Whole Foods Flagship Store - Downtown amenity or condo owners liability? (San Antonio: buying, school)

[atxcio]

I've always thought of the Whole Foods downtown HQ as a downtown amenity, something most downtown residents would be happy to live near. However, another poster recently speculated that such may not be the case... that actually, because of the high prices, the Whole Foods flagship store might really be a detriment to downtown living.

So what do you think? If you were living downtown, would you want it nearby? Would you shop there? Have you been there, participated in the cooking school, or visited the rooftop ice skating rink during the winter?

[mimimomx3]

I love the WF downtown, and if I lived DT, I would certainly be there every day. I go all the time, at least 4-5 times a week. The NW store is much smaller, but has a great WF assortment.

[theloneranger]

I think that the BookPeople next door is a better amenity, personally, but if I lived closer to downtown and weren't on a college student's budget I would shop there regularly. For now, it's the HEB on 45th and Red River.

[aktanner]

Originally Posted by theloneranger

I think that the BookPeople next door is a better amenity, personally, but if I lived closer to downtown and weren't on a college student's budget I would shop there regularly. For now, it's the HEB on 45th and Red River.

Is there not a Save A Lot foods near you? Now that is the place to shop if you are on a college budget.

[jobert]

I believe there will be a Central Market located in the new hi-rise complex planned for the old water treatment plant. Buying a condo at 2nd/San Antonio will pay off well here in 5 years.

[centralaustinite]

I am more of a Central Market person than a Whole Foods person but it is definitely an amenity to be close to it and the other shopping options at that corner (Anthropologie, Book People, Waterloo Records, etc).

The downtown WF is the closest one to me and I've been there with playgroups and mom's groups, the rooftop is a great alternative space to parks in the heat of summer and on rainy days.

[yam]

If you can afford a condo downtown, then paying a bit extra for the organic arugula is not a problem

[Moonlady]

Originally Posted by yam

If you can afford a condo downtown, then paying a bit extra for the organic arugula is not a problem

That's what I was thinking too! The biggest problem with shopping at Whole Foods isn't the price of the organic arugula - it's that there are so many offerings of expensive things you don't need but somehow seem to want. I used to shop at the Gateway store and if I was careful and planned my purchases, I didn't spend a great deal more than I would shopping at Randall's or even the HEB for meats, produce and some canned and baked goods. Problem is, WF doesn't have everything you need, so you end up having to go to a HEB type store to get staples anyway. If I had a downtown condo, I'm pretty sure I'd be buying the organic arugula along with grass fed beef and other delights!

[Austin2009]

I LOVE WF and CM both and have been many times. I will be moving to Austin next month and do plan on living downtown so I am really happy it's there!

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by yam

If you can afford a condo downtown, then paying a bit extra for the organic arugula is not a problem

Right, it's a lifestyle choice. I might still go once every week or two to Costco or Sams to get the non-perishable staples, but I'd be buying my meat, fish, veggies, fruits, etc. at the Whole Foods and enjoying the walk to and from.

Steve