Colleen C.
Yelp
I'm very disappointed with Whole Foods lately. I've reduced my visits by at least 80%, and now shop more frequently at Sprouts, smaller local markets, and the farmers market instead.
The experience has declined in too many areas:
* The coffee grinder is constantly out of order, which has become a frustrating pattern.
* The butcher department is the most consistent in terms of service, but even there, it's a gamble. I can go to a small local butcher and receive high-quality cuts, attention to detail, and service delivered with pride--without feeling rushed or like I'm asking for too much.
* The bakery is often understaffed, and the shelves are regularly understocked or missing basic items. I've stopped going to the deli counter altogether after repeated issues. On one occasion, they tried to use wilted, brown lettuce on my sandwich. When I asked for a fresh piece, the employee gave me visible attitude. Another time I saw an employee on the floor, and when I asked a simple question, she said she wasn't from that department. I politely asked if she could radio someone(because thats what they usually do with no issue), and she just turned around and ignored me. I was SHOCKED.
* Customer service overall has really declined. Too often, you're met with eye rolls, dismissive answers, or no help at all.
To be fair, there are still a handful of long-time employees who continue to deliver excellent service, and I appreciate their dedication. But on the whole, both customer service and food quality have dropped significantly.
I've found moldy fruit on multiple occasions, and it no longer feels like the well-run, premium grocery store it once was. I absolutely despise how I buy certain fruits and vegetables there, just to have them rot and have mold develop a couple days later. Whole Foods feels like it's gotten too big for its britches, now struggling with ordering issues, staffing challenges, and slipping standards.
I want to give a shoutout to the Health and Wellness section -- every time I needed help finding a specific vitamin, someone was always there to assist. Everyone I've encountered in that area has been genuinely friendly and helpful.
You can tell by their response back to my review and others that the quality and care is just not where it needs to be.