The first round of price cuts will begin Monday at Whole Foods stores, including the three locations in the Bay area. 

  • Bay area shoppers ready for Whole Foods discounts
  • Amazon announced last week its purchase of Whole Foods would close Monday
  • Whole Foods will offer lower prices on various items starting Monday

Amazon announced last week its purchase of Whole Foods would close Monday and prices would be discounted. 

Whole Foods will offer lower prices on staples including bananas, eggs, salmon, beef, and other products. Looking ahead, the Seattle company hopes to give Amazon Prime members special savings and other in-store benefits.

Also, certain Whole Foods products will be available through Amazon.com, AmazonFresh, Prime Pantry and Prime Now.

But don't set expectations too high just yet, there won't be a huge bevy of bargains. Still, Whole Foods shoppers say they are discounts at WHole Foods would be a bonus. 

"I come to Whole Foods because of the selection, I'm vegan," said Whole Foods shopper Jillian Desouza. "So they have a lot of options that I'm looking for, but because I'm looking for lower prices I do tend to go to Sprouts more even though that's farther for me, so now maybe I'll shop here more." 

The discounts are thanks to Amazon's supply chain that streamlines delivery, allowing for lower prices through logistics.

Amazon officials said the these Whole Foods savings are just the beginning as it plans to offer more in-store benefits and lower prices over time as the companies intergrate their systems. 

“We’re determined to make healthy and organic food affordable for everyone. 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,” said Jeff Wilke, CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer.

“To get started, we’re going to lower prices beginning Monday on a selection of best-selling grocery staples, including Whole Trade organic bananas, responsibly-farmed salmon, organic large brown eggs, animal-welfare-rated 85 percent lean ground beef, and more. 

"And this is just the beginning – we will make Amazon Prime the customer rewards program at Whole Foods Market and continuously lower prices as we invent together. There is significant work and opportunity ahead, and we’re thrilled to get started.”

Amazon officials said Amazon Prime will become Whole Foods' customer rewards program, giving prime members special savings. 

The Whole Foods store brand also will be available through Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Prime Pantry and Prime Now. Also, Amazon lockers will be added to certain Whole Foods locations.