Whole Foods fined for overcharging

[MH1]

79. Ok, that's not entirely true. There is plenty of "mingling" at the WFM in Philly.

At least it appears that way to me.

It's the only grocery store that I know of within walking distance of my job.

It's the only grocery store within walking distance of MANY that you might perceive to be "the lower classes". (This is a separate problem in urban areas - google "food deserts" for more about it.)

I don't approve of the owner's politics and I agree that they charge too high on many items. I'm sure the "lower classes" who shop there because it's the only place in reach, are just going there for the best value they can get on fresh produce, at the only place they can get it. (Ok, there are food trucks that sell fruit. Wanna compare prices??)

But, I can do the Whole Foods salad bar and get a MUCH healthier lunch for cheaper than anywhere else around my work. Unfortunately it's barely in walking distance so I don't get much time to eat if I do that. If it were closer I'd probably go there every day just for that.

Keep in mind also, that their competition is NOT the regular grocery store, it is other natural foods stores that sell similar products, that can't be found in most "regular" grocery stores (although that's changing, and Whole Foods' stock is reflecting that). I have found Whole Foods to be generally competitive with the other natural foods stores that I have shopped at. Usually cheaper (presumably due to economies of scale), but the other natural foods stores generally have the benefit of being locally owned and run, so I prefer to go there for my usual shopping.