The word is out, and local food lovers are left limp. Whole Foods, the lean, green arm of the American mega corp Amazon, has announced two Toronto-area store closures. Both Yonge and Sheppard and the Leaside location on Bayview are closing on August 22nd.
It’s about more than just tofu…Whole Foods was a community hub…
It’s easy to shrug and ignore a store closure, particularly an American shop that left shoppers with budget-breaking grocery bills. Spoiled for choice, these two locations are surrounded by other shops. Just at Yonge and Sheppard alone, there’s a Longos, Food Basics, Rabba, two Loblaws and many Asian groceries nearby. Competition is stiff, and during the summer months, North York is ripe with local farmers ‘ markets that take a bite out of grocery trips.
I was thrilled when they announced this opening. It was a little over a decade ago, and the neighbourhood was instantly revitalized. Suddenly, we had access to a bumper crop of bougie ingredients and hyper-fresh produce.
Need flowers and dessert? Whole Foods. Looking for some decor inspiration for Thanksgiving? Whole Foods. Can’t find that Marine Collagen? Whole Foods. How about a nourishing hot lunch on the go? Whole Foods. Whole Foods. Wait for it…Whole Foods.
Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is American. But there’s more under the hood than just bulgur and beef broth.
Whole Foods, Whole Heart, A Place to Gather
With a giant sprawling salon-style foyer facing Yonge Street, the North York location was a boon for the bustling neighbourhood. COVID forced Whole Foods to rethink the cafe/restaurant concept that supported this area.
I’m sure the top brass would all share the same refrain. COVID hurt; the closures and constant start-stop impacts would be felt for years to come. The bountiful hot and cold buffet stations and other self-serve goodies had the ick. It would be a long time and many losses before we were ready to toss each other’s salads again.
With CP24 keeping the mini-food court company, Whole Foods acted as a meetup spot, a place for weary moms and nannies to rest. An easy place to meet up after work. It was a safe haven after the subway.
Sales are on the horizon
With little over a week from announcing the closure to, well, actually closing, Whole Foods is focused on liquidating everything, even though they’re still ramping up for a King West 2026 opening.
Word out is 50% off sales start today. Look for fixtures and more to go in the coming days.
Images by Libby Roach.