Amazon gives new Whole Foods incentive to Prime members

The integration of Whole Foods into the Amazon ecosystem continues Wednesday as the online retail giant extends discounts at Whole Foods to members of its subscription service.

Prime members now save more at Whole Foods Market. Starting today, members get an additional 10 percent off sale items, typically hundreds of products throughout the store, plus weekly deep discounts on select best-selling items. These savings are currently available in all stores across Florida and will expand to all Whole Foods Market and Whole Foods Market 365 stores nationwide starting this summer. Exclusive savings at Whole Foods Market join the unparalleled combination of benefits for Prime members in the U.S., including unlimited fast, free shipping and great entertainment. Prime members will receive these exclusive deals and savings by scanning their Whole Foods Market app at checkout

The move serves the same purpose as retail loyalty programs. Shoppers get card or number that identifies them to the store so that they can understand their shopping habits and propose targetted promotions to individual shoppers. In fact, the new discounts replace Whole Foods weak customer loyalty program that ended on May 2.

Shoppers can access the discounts by scanning the Whole Foods Market app or providing their phone number at checkout.

The initiative also increases the value of the $119 per year Prime membership that gives subscribers free shipping at Amazon.com, access to Amazon video, Amazon Music, Twitch Prime and more.

“We’re thrilled for Whole Foods Market to be part of the Prime experience,” said John Mackey, Co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market. “By offering greater discounts on sale items, and exclusive deals like $10 off a pound for sustainably-sourced, wild-caught halibut, launching savings for Prime members is an amazing opportunity to bring our industry-leading quality standards and delicious food to more customers at a better price.”

Prime member deals will be prominently featured in store. Customers can also go to the Whole Foods Market app to learn about many of the best offers each week. The following deals will be in Florida stores from May 16 through May 22, with new and exclusive offers rotating weekly:

• Sustainably-sourced, wild-caught halibut steaks: $9.99/lb., save $10/lb.
• Organic strawberries: 1 lb. for $2.99, save $2
• Cold brew coffee at Allegro coffee bars: 50% off 16 oz.
• KIND granola: 11 oz. bag 2/$6
• 365 Everyday Value sparkling water: 12-pack case buy one, get one free
• Magic Mushroom Powder: 50% off
• Plus, an additional 10% off hundreds of sale items throughout the store

“This new Prime benefit at Whole Foods Market is a perfect pairing of healthy and delicious food at even more affordable prices,” said Cem Sibay, Vice President, Amazon Prime. “Our vision is that every day Prime makes your life better, easier and more fun, and shopping at Whole Foods Market with exclusive deals and savings is all of this and more.”