Yeah, I don’t generally end up spending more at Whole Foods - but I buy very specific reasonably priced produce (I will go in with that goal in mind knowing I need some fruit for the week and grabbing the oranges that happen to be on sale, for example), and their store brand stuff. I think they carry some expensive and delicious looking stuff, so it can be easy to rack up the costs if you are impulse buying, but I think they kind of get an undeserved reputation.
One weird reason I shop at Whole Foods: my dog likes their organic carrots but turns up her nose (quite literally) at carrots (even organic ones) from other stores. What does she smell/taste that I don’t? I have no idea, but I trust her judgement.
Trust your doggie.if she won’t eat it, maybe you shouldn’t either. Hmm, wonder if my dogs would eat their tiramisu, blueberry lemon tart or fruit tart. Guess I’m just going to have to experiment. Anything for science, of course!
Don’t give the dog tiramisu, @busdriver11–remember dogs shouldn’t have chocolate or coffee…
Darn, too late, dmd77. I’m at Whole Foods and it’s already in my cart! Guess I’d better try them on the carrot cake instead, and leave the rest for me!.
To tell the truth, the dogs don’t get dessert and I’m on a pseudo diet right now, so the only junk in the cart is for the boys. But the cab is mine!
It looks like we’re getting the lower priced Whole Foods. It’s called 365. Smart move!
I see that the first store is opening in LA later this month.
http://www.toledoblade.com/Retail/2016/05/06/Whole-Foods-plans-a-new-concept-store.html
I am a dedicated Whole Foods shopper but will go to TJ’s for organic produce and a few other items. TJ’s organic produce is half the price of WF’s - likewise with nuts, bottled water and coffee.
TJ’s really needs to revamp their “prepared foods” selection - it is abysmal and unappetizing visually. Their sushi looks like it was either frozen or is days old. I really think they are losing revenue in that area as our TJ’s is always packed with people, but there is no one ever near the prepared foods section.
I am lucky in that back east we have a Wegman’s, WF’s and TJ’s within a mile of each other.
What drives me crazy about Whole Foods is how they replace good products with their 365 version. Trader Joe’s does the same. For example, our family used to love Knudsen’s Jamaican Lemonade soda which has both ginger and lemon. Yes, it’s expensive compared to 365 sodas but there is plenty of shelf space for both. Somehow the 365 soda took over all the shelf space, hmmmmm.
I suspect this “lower price” Whole Foods will just carry their own brand - making just as much profit for them but giving us even less choices along with our “lower” prices.
Aldi is successfully selling just a few choices. I guess the 365 stuff is what the new stores will be offering a la Aldi.