The New York Times ran this article about how Whole Foods is having a hard time in this economy convincing people that it can be economical. The company is offering deep discounts and giving tours to show just how affordable it can be. According to the article, since 2006, its stock has dropped more than 70 percent. Clearly, the company needs a survival strategy.
I’m more of a Fresh Market type of girl, but I know a lot of my coworkers like Whole Foods. As the article mentions, the place sells goat cheese for $39.99 a pound. For me, that’s a wash and set, deep conditioner and tip at my favorite salon! I digress. Whole Foods offers $1.50 per pound tofu, though.
Do you shop at boutique grocery stores? Do you buy organic? Since the economy started weakening, have you found yourself shopping at Costco and Aldi more? Should Whole Foods hang it up?
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I think that whole foods is expensive and sometimes it upsets me that although many people want to make an effort to change their eating habits, its very difficult when the money in our bank accounts are going gas, metrocards (nyc) and all our other bills. What’s a girl to do? I go to the vegetable markets that tend to be a bit cheaper or I heard trader joes is cheaper then whole foods but I don’t have one near where I live. Bummer!
Whole foods is ridiculously expensive. I get my cheese, hummus, and fresh veggies from Trader Joes. Much more economical.
I have to point out that you rarely eat a full pound of cheese in one setting.
However, I do find some of their items to be a bit expensive. I don’t shop a lot there – I shop at another chain, Giant Foods. But the produce at Giant doesn’t come close to what you can get at Whole Foods.
I think that you have to decide what you’re willing to shell out money for. I don’t buy organic meats, but I prefer organic milk. I’ll buy organic fruits if it’s in the budget.
But if I’m having a party, I look for cheese at Wegmans or Whole Foods before I go to Giant! Not $39.99 a pound, but something nicer and more varied than just cheddar and swiss!
I wish I could shop at organic stores but i can’t . too expensive!!
It is a pity because here, people are so into organic/health food but when you compare the prices to Kroger’s, i ran to Kroger’s…
I heard about Trader Joes as well. I think there are some items that may be cheaper at whole foods and I do like organic items but sometimes the price tag is just not worth it for every item. WF has its place but for the most part I will stick with traditional markets.
Just Wondering-I’m considering growing a garden at home.
Cedrine-I keep hearing about Trader Joes. I need to check one out. We don’t have them in South Florida.:(
GLM-I would eat up all the cheese at your party.
Amina-People have been eating grocery store food for years. Most are just fine!
PJD-Nice!
I live in a town where people would if I talked about having a Whole Foods or Trader Joes, so I try to shop for fruits and veggies at farmer’s markets.
The rest, I have to get from Wal-Mart or Kroger.
I used to work for Whole Foods and totally agree that their prices are more expensive. But I think a lot of people confuse their organic products with their organic, gourmet products. Of course their cheeses are going to be expensive – they don’t call it the specialty department for nothing. They also deal with smaller local vendors whose costs are higher, which in turn makes their products more expensive. I just don’t think their business model was originally started to cover the entirety of products that you find at a normal grocery store. The organics ‘movement’ is a good step in the right direction, but it’s just that – a step. You may not be able to afford to do all your shopping there just yet, but I find it more economical to buy only certain products there. Their cereals, juices and frozen items can be very cost effective. And even though those classes are a big promotional ploy, I took something similar when I was there, and it really helped me see where I could make little adjustments to my shopping that would save me money and keep me on a healthy path.
Your comment about a wash and set and tip was hilarious! I totally agree. I used to love Whole Foods but one time I bought like 4 items for like $95.00 uh…Frugalista…that’s a perm…and you know it!
HAHAH!
I went back to Publix…same vibe..fifty bucks cheaper.
One of the best blogs written by a journalist…THANK YOU!!! Besides Leonard Pitts…I’ve gotten lonely…THANK YOU Miami Herald….
We used to shop at Wild Oats, they were our favorite. They had a huge committment to the community and to offering the best organic food and prices. We started to shop at Whole Fools and also found them expensive, but believed that their mission statement and practices were legit hence they were worth it. Today you can get most of what they offer at many other markets. Except for the best local certified organic Bread from German Bread Haus. Whole Fools stopped getting it and has been trying to Knock off their own imitation. Disgusting. Shame on you Whole Fools. Thanks for this great blog!!