Whole Foods Market

Edit:<br>I went back and looked at the entire entry front to see the sign about the no scooter policy. I looked and looked and did not see anything about scooters. The security team probably just doesn’t like people of a certain color, so decided to hassle me and waste my time. Yes, racism exists and it doesn’t matter what color you are. Whole Foods, you need to do better.<br><br>Edit:<br>May 2026. I go into WF for a loaf of bread. I got there 2-3 times per week. I’m pushing my scooter. A security guard chases after me and tells me I can’t bring the scooter in. It seems that since last week, they had signs on the door with their new policy. As a regular, who reads signs on the doorway?<br><br>Okay, I understand the new policy, but the Management could give customers a heads up and tell us, or put a sign up in the aisles: Okay, starting in two weeks, no scooters allowed. Give us some time and advance notice so we can prepare.<br><br>The supervisor would not let me get my one item. He gave me the ‘choice’ of leaving the scooter (unlocked) in the entry vestibule (really?!) or leave. So, I left and went to the UWS location.<br><br>So, along with the escalating prices for food, it is no longer as convenient, and I’ll probably go there much less, and just make the trip to the UWS, even if they adopt the same policy.<br><br>———————<br><br>Okay, so it is a little ‘different’ from WFs in other parts of town. But overall, a lifesaver for the neighborhood. Yes, there are homeless people hanging around outside all the time, but I think it’s because there’s some kind of rehab clinic nearby. In terms of its general function, though, it serves the purpose well. Sometimes it hasn’t adequately restocked basics, but there are many reasons that are beyond its control. Most of the employees here are helpful, and yes, security is necessary and appreciated. (I’ve read some complaints about security—I’ve never had an issue. If security are watching and doing their job, that’s fine. I’m happy that they’re watching to keep us safe! Thank you, security detail!)<br><br>Some great employees have dropped everything they’re doing to lead me to what I was looking for, or, they’ll go back to the stock room to check if they have anymore of what I’m looking for.<br><br>I’ve only seen one customer service rep who made a line of people wait for ten minutes while she chatted with a fellow employee. Everyone was just watching and waiting, and even the other employee was pointing to the queue, but she would not be rushed. But this was a small issue (but a point off because we unfortunately remember the bad things more clearly!)

Store is dirty with a bunch of expired products, mainly in dairy. Whole foods staff ignored my request regarding the discard of the dogs in the store. E-comm leadership is terrible especially the woman named "Liz". Very rude as I tried to speak to her about a pickup order I had placed. She had a bad attitude and it seemed like she didn't wanna be there. If you don't like ur job quit!!!

This store appears to be closing down. The shelves are bare, prices are skyrocketing, and the quality of the products is subpar. The aisles are deserted, and there’s a noticeable lack of customer service. Additionally, they’ll be discontinuing the sale of Beyond Meat products. It’s worth checking the expiration dates, as many items are expired.

I had a negative experience in the butcher department with Jonathan during a recent visit. I politely asked him to slice a rack of lamb into chops, and instead of a simple confirmation, he responded by saying I “or you could have just selected the pre-sliced chops,” in a tone that felt dismissive and unnecessary.<br><br>The department was not busy at the time, and slicing meat upon request is a standard service at a butcher counter, so the interaction came across as passive-aggressive and unprofessional. It created an uncomfortable moment that his colleague appeared to notice and attempt to smooth over.<br><br>I did bring the matter to management, and I appreciate that they apologized and addressed it. I’m sharing this feedback in the hope that customer interactions reflect the level of courtesy and professionalism expected.

Disappointing pickup experience + unsafe-feeling policies<br><br>I placed a pickup order at the Whole Foods on 125th Street in Harlem and had a friend pick it up for me today because I couldn’t get outside. They arrived with the pickup code, but an associate **without a name tag** refused to release the order and demanded additional personal information (PII) anyway.<br><br>That’s a problem. It’s alarming that this location expects customers to hand over personal information to **unnamed employees**, while not requiring associates to wear name tags so customers know who they’re speaking with—especially if an issue needs to be escalated. If the pickup code is the verification method, it should be sufficient, or at the very least the policy should be consistent, clearly communicated, and handled professionally.<br><br>Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated “off day” feeling. This isn’t my neighborhood store, but I’ve stopped here several times to pick up items for an elder in the area, and each visit makes me question why I keep coming back.<br><br>The last time I was in person, there was a persistent odor of rotten meat in parts of the store. The store layout also feels unnecessarily frustrating—pushing large carts in a space that mostly accommodates small pull baskets or half baskets creates congestion and friction. Then at checkout, customers are expected to bend down and unload their baskets themselves because employees won’t take the basket, which feels like offloading labor onto customers who are already paying premium prices.<br><br>It’s no surprise the self-checkout line wraps around the corner while staffed lanes sit empty—customers are trying to avoid more negative interactions. Between the service attitude and a layout that feels chaotic (and honestly like a fire hazard in busy moments), this store needs a serious operational reset.<br><br>I strongly encourage leadership to visit a Trader Joe’s and observe how simple design choices—like accessible basket stands and smoother checkout flow—reduce stress for both customers and staff. Whole Foods should be better than overpriced groceries paired with substandard service dressed up as “community empowerment.”

Well what can I say about whole foods? nothing much to complain about, the prices could be a bit lower but we all know that that's the norm for the most part. It's right in my neighborhood quality of food is good but if you decide you want to be a health nut it's going to be hard I mean they have all the organic stuff, The processed stuff, the whole healthy stuff, but as soon as you enter in there you are bombarded with all the smell of the bread coming from the oven, the pizza slices, the muffins the aruggalars the croissants these types of food contributes to the Medicaid and healthcare corporations lol, I mean this is driving me nuts somebody please hold me back This is a you can exercise your free will yes butbut to a point where your own free will will drive you crazy, 😮please keep me away from this temptation 😄😄!!!

The young man at the checkout was rude. He did not want to assist me when I told him I was not experienced in the Prime way of checking out. He just kept pointing at the register. When I said he didnt want to help me, then he decides to come and assist me. Not every customer knows about certain aspects of checking out at different locations. Even though I have Prime, I never used it before. The folks who use this establishment seem to be fine with the escalator being out of service and an employee NOT helping a woman get something on a top shelf. This place was a bit much. But I got out quickly, only because I buy a few things from here.

This particular Whole Foods located in Harlem 125th is only operational for profit & gentrification purposes, This location is in disservice to the community for the simple fact they do not have any restrooms for customers that frequent their business, there is not any other Whole Foods located in NYC that does not have a restroom!!! How are they able to ethically justify this? Because this community is predominantly black its acceptable!! I say this is a grave disservice and the community should protest & hold Whole Foods accountable for we are humans with respect and dignity and having no restroom in this location is a racial disparity that cannot,shouldn't be ignored.My niece is pregnant and wanted soup a few days ago and of course she needed a restroom while we were deciding well surprise no restroom!!! Whole Foods located in all other locations all have restrooms 🚻 this was deeply disappointing &disheartening to discover. I hope WF's can make a restroom in the near future its priority to do better for Harlem Communities that serve your needs & make your profit margins its not acceptable I will be petitioning for this at the one location that has no restroom for paying customers.

Expect the food you would at wholefoods; and it IS conveniently near the express 2/3 trains, and the crosstown buses. (Even the M60 to LGA!) also great for dropping off amazing packages!

Concern Regarding Declining Standards at Harlem Whole Foods and Ongoing Quality Disparities<br><br>Dear Whole Foods Customer Care Team,<br><br>I have supported the brand for many years, and I have consistently provided detailed feedback through your survey links. Unfortunately, little has changed to bring the Harlem location in line with the standards upheld at Whole Foods stores in other, non–historically Black areas of New York City.<br><br>On November 14, 2025, I purchased a Sourdough Boule from the Harlem store. Once again, what I received was not sourdough, but a clear variant of wheat bread. This is not an isolated issue. The bread at this location is frequently inconsistent—with significant differences from products sold under the same name in other Whole Foods markets and at comparable establishments.<br><br>My concern extends beyond any single item. When Amazon acquired Whole Foods, and later when the Harlem location opened, I anticipated a decline in quality and service. Unfortunately, those concerns have been realized. What should have been an opportunity to provide high-quality goods and reliable service to a community that has long endured discrimination and commercial neglect has instead become a pattern of diminished standards.<br><br>Because my feedback has been thorough and ongoing, yet the same issues persist—and new ones continue to arise—I am now exploring alternative markets for my family. I cannot continue to support businesses that appear to reinforce discriminatory commercial practices or that fail to provide equitable service to the most vulnerable, disadvantaged, and politically disconnected residents of New York City.<br><br>I hope Whole Foods will take this matter seriously and implement meaningful changes at the Harlem location, ensuring that all communities receive the high standards your brand promises.<br><br>Sincerely,<br>Theresa B., Attorney. Marine Corps veteran. New Yorker. Women-owned, veteran-owned, and black-owned U.S. business owner.

Whole Foods has a lot of options to choose from even for vegans. Their products are high quality (lacking mold) and are at an affordable price. The store is clean and well organized. From my experience, security looks professional, and well trained. I definitely like the selection of vegan products offered here; and that's an understatement.

The checkout process was very organized, and the cashier was courteous, making for a smooth experience.

First time at this location. Overall a fairly standard whole foods, with a few notable exceptions:<br><br>* The hot bars were already being cleaned at 7:45pm (closing time of 9pm), save for one island with still some food left... Couldn't tell if they just simply closed the hot bars earlier than other whole foods or if they ran out of food. It was a Sunday so maybe close earlier than usual?<br><br>* While I was browsing the hot bar, a woman came up to me asking me to buy her some food. I had never experienced this before in a whole foods, so I froze for a few seconds processing what just happened 😅 she quickly moved on after I politely refused. The event bothered me for a little bit, but I decided that it was not a big deal and could happen anywhere.<br><br>Overall still sufficiently satisfied with the shopping experience, mostly got what I came for, self-check out was quick and painless, etc., so still a 4 ⭐

I really like this Whole Foods. I get all my meat from here (fish, poultry, and meat). Everything is as great quality as you’d expect from a Whole Foods, from the Mediterranean bar to the sushi. Their buffet isn’t as good as some of the other Whole Foods I’ve been to, but it’s going to be hard to compete with all the nearby restaurants anyway.

Great customers service. The staff was very helpful but when it came to some of the items like meat and seafood the selection was very limited. I didn't like the checkout line system that they have set up. You actually end up waiting for a long time as suppose making a line behind the cash register. The restroom was clean and the cashier was helpful.