Abi M.
Yelp
I enjoy IY for its support of local agriculture and for its commitment to organic products.
They have a good, if not fully "complete" bulk section, where I can find spices that aren't available in the Whole Foods bulk section. If you're buying bulk to try to use less plastic, you want to bring your own bags though, because IY offers plastic bags, which I really don't understand.
Of course, because of the nature of the store, things are more expensive than what you find in Kroger, Harris Teeter, etc, but you know that going in, so it's not too worrisome.
I usually go in for the bulk section, where, besides spices, I also purchase oats, nuts, rice and beans. They have a pretty good selection of toiletries/vitamins/and that sort of thing. Usually healthy, organic, "free-from" etc. Again, if you're looking to eliminate some single use plastic from your life, they sell a couple shampoo bars that are reasonable and salt rock deodorant (which I recommend trying if you haven't yet, lasts so long its very affordable, and it doesn't irritate me like many other natural deodorants do).
When I'm in there for something else, I often buy some produce, too, but I find there are other places around town where I can find local produce a bit cheaper. But I like what they're doing, sourcing from local farmers and producers and selling in a sort of co-op style, so I don't begrduge spending a little more if I'm there and in need of something they've got.
The person at the register is always kind, if not overly friendly, but I'm there to do some grocery shopping, and usually have my son in tow, so I'm not looking for long conversations.
Overall, worth a look, and though I'm not in every week, it is a fairly regular stop for me.