I'm not being at all wry when I say that those conductors do a swell job. I've pit-stopped at all 3 Whole Foods in Manhattan (Columbus Circle, Chelsea, & Union Square) and my checkout has always gone beautifully despite the throngs of shoppers.
I find Whole Foods to be slightly more expensive than what seems sensible on many things, particularly the deli/takeout & bakery foods. Specific items and some produce are good deals and sample days can be fun.
The locations tend to be very convenient though. I would much rather stop at Whole Foods than the Food Emporium when going through Union Square on the way home-- and what better place to grab something for Central Park than in the basement of Columbus Circle? Not to mention the mall's public restrooms. . .
In general though the best whole foods are still at the local farmers' market and the local co-ops.
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