Whole Foods Layoffs (Austin, Pflugerville, Atlanta: sale, co-ops, home)

[atlanta hope]

I'm sad to hear WF is laying off some people. Guess I won't be working there any time soon.

statesman.com (http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/wholefoods/entries/2008/08/15/more_on_whole_foods_layoffs.html - broken link)

[MJinAustin]

I'm not really surprised though. I imagine that people are not shopping there as much as they once did (including us). Their prices used to be slightly higher than other stores - maybe 20-30% - and they do carry things that HEB doesn't, but recently we've noticed a huge increase in prices and it's really disappointing. We've found other alternatives, and now only go there to get some specialty brands/items. If they don't get their prices in check, they are going to price themselves right out of the supermarket business, especially now that HEB and Target and others are carrying some variety of organic brands.

Recent comparisons of exact same items:
Organic bananas - WF 1.99/lb - HEB .89/lb
Kids organic bagged drinks - WF 5.99reg/3.99 onsale - HEB 3.49reg/2.49onsale
Organic Yogurt - WF 1.29 - HEB .75
Kids organic unsweetend applesauce 4-pk - WF 2.99 - HEB 1.99

[Dr.Mom]

Are the prices at Central Market more reasonable? I've never been and am curious about the store.

[MJinAustin]

Originally Posted by Dr.Mom

Are the prices at Central Market more reasonable? I've never been and am curious about the store.

Oddly, Central Market prices are higher than HEB prices, but still cheaper than WF. Example: organic bananas are .89 at HEB and 1.29 at CM. They have a great meat dept and an enormous variety of fruits/veg and a big wine and cheese selection. I don't go often b/c they are far from home and the parking is atrocious.

[centralaustinite]

Central Market is owned by HEB and generally, prices for the same items will be the same at CM and HEB. But CM will not have the sale prices that HEB does and it is a different product mix.

Generally people are either "Whole Foods people" or Central Market people. I am a CMer! Years ago when there was only the one Central Market in the whole world, we turned down a job in northern CA because we were stricken by the fact we'd have to give up our Central Market.

PS, Organic bananas are NOT .89 my HEB! I could only wish. Regular bananas are about that price but not organic. You are lucky.

[AustinTraveler]

Central Market is a whole different animal. It's the kind of place where you can buy six different types of peaches, where all their meat is PGA, where seafood is flown in fresh a few times a week, and where bread is made every day. That being said, yes, you have to pay for it, but it's well worth it. When you're at the store, don't be shy....ask for a sample of whatever fruit you're thinking of buying. In fact, ask for a sample of anything. Also, if you buy something you just don't like, take it back and they'll give you your money back, no questions asked and no receipt required. They also have live music out on the patio and a great cafe. As you can tell, I'm a fan. It might cost more, but you definitely get your money's worth.

[HappyTexan]

Many of the HEB's carry the CM brands now; not fresh fruits/vegtables/meats, but plenty of canned and boxed good now. At least that's what's showing up in my local HEB (Pflugerville).

[MJinAustin]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

Central Market is owned by HEB and generally, prices for the same items will be the same at CM and HEB. But CM will not have the sale prices that HEB does and it is a different product mix.

I have done some price comparisons and prices can be 10%+ more than HEB in general, but they are still good prices. Some things are the same though. I think I noticed boxed goods were different prices - cookies and crackers and such.

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

PS, Organic bananas are NOT .89 my HEB! I could only wish. Regular bananas are about that price but not organic. You are lucky.

Hmm...I go to the one on Braker at 183. The last time I was there - this past week - they were .89/lb. I'm looking at a Central Mkt receipt right now from 8/5 where the organic bananas are .89/lb.

[atlanta hope]

I love Central Market too -- one of my fav. things was having a glass of wine out on the patio and listening to a band. How nice Austin has a choice. Here in Atlanta, it's just WF. There are a few crappy co-ops around but I never shop there. We actually just got Trader Joe's recently and it's pretty cool but it's NO Central Market.

[verybadgnome]

This news, if it is indicative of the market as a whole, is not good new for the likes of Sunflower which is planning to open a new store here in South Austin.