Will Your Shopping Habits Change When Whole Foods Opens on Gilman?

A recent post on Albany Patch regarding the upcoming Whole Foods on 10th and Gilman Street asked readers if their shopping habits will change when the the chain grocery store opens at the end of 2014.

This will be the second store opening in Berkeley. There is also one located at 3000 Telegraph Ave.

Here's what several had to say:

• "We do shop at the Telegraph Ave WF's, so we will probably go to the Gilman one. We are worried about the traffic though. The Gilman St exit is a mess now."
• "I shop at the Bowl, the Berkeley Natural Grocery, El Cerrito Natural Grocery and occasionally Trader Joe's. Long ago I used to shop at Whole Foods, but I found it expensive and also prefer to support local businesses. I doubt I will shop at the new Whole Foods on Gilman."
• "Currently shop @ Monterey Market, Trader Joe's, occasionally Berkeley Bowl. WF on Telegraph rarely b/c it's too far. Will definitely shop at the new WF for certain items (mainly their house brand stuff), but will continue most shopping at MM and TJ."
• "I mostly split my shopping between Monterey Market/Magnani's and Trader Joes. Very rarely hit up Andronico's. Since I bike to do my shopping, traffic on Gilman will not be an issue for me (although a better bike route would be nice). I'll probably stop by WF once a week just to see if there's anything special that grabs my interest, but it won't be one of my staple, go-to, shopping runs because my basic needs are met at the other two markets. I might get a deli sandwich when I'm out riding if they have a place to sit and then see if I need any specialty items."
• "I now only use Safeway in case of late night emergencies. I stopped buying anything refrigerated or frozen there after hearing the employees discuss the quality of the refrigeration units. I'm also not a big fan of unripe or elderly produce. Not to mention the place is usually filthy. I know it's hard to keep a business clean when it is open 24 hours a day but an effort still has to be made. I'll still patronize a variety of other businesses in Berkeley and El Cerrito but I figure if Ulan can shop at Dollar Tree with a clear conscience, I can darn sure shop at Whole Foods with a clear conscience."
• "I'm excited that I will now have a store just a couple of blocks away from work...and for the potential that it brings to this region of Berkeley. For me, it's not about switching allegiances, but adding to my options (I'll remain a customer of the farmers markets, Ranch 99, Berkeley Bowl, and El Cerrito Natural Foods)."
• "I agree that it will be nice to have more of a selection in our area. However, I will stick to the new Safeway on Shattuck for staples, and Monterey Market for everything else. Whole Foods is just too over priced."

Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below...

Are you a Whole Foods fan who's pleased to have another one open in the city? Which one do you think you'll be frequenting? 

Or is the chain's "Whole Paycheck" reputation deserved, and will it keep you away?

Are you a hater of Gilman Street traffic conditions and intend to avoid it whether or not Whole Foods has traffic signals installed?

What are your current grocery shopping habits and are you satisfied with them?