to the other stores that are in that new shopping center, but noooooooo, we have to wait :rolleyes: :)

I do appreciate the Homegoods/Marshalls store opening, got a nice deal on a Le Creuset there :)

All I could think was that surely there wasn't another Whole Foods being built on that exact same schedule. I figured you had to be around here somewhere. We saw it posted in the paper some time in 2004!!!! You should have heard the phone calls with my foodie friends when the sign went up ages and ages ago. :D

I was just down in Simpsonville at Sportsclub. And, Beth, Alisa is completely accurate. That is the #1 high rent district!! So many of our major stores just moved to that area. Congestion is the pits, but I think I have it figured out how to almost avoid all the traffic. It will be easy for you to visit though...come straight up I-385...and take the Woodruff Road exit. Turn left and go about a half mile or so. Whole Foods will be on the left coming in from that direction...all the other giant stores are on the right (Homegoods/Marshalls, Total Wine (I was in here today for the first time...OMG!), Linens & Things, World Market, etc.) The fun boutique shops are in there too...Chico's, Yankee Candle, Talbots, Ann Taylor Loft, Brixx Pizza, Foxfire, and lots more. If you can get into the parking lot, it's an awesome shopping center. The shopping is great...the traffic patterns are definitely the pits!

momcancook

01-13-2006, 06:13 PM

Whole Foods also has a great selection of high quality vitamins and alternative remedies all available in one place. Again, a little more expensive,but a large selection.

slawrence

01-14-2006, 10:10 AM

I love WF! I did some price comparison one day since I had my WF receipt in my purse. There were at least two major items that were at least $2 (each)cheaper at WF than Safeway. The 365 line is great-I think the 365 balsamic rated real high in a test somewhere along the line. Their fish is awesome; love the cheeses; good sushi; great pizza......they will let you sample almost anything-like the homemade tortillas, etc....I don't go there for everything, but it is a great place to hang for an hour when you have the time! Sue

GingerPow

01-14-2006, 10:18 AM

I drive 1-1/2 hr. to get to our nearest Whole Food market. The produce section alone is stunning. The bulk food bins contain an abundance of wonderful top-quality items. While the bill at the checkout is higher than other grocery stores, the quality is worth it - you get what you pay for.

KristiB

01-14-2006, 10:44 AM

[COLOR=Purple]The week after Xmas I went to a Whole Foods Value Tour. I went with two others from our cooking club & there were about 20 of us. We were taken on "A Two Hour Tour" of the store by the Marketing Mgr. The purpose was to show us that "anyone can afford to shop at WF". She pointed out their value line - 365 - can be seen on all of the labels & stressed their ecologically friendly features. We got lots of samples - she turned us loose in the bulk foods area & we could taste anything we wanted in about 5 min. & then could select about 1/4 lb. of one item to take home. The greatest thing about that was she showed us how to get the stuff out of the dispensers without getting it all over the floor & do it in a sanitary manner. :) COLOR]

I shop at WF regularly but if they ever offered a value tour I missed it! I'm going to ask next time I'm there.

I buy a lot of the 365 products and find them to be as good as name brand if not better.

I buy bulk items at another health food store here(Sprouts or Henry's Farmers Market) because it's cheaper and next door to where I work.

I buy my meat and seafood at WF because I only eat free range organic etc etc...it's higher quality and cheaper than the regular grocery store.

They also sell large quantities of fresh basil and arugula unlike my regular grocery store which just sells those little blister packs.

Canice

01-14-2006, 10:52 AM

I love WF! I did some price comparison one day since I had my WF receipt in my purse. There were at least two major items that were at least $2 (each)cheaper at WF than Safeway....

I seem to be the only person who thinks Safeway's prices are outrageous (except for their "membership" sales). I agree - there's tons of stuff that's cheaper at WF. Thai Kitchen coconut milk is $1.09 at WF and $2.79 at Safeway!

KristiB

01-14-2006, 12:44 PM

I think Safeway is more expensive than my regular grocery store unless you have the card and they have a sale.

I don't take the time to read the flyers and run from store to store. Being single it doesn't make a huge difference anyway.

I buy gas at Safeway because of the discount. Ususally it's 3 cents a gallon but every now and then you'll qualify for more. Once they gave me a 12 cent per gallon discount. I want that again!!!

gertdog

01-14-2006, 12:59 PM

I love their 365 brand, especially their frozen fruit. They have items that Trader Joes just doesn't carry. They also carry varieties of Alexia frozen potatos and their wonder onion rings that I haven't found anywhere else.

Okay, I've been reading the thread and nodding along with the responses and then I see this!! What are these "wonder onion rings" and do I need to go buy some?? :D I thought I'd thoroughly scouted all their frozen offerings...

I shop at Wegmans most weeks, and then we take a trip to TJ's and to WF every few months to stock up or splurge. I don't think the produce at WF is all that great for the price, though it sure is pretty! I'm glad I don't live closer to our WF b/c I loooove the salad bar and would probably eat dinner there way too often if I could.

punkin

01-14-2006, 01:20 PM

I only shop at Whole Foods. The other grocery stores in my area of the city are horrible - old produce, bad smelling fish, off-colored meats, focused on pre-packaged convenience foods, dirty floors, etc. Whole Foods prices in my area are not higher, and are in some cases lower. The quality of the food is much better, and lasts much longer than what I can get at other grocery stores in my area.

Like the others, I recommend the 365 brand products. I also like that I can find locally grown in season produce and locally made bread. Their deserts are good too.

Aubergine

01-14-2006, 01:29 PM

reading this thread, i feel ever more grateful for living deep in the heart of the farming part of NJ, the "garden state." we just always have excellent local produce available, all year 'round, except for citrus products. we also have a lot of fresh seafood that is locally caught, and there are still small local butchers that smoke and cure their own hams, make their own fresh sausage, etc. we also have some darn good health food stores with great prices on bulk foods. the one area we're really lacking in is good cheese, but even that is slowly getting better.

we'll be making our semi-annual 2-hr R/T pilgrimage to WF in a few weeks, and what i go for is the cheese, even though the prices are shocking, and spices, plus the one or two unusual ingredients i may not find elsewhere--like galangal powder, which i got last year, and used once.:rolleyes: i also love to look at the prepared foods stuff, study it closely, and feel smug because i know i can make most of it myself for a small fraction of their cost. then again, that's generally the case with any prepared food. at least, when i make it, i know exactly what's going in there.

Meganator

01-14-2006, 03:00 PM

I seem to be the only person who thinks Safeway's prices are outrageous (except for their "membership" sales). I agree - there's tons of stuff that's cheaper at WF. Thai Kitchen coconut milk is $1.09 at WF and $2.79 at Safeway!

I think that Safeway and Randall's are part of the same chain. In my town, Randall's is way more expensive - probably more than WF, although I've never done a direct comparison - and I've always wondered how they can stay in business with the regional chain (HEB) that has outstanding prices and great stores. Another store called Tom Thumb is part of the same chain in north Texas, and my sister claims that they are not more expensive up there than other stores. So maybe they tailor their stores/prices to specific areas.

wintersummer

01-15-2006, 01:45 PM

We've had a Whole Foods in town for about 16 years. It started out as a locally owned chain and then sold out to Whole Foods, and I was so scared about the loss of my "loved" local store. Whole Foods has made it better in so many ways.

I do about 90% of my shopping at Whole Foods and probably go there about 5 times a week. It's about a mile from my house - I don't think I could do without it.

I disagree with the claims about "whole paycheck". Here's why:
1. I often find produce less expensive than our local grocery chain. It seems like it just depends on what you are buying. I often will find some amazingly low prices. Likewise, I find some incredibly expensive things (nice potatoes in a very small bag, maybe 4 servings, for $4.99). I look for what's on sale, what looks good, what is priced reasonably, and stay away from the high prices.
2. I use the 365 brand and haven't been disappointed.
3. Prices for other items (pasta, half-and-half, muir glen tomatoes, etc) are less expensive at WF.
4. I think you save money, in the long run, because you can buy whatever size of items you want. I like my spices fresh, so often will buy only what I need, especially if it's an ingredient that is not used commonly. I often check out with spices that are > .10. The produce department will cut up almost anything and sell you a half, a quarter, whatever you need. I love that I can buy 1 piece of bacon for seasoning. This buy-only-what-you-need approach saves waste and money.
5. The customer service, at least at my WF store, can't be beat. If there's produce that doesn't look top-notch, I always ask and about half the time there's a newer shipment in the back and they gladly bring out the freshest. Same for the meat and seafood. If there's something they don't have, they will order it. If there's something that not quite right, they want to know about the product and will take it back, no questions asked. The staff that work in our store seem really happy and over the years, I've gotten to know many of them.
6. I went the other day and forgot my wallet. They gave me a "suspended" ticket and asked me to just drop by at my convenience to pay them.
7. Last, it's a great place to get ununsual ingredients and to expand what we eat.
I guess you can tell I just love the place! (side note - I was on vacation last year in San Antonio and the flagship WF had opened the day before in Austin. My husband and I made the trip to Austin, just to experience that grand store)

memartha

01-15-2006, 02:30 PM

Another WF devotee here.

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but NONE of their products have hydrogenated oils, so you don't have to read the labels on every box of crackers or cookies looking for that stuff.

We love the 365 sandwich cookies for lunch boxes; 365 Gold Round Crackers (like Ritz); 365 Rosemary crackers; 365 Organic Pasta Sauce.

Their meats/poultry TASTE better than supermarket stuff by a mile, and as someone mentioned, chicken breasts and chicken sausages are often on sale. I got Wild Alaskan Salmon on sale for $8.99/lb. last week.

Also, their veggies taste 200% better than the stuff at Stop & Shop. I don't care what I pay for it. It gets eaten and not wasted, like some mediocre produce might.

Finally, I buy their store brand English muffins, sandwich breads and rolls. They don't have any funky ingredients and again, they taste a lot better than the stuff at the grocery stores.

GingerPow

01-15-2006, 02:39 PM

I went the other day and forgot my wallet. They gave me a "suspended" ticket and asked me to just drop by at my convenience to pay them.

Hi Wintersummer! I was so impressed by that - did they do this because they know you as a regular customer? ~ V.

Beth H

01-15-2006, 05:10 PM

.all the other giant stores are on the right (Homegoods/Marshalls, Total Wine (I was in here today for the first time...OMG!), Linens & Things, World Market, etc.) The fun boutique shops are in there too...Chico's, Yankee Candle, Talbots, Ann Taylor Loft, Brixx Pizza, Foxfire, and lots more.

Maybe they'll open one here in the area where we have all of the above stores - I think Columbia is a bigger metropolitan area than Greenville/Spartanburg, although I'm pretty sure Greenville is more affluent.

Two hours probably is too long to drive for good produce. :) But - after the depressing selection of fresh herbs I just saw at my local Publix, it might be worth it!

Maybe we could have a South Carolina klatch at the Whole Foods. . .

mommycook

01-15-2006, 05:42 PM

I do quite a bit of shopping at WF.

I *love* their coffee, it is roasted at the store and is very, very fresh. It is about twice as much as the bulk coffee at Safeway, but 200% better. I usually do not buy packaged coffee.

I get my milk at WF too. The brand I get, Clover Stornetta, is a little over $3 a gallon at WF but is 5.99 at Safeway. OTOH, Safeway also has a brand of milk that goes for $4.25 for 2 gallons. My favorite yogurt is .99 at WF and $2.15 at Safeway.

WF has a great selection of dried pasta, not just the usual varieties found at other grocery stores. Same for olive oil and vinegars.

The bulk foods are awesome, great price and quality.

For the most part I find that if you want something unusual, organic, or without a lot of preservatives WF has it and for a decent price. I sure if there was a grocery store comparison done WF would come out being higher than other places but the food would be of a superior quality too.

If you think a chicken breast is a chicken breast you might not want to buy them at WF! I just got a whole chicken at WF for $13.90 but it was the best whole chicken I have ever had and it was picked clean! Much better than the Tyson chickens I have previously cooked.

fci5767

01-15-2006, 05:57 PM

6. I went the other day and forgot my wallet. They gave me a "suspended" ticket and asked me to just drop by at my convenience to pay them.

So that was you ;). Just kidding but I wonder if I've seen you there. I learned a lot from your post that I didn't know about our WF. I love it there. I'm trying to like our new Earth Fare but I'm still not a fan.

I don't get cheese there. I prefer to get it at A Southern Season most of the time. BTW, the cheese at A SS is still 25% off on Thursdays. That sale will probably end this month but it's great while it lasts.

Beth

wintersummer

01-15-2006, 06:05 PM

Beth - we have to meet! Because I am sure we've seen one another at WF. I see the rest of Chapel Hill there.

I'm working on a big project now at UNC (I'm a part time health care consultant) and am sort of out of touch for about a month. Not getting to cook very much, either! I'll be in touch after I'm finished.

Just curious...what did you not know about Whole Foods? Was there something really odd in my post?

Ginger - you asked if they did it because they knew me. In fact, the cashier didn't know me. Like I said above, a lot of our town shops there. I first walked around the store to see if I could find anyone I knew to borrow money from (how tacky is that?) and when I couldn't, I found Alex, the grocery manager, who I see in WF a lot, asked him to go to the front and "vouch" for me (just say that I come in there a lot). He did that, and the cashier "suspended" my check.

Melman

01-15-2006, 06:08 PM

Two hours probably is too long to drive for good produce. :) But - after the depressing selection of fresh herbs I just saw at my local Publix, it might be worth it!

Maybe we could have a South Carolina klatch at the Whole Foods. . .

HA! I drive to Atlanta 2 or 3 times a year just to see what's in the stores there that we can't get here! Ok, maybe I also do mall shopping, etc., while I'm there. :D I have been known to go to Charlotte to go to Harris Teeter when I absolutely have to have rotisserie turkey breast. Besides, you can go from the big mall in Columbia (around Exit 101???) to Mauldin in about 70 minutes. To get to the shopping area, it's only another 10 minutes or less.

I wondered how any SC posters we now have. I think there may be a good many of us around here these days. Meeting at Whole Foods has already entered my mind. It's definitely something to think about.

KristiB

01-15-2006, 06:17 PM

6. I went the other day and forgot my wallet. They gave me a "suspended" ticket and asked me to just drop by at my convenience to pay them.

They did that for me once. I went digging for my debit card and realized they were in my jeans pocket at home. The cashier said no problem and filled out the form. They don't know me there. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor!

Of course I was back 30 minutes later with the $$$

Canice

01-15-2006, 06:23 PM

Wow, wintersummer, you articulated the anti "Whole Paycheck" sentiment much better than I did! And you're so right about the service; there's an awesome woman at the fish counter who can answer ANY foodie question you can throw at her - I swear she knows every single product in the store and how best to use it. One day I commented that I was afraid to cook scallops and she told me exactly what to do, then wrapped up two big plump ones with a "n/c" (no charge) sticker on it and told me to be sure to let her know how they worked out. Oh yea, and when I asked about Charlie Trotter's line of smoked salmon she ripped a package open and gave me a sample. She's wonderful!

mommycook, another thing about the milk (and related items) being much cheaper than at Safeway is that quality thing again: Safeway's milk is yucky as well as expensive. Seriously, sometime to a side-by-side tasting with Clover or the new 365 milk.

mommycook

01-18-2006, 12:43 PM

mommycook, another thing about the milk (and related items) being much cheaper than at Safeway is that quality thing again: Safeway's milk is yucky as well as expensive. Seriously, sometime to a side-by-side tasting with Clover or the new 365 milk.

Oh trust me, I know how much better it tastes. I get the Clover milk. The first time I got it EVERYONE in the family raved about it. I thought it was silly to drive 20 minutes to get milk at WF when there is a Safeway 1/4 mile from my house, with 'generic' milk for a cheaper price. When I brought home the Safeway milk my kids called it yucky and would not drink it and DH thought it tasted funny. Mind you, up until I brought home the Clover they had only consumed Safeway milk! Now I buy only the Clover.

sharris315

01-18-2006, 02:24 PM

Meeting at Whole Foods has already entered my mind. It's definitely something to think about.

My thoughts exactly... :)

Shar

Beth H

01-18-2006, 02:28 PM

Besides, you can go from the big mall in Columbia (around Exit 101???) to Mauldin in about 70 minutes. To get to the shopping area, it's only another 10 minutes or less.

Yep - you're right about the big mall in Columbia and the time it takes to get to Mauldin. I live downtown, so I'm about 15 minutes from that area - but I definitely would drive up there sometime. I'm not sure how many South Carolinians post on the boards these days.

Angelina

01-18-2006, 03:54 PM

I love my Whole Foods. Sure, I have to walk there, then to the subway, then the long walk home, but their stuff is definitely worth it. True, they don't have a bulk section for spices and grains, and they are probably smaller than the average Whole Foods outside of NYC, but their stuff is SO much better than what I can get at my local supermarket.

The only supermarket (besides WF) that is close enough to my house is nasty. Dirty, old...and they never have skim milk in the half gallon size. I am starting to think it's the Holy Grail. Nobody sells it, except in those nasty plastic bottles. I can't stand the taste of those, they taste plastic-y to me. My mother buys it for me on weekends when she goes to the bigger supermarket, but otherwise, it's WF! And they have Organic Valley skim milk, which tastes delicious. :)

And the variety...needless to say, my supermarket does not carry fresh herbs, sometimes not even fresh parsley. Fruit? Well, it looks like it is from ten years ago. The only thing I buy there sometimes is bananas. The meat at WF is so good too...I don't eat a lot of meat, but when I do, I get it from them. So tender, so delicious...

Angela

bobmark226

01-18-2006, 04:13 PM

I love my Whole Foods.

Yes, Angela, rightly so. I assume you go to the Chelsea (or whatever that neighborhood is) store, but did you read today that the Union Square area is about to get a Trader Joes? Something about one third the size of the downtown WF. Tony says he is glad this wasn't announced in October, because I never would have left The City.

Back on topic: you know, whatever the ups and downs, what it comes down to is that if you love food, if you love cooking, if you love easy access to otherwise hard-to-find ingredients, you're going to have a swell time shopping there.

Bob

Angelina

01-18-2006, 04:18 PM

We are finally getting Trader Joe's??? Wooohooo! It's about time! :)

And yes, the Chelsea one.

Angela

bobmark226

01-18-2006, 04:50 PM

We are finally getting Trader Joe's??? Wooohooo! It's about time! :)

You New Yorkers, you've just got to have it all, don't you? ;)

(Plan on meeting JeAnne there!)

Here's today's Times piece:

January 18, 2006
Trader Joe's to Open in New York
By FLORENCE FABRICANT
THE specialty grocer Trader Joe's will open a store near Union Square in about three months, a spokeswoman said yesterday, confirming a year's worth of reports that the national chain would join a growing list of food stores along 14th Street.

Trader Joe's, based in Monrovia, Calif., is best known for low-priced groceries and prepared and frozen foods. About 80 percent of what it sells carries the Trader Joe's label. A little more than a third of its merchandise is fresh, but also packaged.

It is also known for selling cheap Charles Shaw wine, known as Two-Buck Chuck because it sold for $2 a bottle when it was first offered.

The company, which has 250 stores in 19 states, will open at 142 East 14th Street, with a separate wine shop next door at 138 East 14th Street. It has 19 stores in the New York area, but none in New York City.

The spokeswoman, Alison Mochizuki, said there were no plans for other stores in the city.

At 15,000 square feet, including the wine shop, the new Trader Joe's will be less than a third the size of the Whole Foods that opened last year at 4 Union Square South. Balducci's recently opened a 10,000-square-foot store at Eighth Avenue and 14th Street, Garden of Eden has a store at 14th Street and Fifth Avenue, and four days a week, the city's flagship Greenmarket is in Union Square.

Aubergine

01-18-2006, 05:43 PM

You New Yorkers, you've just got to have it all, don't you? ;)

At 15,000 square feet, including the wine shop, the new Trader Joe's will be less than a third the size of the Whole Foods that opened last year at 4 Union Square South. Balducci's recently opened a 10,000-square-foot store at Eighth Avenue and 14th Street, Garden of Eden has a store at 14th Street and Fifth Avenue, and four days a week, the city's flagship Greenmarket is in Union Square.

lol, my old stomping grounds, walking distance to my mom's. somehow i don't think i'll be stopping in. the TJ's down here is quite small, too and, at 1/3 the size of the U.Sq. WF -- well, everything i hear and read about that (larger) store describes it as "claustrophobic." imagine how awful shopping at the only nyc TJ's might be.... then again, i guess i've just gotten too accustomed to the relatively wide-open spaces down here.

it's so easy to forget that ny'ers are well-accultured to feeling like sardines. but it's not the same city i grew up and lived in for 32 years.