Whole Foods loyalty program ends: What’s next for Amazon-owned store

The Whole Foods Market at 1050 Miamisburg Centerville Road opened in 2015 in Washington Twp. LISA POWELL/STAFF

The Whole Foods Market at 1050 Miamisburg Centerville Road opened in 2015 in Washington Twp. LISA POWELL/STAFF

Whole Foods’ loyalty program ended today, but sources have told other media outlets that Amazon — the new owner of the grocery store — is planning new benefits for its Prime members.

The new program will reportedly be offered to Amazon Prime members and give them discounts on grocery items.

Roughly 75 percent of Whole Foods shoppers are Amazon Prime members, but less than 20 percent of Amazon Prime members are Whole Foods shoppers, CNBC reported.

Whole Foods has 481 stores worldwide, including one located in the Dayton region at 1050 Miamisburg Centerville Road. It also has a location in Mason. It employs more than 89,000 people.

Amazon bought the grocery chain for nearly $14 billion in August 2017.

“We’re determined to make healthy and organic food affordable for everyone,” said Jeff Wilke, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer, during the acquisition. “Everybody should be able to eat Whole Foods Market quality - we will lower prices without compromising Whole Foods Market’s long-held commitment to the highest standards.”

Whole Foods has already begun to roll out other discounts since Amazon purchased the company, including free delivery of Whole Foods products to Prime members in certain locations.

5 QUICK BUSINESS READS

Gibson guitars files for bankruptcy

Pentagon not responding fast enough to aviation mishaps

One of area’s largest employers prepares for change: What it means to the area

Bankrupt local nursing homes sold to hospital network

About the Author