I used to work at Whole Foods. I liked the store but the clientele can be a little 'snobby' in certain locations like Long Island where I used to live. They'd never open a store where I live because the folks here are all about the beer,etc. and don't care about health. I am forced to shop at Walmart when the smaller grocery store comes up short. Walmart is okay. Their veggies tend to be fresher because a lot of people shop there but I find that I spend more money at Walmart because the other stuff is right next to the grocery aisles. It isn't a lot different from a smaller store, just a few cents cheaper. I know I can find organic coffee at Walmart but I can also buy Trader Joe's fair trade organic on Long Island a few bags and store them in my freezer till I'm ready for them. So I disagree with you...Walmart's prices aren't that great not for food anyway.

I am guessing that the Whole Foods in California are a totally different experience than the ones in New York. It seems as if Southern Californians really do embrace the granola crunchy lifestyle unlike the posers I used to encounter. Besides they seem to do a lot of work for Leslie which is a good thing. I'm all about local foods. I don't see where buying Paul Newman oranges is better than buying apples or something else from a Pennsylvania orchard.

I've stopped doing a lot of shopping at Whole Foods when I visit my family on Long Island. I avoid the expensive stuff and get the grains. Their grain section is the best one hands down.