" WOW! Whole paycheck is slimming down... Lower the prices, maybe that would bring more shoppers.... "

" Oh my - 7,000 square feet of goods are being moved - and no one is loosing their job - no products are being dropped.

No physical changes - my foot!

Why would they do this without a tennant already lined up? Does anyone know if their rent is paid up? "

" Par. 8 - "....to big...", shouldn't this be too big?

Of course the English language does morph - I may have missed the memo. "

" Really good healthy food is cheap at any price. It contributes to your energy and well being. Most people spend a fortune on special food for their dogs and/or cats and then stop by a Safeway to feed the family.

I see good clean healthy food as an investment in mine and my families' health.
Besides, Whole Foods has had to keep the prices competetive with Trader Joe's just next door.
People just LOVE to be mean to Whole Foods - why?

One thing I wouldn't splurge on - alcohol! "

" suze:
One might think they would be competitive, but they aren't.
Trader Joe's IS right next door, but TJ's is much much much cheaper.
The trade-off is less selection. But, I can live without 7 different brands of overpriced spices. "

" If you've been in the store you would understand why this makes sense. That area of the store seems seperate from the rest of the store and I almost never see anyone in that area.

As far as healthy food, people often use the excuse that it's too expensive to eat healthy. If you examine things more closely you would see that's not the case. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables could not only result in fewer trips to the doctor and fewer health problems, but you can get numerous servings of produce for a small price.

For instance, you can buy a decent sized bunch of organic carrots at most stores for less than $1.50. I got some at Raleys for $1.39 the other day. You could easily provide a family of six with a serving a vegetables each at that price. Six servings of fries at McDonalds will cost you a lot more than that and you won't get nearly as many nutrients. "

" The same old people making the same old snide comments.

It's not about Whole Foods.

It'a about an overabundence of bile.

~Ruff "

" Ruff,
I assume that you have a fast horse because those that speak the truth need one! "

" I think that Whole foods has been competitive. You can't go to a regular grocery and get fresh salmon. Nope, it's been previousely frozen and color added. gross. i would rather spend the $2 more per pound and eat a real fish than a color added one. Granted, other things are higher in price, but you don't have to buy everything in there. "

" As an alternative, try Jefferson St Safeway - did an overhaul, and it looks fantastic. The produce section is picture perfect and shopper-friendly.
The employees there are also extremely helpful. (And, no, I don't work there or have stock in the store). Just a lil shout out 'cuz I was impressed. I have shopped at whole foods: too big for this country girl. TJs is more my size. Good luck to WFs; it's got great variety. "

" If you recall, when they opened ther was a huge fiasco because of poor planning, and they couldn't pass health inspections. This is just another example of very poor planning. I've been in the store once, and that is the last time. "

" Whole Foods is great and although some items are more expensive, some are actually less expensive. They have lowered prices on a lot of stuff, especially their own in store brands like butter and tuna fish.

They also have some good deals on wine now too. Rutherford Hill's 2005 Merlot is one I like to drink when I am feeling rich, Knob Hill it was $23, Whole Foods $17.

The meat is really expensive, however, but very high quality. I occasionally get that too.

There's too much hate the rich sentiment in this town. Rich people need love too.

I must say though that they have cut back on items due to their reorganization. Way less desserts, blueberry pie, gone. It was awesome too. "

" I admire what the Whole Foods philosophy is trying to accomplish, yet I can't help but feel weird in that store. Don't get me wrong; we eat healthy in my house and I understand the value of sustainability. However, I don't like to be beat over the head with it....I feel like I'm a pagan walking into a church, and that the products on the shelves are glaring at me, lecturing me for not being totally organic. I go in there once in a great while for specialty products not found elsewhere, and I always make it a short visit. "

" It is amazing. Napa folks are always complaining about the lack of "chain" stores and we finally get a few and you read all these criticisms being written. What will make you happy? Whole Foods is a beautiful store with healthy food and the few extra dollars spent are worth it. How many dollars did you leave behind at Wendy's, McDonalds, etc. etc. Now don't get defensive, just be honest with yourselves. "

" It is a misconception that Whole Foods exists for the Rich and the elite. Comparison shopping has shown that depending on the item greater value at less cost can be found at Whole Foods compared to Safeway. No It can not match the loss leaders or the volume purchasing on many items but it can compete on an equal footing with staple items. Milk, fruit and produce of several types are actually equal or cheaper than the same brands of equal quality found in the major grocery retailers. Check out their bananas and mangoes, I found them to be equal or cheaper, watch which mangoes you get.A little book called “The Undercover Economist” mentions this.

If you suffer, like most of us, the disease known as impulse buying of course you can spend more than comparative large retailers, then again what do you think that those Safeway loss leaders are predicated on?

The price of their made in the store sausage is comparable (even equal) to many local independent retailers and if you would like cheap wine on the order of two buck chuck it can be found in abundance. Even their meat, which is exceptional, can be low cost. I have purchased their on sale hamburger and found better quality, less fat, than other stores and even purchased a chateaubriand, again “on sale” cheaper than several local markets that was above normal quality.
The challenge to think about what we eat is what many detractors find so offensive much like addicted smokers who shrug off their habit with the “oh well we all die of something” attitude. Whole Foods offers equal or better quality at reasonable prices. It promotes local farmers and organic products which is an economically sound strategy for food diversity and makes sense. "

" As a disclaimer and admission of prejudice I will confess to owning Whole Foods stock, unhappily. "

" Bill- Are you:

Unhappy with the performance of the company?

Unhappy with the performance of the stock?

Unhappy that you own the stock?

Or just unhappy with the general idea of confessing?

;o)

~Ruff "

" Exasperated, I know EXACTLY what you mean! That's how my mom uses the store, too - if she needs an unusual ingredient for a recipe, or a product she can't find anywhere else, she'll make a (quick!) trip to Whole Foods.

Frankly, I'm a much bigger fan of Trader Joe's. Their prices are lower, and I like what they have to offer. Sure, I'm giving up more selection for better prices, but I'm pretty happy making that decision.

I do think that Whole Foods has a good philosophy, and a lot of stuff. But it's pretty expensive and my family just can't afford to pay that much for groceries. Besides, Safeway has their own organic brand for much, much less. "

" holy crap, let a Winco in..........let the people of Napa get their ALL food, sooooo much cheaper, than even Costco. I am amazed by their prices. I will, however, buy my beef at Safeway or another local beef-tender....not had good stuff from them. Canned, frozen, whatever, much cheaper at Winco, plus, employee owned! I honestly think that they would be great in Napa! Napa needs this store! Safeway, excellent beef!!!!! "

" I have done price comparisons to certain specialty foods I also buy at Safeway, and found Whole Foods to be on a par. I buy my meat and milk at Safeway, however. Eggs and most other things at TJ's. Just came back from Costco. They're not cheap, either. "

" anothervoice wrote: "Whole Foods is a beautiful store with healthy food and the few extra dollars spent are worth it. How many dollars did you leave behind at Wendy's, McDonalds, etc?

The thing is, Whole Foods doesn't compete with fast food outlets, it competes with the likes of Trader Joe's and Safeway. I buy bananas for 19 cents each and eggs for 1.79 a dozen at Trader Joe's. I bet you can't come close to those prices at Whole Foods. "

" Trader Joe's is a great store and a great company. However buying meat or produce from TJ's is crazy. The quality is lacking. Whole foods has the best produce and meats of any grocery store in town. There overall prices are competitive, the service is great and the store is great. We are SO lucky to have Whole Foods in Napa. Whole Foods, TJ's and Pharmica all in one center. It's perfect. In some ways better than the cranky Napakins deserve. "

" mamawana, Winco may be employee owned, but I've been there quite a few times and I've never seen a happy employee. "

" johnrichards: I did not mean anything about the competition between Whole Foods and Safeway, etc. Only meant people seem like spending the money at fast foods, or for that matter, restaurants (big bucks), etc. is an okay deal, but a few extra dollars spent at Whole Foods for organic foods is thought of as too expensive, or overspending. Thinking priorities are worth thinking about. "

" Ruff,

Take your pick.

My comments were in the first place supportive of Whole Foods and their business model, if that was not clear read the post again. If the woe is me comment on my stock picking capabilities offend by all means be offended.

If there is something toagree or disagree with please do so, my feelings are never the issue.

The attempt by other stores to climb on the organic food band wagon is heartening but Whole foods does a much better job of seeking out local food sources and this is vital to our future sustainability in food diversification. I still own the stock, why buy high and sell low? "

" I generally enjoy Whole Foods...one just has to watch for the deals...sometimes I wonder around the store while my better half shops...I never see anyone shopping down at that end of the store.

NEWS FLASH: Folio has shut down and moved out of the Oxbow. What has happened to the once proud House of Mondavi???? Bob must be turning over in his grave...RIP!!! "

" When people act like idiots and are uneducated to the facts... this is what you get... a message board full of people that don't know about the facts and where your food actually comes from. Rent "The Future of Food" and wise up Napa... I see your kids on the coner eating cheetos and coca-cola...

and you wonder why they are fat!

get a clue... "

" Wait until you guys go and see 'Food Inc' the movie just released about food production, you just might get second thoughts about those cheap beef and pork cuts available at - you know where.

I think Whole Foods is just staying on the pulse by abandoning that section of the store. I am very glad to see more general support for Whole Foods and their policies of supporting local producers of foodstuffs.
I love T.J.'s too, I tend to hop between the two. You have to be a good shopper these days, and that means taking a lot of factors into consideration. I also never forget my shopping bags! No plastic for me. It is about time they started charging for those dreadful oil unfriendly things! "

" In response to jmo's comment, the Folio Enoteca is NOT shutting down--it is simply closed for renovation. The projected reopening date is August 1. When the Enoteca reopens, there will be even more specialty food options and a new panini station, as well as new kitchen & pantry items and an expanded local & import wine selection. "

" Vallergas and Browns Valley Market are much better places for meat, deli, and produce, and, are locally owned. "

" Don't forget Target for staples, as well. They have pretty good deals, but a limited selection. Often I start there, then move to TJs and/or Safeway as needed to fill in the blanks.

My favorite secret is that Target has a couple Amy's frozen meals--including my several-times-a-week favorite, Palak Paneer--for a couple bucks cheaper than anywhere else in town.

Now, don't go buying all the Palak Paneer! Save some for me! "

" Thx Winegirl for the clarification. Perhaps a sign is now posted. However, as of late Saturday afternoon none was posted and someone involved in the close down confirmed to me that it was closing/closed. Perhaps a poor choice of words. Will it still be a bonded winery?

PS: Bring Sara Scott back to square away the food concept. Folio seems to have lost its way since she is no longer involved. "

" downtownsupporter

Whole Foods searches out LOCAL PURVEYORS for there meats and produce. You can find Long Meadow Ranch in their meat counter, while Browns Valley and Vallergas DO NOT feature that local butcher. What now?

The produce is grown by Riverdog and others in Guinda. Is that LOCAl enough for you?

John Richards

You are getting eggs for $1.79/dozen! Wow! And for just $0.20 more they are 3 weeks younger that the ones you are eating. Do you eggs float when you put them in water? Yes? Then they are all ready to old to be considered fresh.

These are the things that I am talking about when I say educate yourselves Napa. The FDA is not you friend. They do not care about you...

pharper

you said: Besides, Safeway has their own organic brand for much, much less.

Wrong again... The 365 line at Whole Foods is way cheaper than Safeway.

I have lived all over the west coast and shopped at a variety of stores. WHole Foods has always been the bang for the buck for THE EDUCATED SHOPPER...

But if you stooges want to remain ignorant and keep eating corn-fed beef and other NON-SUSTAINABLE foods, be my guest. But do not be upset when you get called out for your ignorance.

If ignorance is bliss.... well, then you get the point; or do you? "

" I'm so grateful we have so many choices!! "

" I have been shopping there since day one. The employees are much more friendly than at Safeway, Raleys, or Vallergas. The lines are minute compared the other stores. They know me by name and they always give my son a balloon as soon as we walk in the door. Some products we buy (Organic Soy Milk) is always 3.29 compared to almost 4 bucks at regular stores... I am willing to pay a LITTLE MORE for better service, friendly enviroment and a great selection of organic products. CHEERS TO WHOLE FOODS!! "

" Prefer to spend my money on great meat, like lamb, tri-tip, fresh salmon, at Vallerga's. Fresh bread, nice baggers, great deli with sliced on-demand salami (not pre-sliced, it's nice and fresh!). Great cheese, and they do wonderful tastings there too, a very nice lady there did the tasting on Sunday. And it's a locally owned company! "

" I love TJ's for staples, but I won't buy produce in plastic. Farmer's Market, Brown's Valley Market, Vallergas or WF have fresh, local, non-plastic-wrapped produce. For spices, try Whole Spice at Oxbow. You can get any kind of spice you can imagine, in any quantity, at surprisingly low prices. No matter where you shop, don't forget to take your canvas bag! A final note to all you complainers: when did this become WHINE country? "

" Even if it can be proven that Whole Foods is a little bit pricier, I'll gladly pay the extra. They have health insurance for both full and part time employees. They treat their workforce well. I'm willing to pay for that rather than drive down to a place like the Super Walmart, or some other cheap food place, and purchase food, much of which has been packaged overseas.

I wish there was a way to know which wineries offer their employees health and other benefits so that I can selectively purchase their products. "