Financial Press Releases

Archives: 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

2012

• February 8, 2012 - Whole Foods Market Reports First Quarter Results
• January 11, 2012 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces First Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – January 11, 2012. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFM) today announced it will issue financial results for the Company’s first fiscal quarter ending January 15, 2012, after the market closes on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. (CT).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is “Whole Foods.” Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company’s website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market^®

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com) is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company’s motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 64,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2011, the company had sales of more than $10 billion and currently has more than 315 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

2011

• November 2, 2011 - Whole Foods Market Reports Fourth Quarter Results
• October 5, 2011 - Whole Foods Market Announces Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – October 5, 2011. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFM) today announced it will issue financial results for the Company's fourth fiscal quarter ending September 25, 2011, after the market closes on Wednesday, November 2, 2011. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. (CT).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market^®

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. The company's motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company's more than 60,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 310 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

• September 1, 2011 - Whole Foods Market to Present at Goldman Sachs 18th Annual Global Retailing Conference

  AUSTIN, Texas – September 1, 2011. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFM) will participate in the Goldman Sachs 18th Annual Global Retailing Conference in New York City. Co-CEO Walter Robb will address investors at approximately 3:20 p.m. (ET) on Wednesday, September 7, 2011. A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available over the Internet on the company's website at: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/presentations.php.

  About Whole Foods Market^®

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. The company's motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company's more than 60,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

• July 27, 2011 - Whole Foods Market Reports Third Quarter Results
• June 29, 2011 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – June 29, 2011. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFM) today announced it will issue financial results for the Company's third fiscal quarter ending July 3, 2011, after the market closes on Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. (CT).

  To participate, dial (800) 894-5910 (domestic) and (785) 424-1052 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market®

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFMI), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. The company's motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company's more than 60,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

• May 4, 2011 - Whole Foods Market Reports Second Quarter Results
• April 6, 2011 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – April 6, 2011. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today announced it will issue financial results for the Company's second fiscal quarter ending April 10, 2011, after the market closes on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. (CT).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market®

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFMI), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. The company's motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company's more than 58,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

• February 9, 2011 - Whole Foods Market Reports First Quarter Results
• January 12, 2011 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces First Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – January 12, 2011. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today announced it will issue financial results for the Company's first fiscal quarter ending January 16, 2011, after the market closes on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. (CT).

  To participate, dial (800) 894-5910 (domestic) and (785) 424-1052 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market®

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFMI), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. The company's motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company's more than 58,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 13 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

2010

• December 8, 2010 - Whole Foods Market Reinstates Quarterly Cash Dividend

  December 8, 2010. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share. The first dividend will be payable January 20, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 10, 2011. This represents a quarterly payout of approximately $17 million, or $69 million on an annualized basis. Subject to capital availability and a determination that cash dividends continue to be in the best interest of the Company's shareholders, it is the intention of the Board of Directors to pay a quarterly dividend on an ongoing basis.

  The Company recently announced its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2010 results. The Company's solid financial performance and capital expense discipline have resulted in a consistent generation of free cash flow and a healthy balance sheet. For the fiscal year, the Company produced $585.3 million in cash flow from operations and invested $256.8 million in capital expenditures resulting in free cash flow of $328.5 million. At the end of the quarter and fiscal year, total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and investments were $644.7 million, and total debt was $508.7 million. Subsequent to the close of the fourth quarter, the Company repaid $100 million of its term loan maturing in August 2012, leaving $390 million outstanding. In addition, the Company currently has $342.9 million available on its credit line, net of $7.1 million in outstanding letters of credit.

  "The Company's favorable financial position and long-term outlook give us the confidence to reinstate our quarterly cash dividend," said John Elstrott, chairman of the board of directors of Whole Foods Market. "As a company with significant future growth opportunities, we are fortunate to have sufficient cash on hand and predictable cash flow allowing us to pay off our debt, accelerate our growth, and also return cash to our shareholders."

  About Whole Foods Market

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the leading natural and organic foods supermarket, and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2010, the Company had sales of approximately $9.0 billion and currently has 302 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market employs approximately 58,000 Team Members and has been ranked for 13 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine.

  Forward-looking statements

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks include general business conditions, changes in overall economic conditions that impact consumer spending, including fuel prices and housing market trends, the impact of competition, changes in the Company's access to available capital, and other risks detailed from time to time in the SEC reports of Whole Foods Market, including Whole Foods Market's report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2010. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

• November 3, 2010 - Whole Foods Market Reports Fourth Quarter Results
• October 6, 2010 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – October 6, 2010. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today announced it will issue financial results for the Company's fourth fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2010, after the market closes on Wednesday, November 3, 2010. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors beginning at 4:00 p.m. (CT).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market:

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2009, the Company had sales of $8 billion and currently has 300 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market employs more than 55,000 Team Members and has been ranked for 13 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine.

• August 3, 2010 - Whole Foods Market Reports Third Quarter Results
• July 6, 2010 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – July 6, 2010. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today announced it will issue financial results for the Company's third fiscal quarter ended July 4, 2010, after the market closes on Tuesday, August 3, 2010. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors beginning at 4:00 p.m. (CT).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market:

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2009, the Company had sales of $8 billion and currently has 300 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market employs more than 55,000 Team Members and has been ranked for 13 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine.

• May 12, 2010 - Whole Foods Market Announces Executive Management Promotions - Solidifies Executive Leadership Team for the Future

  May 12, 2010. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today announced the promotions by the Board of Directors of Walter Robb and A.C. Gallo. Mr. Robb and Mr. Gallo have shared the roles of president and chief operating officer since October 2004. Effective immediately, Mr. Robb will become co-chief executive officer and will join the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Gallo will serve as the Company's sole president and chief operating officer.

  John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, will continue as co-chief executive officer, serving alongside Mr. Robb. The Company's Executive Team, consisting of Mr. Mackey, Mr. Robb, Mr. Gallo, Glenda Chamberlain, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Jim Sud, executive vice president of growth and business development, has worked closely together since 2001 and will continue their collaborative style of leadership and decision-making. Mr. Robb and Mr. Gallo will continue to share oversight of the Company's 12 operating regions as well as purchasing, distribution, marketing and quality standards.

  "Walter and A.C. are brilliant retailers, and their contributions to Whole Foods Market's success have been immeasurable. Due in large part to their operational leadership, we successfully managed through 2009, the most difficult year in our company's 30-year history," said Mr. Mackey. "In proposing these changes to our Board of Directors, my goal was to establish the structure necessary to solidify our executive leadership team for what is hopefully many years to come. While our company has achieved much over our 30-year history, we believe the best is yet to come for Whole Foods Market and want to work together to see our collective vision realized."

  About Walter Robb

  After 14 years in the natural foods business as a retailer and consultant, Walter Robb joined Whole Foods Market in December 1991, after selling his operating lease for the future Mill Valley store to the Company. He opened and operated the Mill Valley store as store team leader until his promotion to president of the Northern Pacific Region in July 1993. Under his leadership, the region grew from two to 17 stores, completed four acquisitions, and was a top-performing region for five years. Mr. Robb joined the Executive Team as executive vice president of operations in 2001. He was named co-chief operating officer in 2003 and co-president in 2004. As co-president and co-chief operating officer, Mr. Robb oversaw six of the Company's 12 regions as well as purchasing, marketing, distribution and quality standards.

  About A.C. Gallo

  Growing up in a food-retailing family, A.C. Gallo learned early about quality food and the importance of food presentation. For 15 years, Mr. Gallo worked at Bread & Circus which subsequently was acquired by the Company in 1992. Mr. Gallo was promoted to vice president of the Northeast Region in 1994 and then to president in 1996. During his tenure, the Northeast region grew from eight stores to 16, including two acquisitions, and the Company opened its first store in New York City. Mr. Gallo joined the executive leadership team as executive vice president of operations in 2001. He was named co-chief operating officer in 2003 and co-president in 2004. As co-president and co-chief operating officer, Mr. Gallo oversaw six of the Company's 12 regions as well as purchasing, marketing, distribution and quality standards.

  About Whole Foods Market

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the leading natural and organic foods supermarket, and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2009, the Company had sales of approximately $8 billion and currently has 295 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market employs approximately 55,000 Team Members and has been ranked for 13 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine.

  Forward-looking statements

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks include general business conditions, changes in overall economic conditions that impact consumer spending, including fuel prices and housing market trends, the impact of competition, changes in the Company's access to available capital, and other risks detailed from time to time in the SEC reports of Whole Foods Market, including Whole Foods Market's report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2009. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

• May 12, 2010 - Whole Foods Market Reports Second Quarter Results
• April 14, 2010 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – April 14, 2010. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today announced it will issue financial results for the Company's second fiscal quarter ended April 11, 2010, after the market closes on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors beginning at 4:00 p.m. (CT).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market:

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2009, the Company had sales of $8 billion and currently has 292 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market employs more than 53,500 Team Members and has been ranked for 13 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine.

• February 16, 2010 - Whole Foods Market Reports First Quarter Results
• January 20, 2010 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces First Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – January 20, 2010. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today announced it will issue financial results for the Company's first fiscal quarter ended January 17, 2010, after the market closes on Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will host a conference call with financial analysts and investors beginning at 4:00 p.m. (CST).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market:

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2009, the Company had sales of $8 billion and currently has 289 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market employs more than 53,500 Team Members and has been ranked for 12 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine.

2009

• November 4, 2009 - Whole Foods Market Reports Fourth Quarter Results
• October 7, 2009 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – October 7, 2009. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: WFMI) today announced that it will issue financial results for the Company's fourth fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2009, after the market closes on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will also host a conference call with financial analysts and investors at 4:00 p.m. (CST).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market:

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2008, the Company had sales of $8 billion and currently has 286 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market employs more than 53,000 Team Members and has been ranked for 12 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine.

• August 4, 2009 - Whole Foods Market Reports Third Quarter Results
• July 7, 2009 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – July 7, 2009. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: WFMI) today announced that it will issue financial results for the Company's third fiscal quarter ended July 5, 2009, after the market closes on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will also host a conference call with financial analysts and investors at 4:00 p.m. (CDT).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market:
  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2008, the Company had sales of $8 billion and currently has 281 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market employs more than 53,000 Team Members and has been ranked for 12 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine.

• May 13, 2009 - Whole Foods Market Reports Second Quarter Results
• April 15, 2009 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas – April 15, 2009. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: WFMI) today announced that it will issue financial results for the Company's second fiscal quarter ended April 12, 2009, after the market closes on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will also host a conference call with financial analysts and investors at 4:00 p.m. (CDT).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

  About Whole Foods Market:

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2008, the Company had sales of $8 billion and currently has over 276 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market employs more than 53,000 Team Members and has been ranked for 12 consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine.

• March 6, 2009 - Whole Foods Market® and FTC Reach Settlement

  AUSTIN, TX. March 6, 2009 — Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) today announced it has reached a settlement agreement resolving the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust challenge to Whole Foods Market's August 2007 acquisition of Wild Oats Markets, Inc.

  Pursuant to FTC protocol, the settlement agreement has been placed on public record for a 30-day comment period ending April 6, 2009, after which the FTC will issue a final ruling. Under the terms of the agreement, a third-party divestiture trustee has been appointed to market for sale:

  • leases and related assets for 19 non-operating former Wild Oats stores, 10 of which were closed by Wild Oats prior to the merger and nine of which were closed by Whole Foods Market;
  • leases and related fixed assets (excluding inventory) for 12 operating acquired Wild Oats stores and one operating Whole Foods Market store; and
  • Wild Oats® trademarks and other intellectual property associated with the Wild Oats stores.

  The divestiture trustee will have six months to market the assets to be divested. For any good faith offers that are not finalized by the divestiture trustee during the six-month period, an extension of up to six months may be granted. This twelve month period may be further extended to allow the FTC to approve any purchase agreements submitted within that time period. The only other obligations on the Company imposed by the settlement agreement are in support of the divestiture trustee process.

  "We are pleased to have reached a mutually-satisfactory agreement with the FTC. We believe it was in the best interests of all our stakeholders to resolve this matter so we can dedicate our full attention to selling the highest quality foods available in our inviting store environments," said John Mackey, chairman, chief executive officer, and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. "It will be business as usual in the 13 operating stores to be marketed for sale. We are committed to serving our shoppers by continuing to operate these stores in the manner our customers deserve and expect. We will be offering Team Members in stores that are sold the choice of either a guaranteed job offer in another store or an enhanced severance package."

  After receiving final approval by the FTC, which is expected prior to April 30, 2009, the Company expects to record a non-cash charge of approximately $19 million or less relating to the potential sale of the 13 operating stores. These stores had combined sales of approximately $31 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, or approximately 1.3 percent of the Company's total sales of $2.5 billion. The Company will incur some cash expenses relating to legal and trustee fees which are not expected to be material. No material additional charges are expected related to the 19 closed properties, for which a lease liability reserve is already recorded, or related to the trademarks which have been fully amortized.

  Background

  The FTC had challenged the Company's August 28, 2007 acquisition of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. Prior to completion of the acquisition, the FTC had filed a motion in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia seeking a preliminary injunction to enjoin the acquisition. The FTC had also filed a complaint commencing an administrative proceeding challenging the acquisition. On August 16, 2007, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia denied the FTC's motion for a preliminary injunction. The FTC appealed denial of the preliminary injunction motion to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and on July 29, 2008 the Court of Appeals reversed the District Court and remanded the case to the District Court for further proceedings. On remand, the FTC renewed its motion for preliminary injunctive relief pending resolution of the administrative action, specifically seeking a hold separate order, the rebranding of all former Wild Oats stores, and the appointment of a trustee or special master to establish an independent management team for the former Wild Oats assets and oversee Whole Foods Market's compliance with the order. The administrative proceeding was scheduled to commence on April 6, 2009. On January 28, 2009, the FTC issued an order granting the Company's motion to withdraw the administrative case from adjudication for the purpose of considering a proposed consent agreement that would resolve the administrative proceeding. A further order dated February 4, 2009 extended the withdrawal through March 6, 2009.

  The addresses for the 13 operating stores offered for sale are:

  • 7133 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ
  • 8688 E. Raintree Dr., Scottsdale, AZ
  • 2584 Baseline Rd., Boulder, CO
  • 1651 Broadway St., Boulder, CO
  • 3180 New Center Pt., Colorado Springs, CO
  • 5910 S. University Blvd., Littleton, CO
  • 9229 N Sheridan Blvd., Westminster, CO
  • 340 N. Main St., West Hartford, CT
  • 4301 Main St., Kansas City, MO
  • 1090 St. Francis Dr., Santa Fe, NM
  • 7250 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
  • 19440 N.W. Cornell Rd., Hillsboro, OR
  • 6930 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, UT

  The addresses for the 19 non-operating Wild Oats stores offered for sale are:

  • 5350 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, AZ
  • 1422 N. Cooper Rd., Gilbert, AZ
  • 874 E. Warner Rd., Gilbert, AZ
  • 9028 W. Union Hills, Peoria, AZ
  • 13823 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ
  • 15569 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ
  • 200 W. Foothills Pkwy., Fort Collins, CO
  • 8194 S. Kipling Pkwy., Littleton, CO
  • 6424 Naples Blvd., Naples, FL
  • 4600 Shelbyville Rd., St. Matthews, KY
  • 87 Marginal Way, Portland, ME
  • 8819-8833 Ladue Rd., St. Louis, MO
  • 7831 Dodge St., Omaha, NE
  • 517 N. Stephanie St., Henderson, NV
  • 4879 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV
  • 5695 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV
  • 2077 N.E. Burnside St., Portland, OR
  • 17711 Jean Way, Lake Oswego, OR
  • 3736 W. Center Park Dr., West Jordan, UT

  # # #

• February 18, 2009 - Whole Foods Market Reports First Quarter Results
• January 21, 2009 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces First Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas (January 21, 2009). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: WFMI) today announced that it will issue financial results for the Company's first fiscal quarter ended January 18, 2009, after the market closes on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will also host a conference call with financial analysts and investors at 4:00 p.m. (CST).

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/index.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

2008

• November 5, 2008 - Whole Foods Market Reports Fourth Quarter Results
• November 5, 2008 - Whole Foods Market Announces $425 million Equity Investment by Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
• November 5, 2008 - Series A Preferred Stock – Summary of Terms
• October 9, 2008 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. To Webcast Fourth Quarter 2008 Earnings Conference Call

  AUSTIN, Texas. (October 9, 2008). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: WFMI) will host a conference call with investors on Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. (CST) to discuss its fourth quarter 2008 financial results.

  The call will be webcast live over the Internet at: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/investor-relations.php (click on "Play Webcast"). Please allow additional time prior to the call to visit the site and download the necessary audio software. An on-demand replay of the webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

• August 5, 2008 - Whole Foods Market Reports Third Quarter Results
• July 14, 2008 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas. (July 14, 2008). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: WFMI) today announced that it will issue financial results for the Company's third fiscal quarter ended July 6, 2008, after the market closes on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will also host a conference call with financial analysts and investors at 4:00 PM Central Time / 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/company/investor-relations.php. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

• May 13, 2008 - Whole Foods Market Reports Second Quarter Results
• April 29, 2008 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas. (April 29, 2008). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: WFMI) today announced that it will issue financial results for the Company's second fiscal quarter ended April 13, 2008, after the market closes on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will also host a conference call with financial analysts and investors at 4:00 p.m. Central Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call. The webcast will be archived for a minimum of 30 days.

• February 19, 2008 - Whole Foods Market Reports First Quarter Results
• February 5, 2008 - Whole Foods Market, Inc. Announces First Quarter Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

  AUSTIN, Texas. (February 5, 2008). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: WFMI) today announced that it will issue financial results for the Company's first fiscal quarter ended January 20, 2008, after the market closes on Tuesday, February 19, 2008. Following the release via the wire services, the Company will also host a conference call with financial analysts and investors at 4:00 PM Central Time / 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

  To participate, dial (800) 862-9098 (domestic) and (785) 424-1051 (international). The conference ID is "Whole Foods." Please dial in at least five minutes before the start of the conference call.

  A simultaneous audio webcast will be available through a link on the Company's website at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/investor/index.html. The webcast will be archived for 30 days.

2007

• November 20, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Reports Fourth Quarter Results
• October 5, 2007 - Whole Foods Market's Board of Directors Completes Independent Internal Investigation Associated with Online Financial Message Board Postings

  AUSTIN, Texas (October 5, 2007). Whole Foods Market® (Nasdaq GS: WFMI) announced that the special committee of the Board of Directors of Whole Foods Market, Inc., assisted by its independent counsel, has completed its investigation into online financial message board postings related to Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Market. The Board has reaffirmed its support of John Mackey, Chairman and CEO of Whole Foods Market, and the Whole Foods Market leadership team and has turned over its findings to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The Company and the Board intend to cooperate fully with the SEC in completing its related inquiry. Due to the ongoing SEC inquiry, the Company and the Board have no further comment at this time.

  About Whole Foods Market: Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market® is a Fortune 500 company and one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods. The Company had sales of $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 and currently has 276 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. These risks include but are not limited to general business conditions, the timely development and opening of new stores, the impact of competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2006. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

• October 2, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Completes Sale of Henry's and Sun Harvest Stores to Smart & Final; Company Announces Record 21 New Store Openings in Fiscal Year 2007

  October 2, 2007. Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) announced today that it completed the previously announced sale of all 35 Henry's Farmers Markets and Sun Harvest Markets store locations and a related Riverside, CA distribution center to a wholly owned subsidiary of Smart & Final Inc., a Los Angeles-based food retailer. All of the Henry's stores are located in California, and all of the Sun Harvest stores are located in Texas. These assets were acquired by the Company as part of the August 31, 2007 purchase of Wild Oats Markets.

  The Company received proceeds of approximately $166 million for the net assets of these stores, consisting primarily of leases, fixed assets and inventory.

  Additionally, WFM and Smart & Final entered into a support agreement under which WFM will continue to provide certain products and services for the 35 stores for up to two years. WFM anticipates that the revenue associated with the agreement will be approximately equal to its incremental cost of providing the support.

  Regarding the other 74 Wild Oats and Capers banner stores the Company acquired in the Wild Oats Markets transaction, the Company currently intends to close nine stores and relocate another eight stores to existing Whole Foods Market sites in development.

  The Company also announced that it opened a record 21 new Whole Foods Market stores during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, including eight stores in the fourth quarter.

  About Whole Foods Market:

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market® is a Fortune 500 company and one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods. The Company had sales of $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 and currently has 276 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

  Forward-looking statements

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. These risks include but are not limited to general business conditions, the timely development and opening of new stores, the impact of competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2006. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

• August 28, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Closes Acquisition of Wild Oats Markets, Secures $700 Million Senior Term Loan to Fund Merger and Signs New Five-Year $250 Million Revolver

  AUSTIN, TX and BOULDER, Colo, (August 28, 2007). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) and Wild Oats Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ: OATS) announced today that Whole Foods Market has purchased 84.1% of Wild Oats Markets' outstanding common stock in a cash tender offer of $18.50 per share, and will purchase as delivered over the next three business days approximately 12.7% of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets common stock, represented by the shares subject to guaranteed delivery. Whole Foods Market will acquire all of the remaining outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets common stock pursuant to the short-form merger procedure available under Delaware law. Whole Foods Market has also assumed existing debt, net of cash, totaling approximately $137 million. Whole Foods Market has entered into a five-year $700 million senior term loan agreement to fund the transaction, and has signed a new five-year $250 million revolving credit agreement, which will replace its existing $200 million revolver.

  "While closing this merger has taken longer than we anticipated, we are very excited to now begin the integration process. We have found it generally takes up to two years to transition to our decentralized operations and implement our incentive programs. We expect this acquisition to be similar and that over time we will recognize significant synergies through G&A cost reductions, greater purchasing power, increased utilization of our facilities and new team member talent," said John Mackey, Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. "We have always benefited from learning from our past acquisitions and believe this merger will result in a company that is much stronger and better positioned for the future."

  With annual sales of approximately $1.2 billion, Wild Oats Markets is one of the leading natural and organic foods retailers in North America with 109 stores in 23 states and British Columbia, Canada operating under four banners: Wild Oats Marketplace (nationwide), Henry's Farmers Market (Southern California), Sun Harvest (Texas), and Capers Community Market (British Columbia).

  Whole Foods Market previously announced it will sell all 35 Henry's and Sun Harvest stores and a Riverside, CA distribution center to a wholly owned subsidiary of Smart & Final Inc., a Los Angeles-based food retailer. The transaction is expected to close by late September.

  "Wild Oats Markets and Whole Foods Market have both had a large and positive impact on the natural and organic foods movement throughout the United States, leading the industry to nationwide acceptance and helping it become one of the fastest growing segments in food retailing today," said Mr. Mackey. "Our companies have similar missions and core values, and we believe this merger will create long-term value for our customers, vendors and shareholders as well as exciting opportunities for our new and existing team members."

  All of Whole Foods Market's 11 operating regions will gain stores, with three of its smallest regions gaining critical mass, and Whole Foods Market will gain immediate entry into a significant number of new markets. Whole Foods Market will evaluate each store to see how it fits into its overall brand and real estate strategy. Wild Oats Markets has been rationalizing its store base over the last several years to shed underperforming stores, but some additional store closures are expected as well as the relocation of some stores that overlap with stores Whole Foods Market currently has in development. Whole Foods Market expects to make significant investments in upgrading and improving stores before eventually re-branding them as Whole Foods Market stores.

  "We are pleased with the successful outcome of this merger and look forward to working with Whole Foods to make this a smooth transition," said Gregory Mays, Chairman and CEO of Wild Oats Markets.

  Approximately $3.8 million in direct acquisition-related costs had been incurred by Whole Foods Market through July 1, 2007. These costs, along with any additional acquisition-related costs incurred since that time, will be capitalized as part of goodwill.

  For further information, please contact:

  Whole Foods Market
  Investor Contact — Cindy McCann, 512.542.0204
  Media Contact — Kate Lowery, 512.542.0390

  Wild Oats Markets
  Investor and Media Contact — Sonja Tuitele, 303.396.6984

  About Whole Foods Market:

  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market(R) is a Fortune 500 company and one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods. The Company had sales of $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 and currently has 307 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The Company has signed an agreement to sell 35 of these stores in a transaction expected to close by late September.

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. These risks include but are not limited to general business conditions, the timely development and opening of new stores, the impact of competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2006. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

• August 27, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Receives Tenders for Approximately 96.8 Percent of Wild Oats Markets' Common Stock

  AUSTIN, Texas (August 27, 2007). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) announced today that it has accepted all of the shares tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to its tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets (Nasdaq: OATS) common stock at $18.50 per share, net to the seller in cash without interest.

  The tender offer and withdrawal rights expired at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on August 27, 2007. According to the depositary for the offer, a total of 25,175,997 shares of common stock of Wild Oats Markets were tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the offer, excluding an additional 3,795,973 shares subject to guaranteed delivery. Stockholders who validly tendered prior to the expiration of the offer and whose shares were not properly withdrawn will promptly receive the offer price of $18.50 per share, net to the seller in cash without interest. As a result of these purchases in the tender offer, Whole Foods Market will own approximately 84.1 percent of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets common stock, effective Tuesday, August 28, 2007. In addition, approximately 12.7 percent of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets common stock, represented by the shares subject to guaranteed delivery, will be purchased by Whole Foods Market as those shares are delivered during the next three business days.

  After purchase of the shares guaranteed for delivery, Whole Foods Market will acquire all of the remaining outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets common stock pursuant to the short-form merger procedure available under Delaware law. In this merger, a subsidiary of Whole Foods Market will merge with and into Wild Oats Markets, and Wild Oats Markets will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Whole Foods Market. In the merger, each share of Wild Oats Markets' outstanding common stock will be cancelled and will be converted into the right to receive $18.50 per share, net to the seller in cash without interest. Thereafter, Wild Oats Markets' common stock will no longer be traded on Nasdaq.

  For further information, please contact:

  Whole Foods Market
  Investor Contact — Cindy McCann, 512.542.0204
  Media Contact — Kate Lowery, 512.542.0390

  About Whole Foods Market: Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market(R) is a Fortune 500 company and one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods. The Company had sales of $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 and currently has 197 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

  About Wild Oats: Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods markets in the U.S. and Canada. With more than $1.2 billion in annual sales, Wild Oats currently operates 109 natural food stores in 23 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets. For more information, please visit Wild Oats' website at www.wildoats.com.

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. These risks include but are not limited to general business conditions, the timely development and opening of new stores, the impact of competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2006. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

• August 23, 2007 - Court Denies FTC's Request for Stay Pending Appeal; Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Markets Legally Cleared to Proceed with Merger

  AUSTIN, Texas and BOULDER, Colo. (August 23, 2007). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFMI) and Wild Oats Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ: OATS) today have announced they are now legally cleared to proceed with their merger as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has denied the FTC's request for a stay to preclude the closing of the merger pending the FTC's appeal and has dissolved the August 20, 2007 administrative injunction, which had prevented the transaction from going forward while the court considered the FTC's motion.

  "We are pleased to have cleared what we expect to be our last legal hurdle," said John Mackey, Chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. "We look forward to closing this merger and believe the synergies gained from this combination will create long-term value for our customers, vendors and shareholders as well as exciting opportunities for our new and existing team members."

  Whole Foods Market's tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of common stock of Wild Oats expires Monday, August 27, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

  On February 21, 2007, Whole Foods Market entered into a merger agreement with Wild Oats, pursuant to which Whole Foods Market, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, has commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats at a purchase price of $18.50 per share in cash. On June 6, 2007, the FTC filed a suit in the federal district court to block the proposed acquisition on antitrust grounds and seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction pending a trial on the merits. Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats consented to a temporary restraining order pending a hearing on the preliminary injunction, which concluded on August 1, 2007. On August 16, 2007, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied the FTC's motion for a preliminary injunction. In order to permit an orderly review by the District Court and the Court of Appeals, Whole Foods and Wild Oats agreed not to consummate the transaction until noon on Monday, August 20, 2007 in order to permit the FTC to have an opportunity to request a stay of the District Court's decision pending appeal. On August 17, 2007, the FTC filed with the District Court a motion for a stay pending appeal, which was denied the same day. The FTC also filed a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia for a stay pending appeal the District Court's order. On August 20, 2007, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an administrative injunction preventing the transaction from going forward, pending further order of the Court of Appeals, in order to allow the court sufficient opportunity to review the FTC's motion.

  For further information, please contact:

  Whole Foods Market
  Investor Contact — Cindy McCann, 512.542.0204
  Media Contact — Kate Lowery, 512.542.0390

  Wild Oats Markets
  Investor and Media Contact — Sonja Tuitele, 303.396.6984

  About Whole Foods Market:
  Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market(R) is a Fortune 500 company and one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods. The Company had sales of $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 and currently has 197 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

  About Wild Oats Markets: Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods markets in the U.S. and Canada. With more than $1.2 billion in annual sales, Wild Oats currently operates 109 natural food stores in 23 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets. For more information, please visit Wild Oats' website at http://www.wildoats.com

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. These risks include but are not limited to general business conditions, the timely development and opening of new stores, the impact of competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2006. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

  Securities Law Disclosure: The description contained herein is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. Whole Foods Market, Inc. and WFMI Merger Co. have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and certain amendments thereto, and have mailed an offer to purchase, forms of letter of transmittal and related documents to Wild Oats' stockholders. Wild Oats has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and has mailed to Wild Oats' stockholders, a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. These documents contain important information about the tender offer, including the terms of the tender offer, and stockholders of Wild Oats are urged to read them carefully. Stockholders of Wild Oats may obtain a free copy of these documents and other documents filed by Wild Oats or Whole Foods Market with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting the information agent for the tender offer, Georgeson Inc., at (212) 440-9800 or (866) 313-2357 (toll free), or the dealer manager for the tender offer, RBC Capital Markets Corporation, at (415) 633-8668 or (800) 777-9315 x8668 (toll free).

• August 15, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Extends Tender Offer for Outstanding Shares of Common Stock of Wild Oats Markets

  AUSTIN, Texas (August 15, 2007). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) announced today that it had extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. (Nasdaq: OATS) to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on Monday, August 20, 2007.

  As of the close of business on August 15, 2007, a total of 20,769,895 shares of common stock of Wild Oats, which represent approximately 69.4% of the 29,926,251 shares that were outstanding as of July 27, 2007 (according to the most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Wild Oats) have been tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer.

  About the Transaction: On February 21, 2007, Whole Foods Market entered into a merger agreement with Wild Oats, pursuant to which Whole Foods Market, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, has commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats at a purchase price of $18.50 per share in cash. On June 7, 2007, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a suit in the federal district court to block the proposed acquisition on antitrust grounds and seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction pending a trial on the merits. Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats consented to a temporary restraining order pending a hearing on the preliminary injunction, which concluded on August 1, 2007. The parties anticipate receiving a ruling from the federal district court in mid-August.

  About Whole Foods Market: Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market(R) is a Fortune 500 company and one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods. The Company had sales of $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 and currently has 197 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

  About Wild Oats: Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods markets in the U.S. and Canada. With more than $1.2 billion in annual sales, Wild Oats currently operates 109 natural food stores in 23 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets. For more information, please visit Wild Oats' website at www.wildoats.com.

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. These risks include but are not limited to general business conditions, the timely development and opening of new stores, the impact of competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2006. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

• August 10, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Extends Tender Offer for Outstanding Shares of Common Stock of Wild Oats Markets

  AUSTIN, Texas (Augst 10, 2007) Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) announced today that it had extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. (Nasdaq: OATS) to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2007.

  As of the close of business on August 9, 2007, a total of 16,641,830 shares of common stock of Wild Oats, which represent approximately 55.6% of the 29,926,251 shares that were outstanding as of July 27, 2007 (according to the most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Wild Oats) have been tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer.

  About the Transaction: On February 21, 2007, Whole Foods Market entered into a merger agreement with Wild Oats, pursuant to which Whole Foods Market, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, has commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats at a purchase price of $18.50 per share in cash. On June 7, 2007, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a suit in the federal district court to block the proposed acquisition on antitrust grounds and seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction pending a trial on the merits. Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats consented to a temporary restraining order pending a hearing on the preliminary injunction, which concluded on August 1, 2007. The parties anticipate receiving a ruling from the federal district court in mid-August.

  About Whole Foods Market: Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market(R) is a Fortune 500 company and one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods. The Company had sales of $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 and currently has 197 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

  About Wild Oats: Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods markets in the U.S. and Canada. With more than $1.2 billion in annual sales, Wild Oats currently operates 110 natural food stores in 24 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets. For more information, please visit Wild Oats' website at www.wildoats.com.

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. These risks include but are not limited to general business conditions, the timely development and opening of new stores, the impact of competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2006. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

• July 31, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Reports Third Quarter Results
• July 20, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Extends Tender Offer for Outstanding Shares of Common Stock of Wild Oats Markets

  AUSTIN, Texas (July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/). Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) announced today that it had extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. (Nasdaq: OATS) to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 10, 2007.

  As of the close of business on July 19, 2007, a total of 17,049,990 shares of common stock of Wild Oats, which represent approximately 57.1% of the 29,882,910 shares that were outstanding as of April 27, 2007 (according to the most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Wild Oats) have been tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer.

  About the Transaction: On February 21, 2007, Whole Foods Market entered into a merger agreement with Wild Oats, pursuant to which Whole Foods Market, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, has commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats at a purchase price of $18.50 per share in cash. On June 7, 2007, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a suit in the federal district court to block the proposed acquisition on antitrust grounds and seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction pending a trial on the merits. Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats consented to a temporary restraining order pending a hearing on the preliminary injunction, which has been scheduled to commence on July 31, 2007 and to conclude on August 1, 2007.

  About Whole Foods Market: Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market(R) is a Fortune 500 company and one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods. The Company had sales of $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 and currently has 196 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

  About Wild Oats: Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods markets in the U.S. and Canada. With more than $1.2 billion in annual sales, Wild Oats currently operates 110 natural food stores in 24 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets. For more information, please visit Wild Oats' website at www.wildoats.com.

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements.

• July 17, 2007 - Whole Foods Market's Board of Directors Begins Independent Internal Investigation Associated with Online Financial Message Board Postings

  AUSTIN, Texas (July 17, 2007). Whole Foods Market Board of Directors announced it has formed a Special Committee to conduct an independent internal investigation into online financial message board postings related to Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Markets.

  The Special Committee has retained of the firm of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP to advise it during its investigation.

  The Board will refrain from comment until the internal investigation is completed.

• July 17, 2007 - Apology Statement

  AUSTIN, Texas (July 17, 2007). Whole Foods Market today released the following statement from Co-founder, Chairman and CEO, John Mackey: "I sincerely apologize to all Whole Foods Market stakeholders for my error in judgment in anonymously participating on online financial message boards. I am very sorry and I ask our stakeholders to please forgive me."

• July 17, 2007 - SEC Contacts Whole Foods Market as it Begins Inquiry

  AUSTIN, Texas (July 17, 2007). Whole Foods Market, Inc. today announced it was contacted by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) late yesterday. The SEC staff is conducting an inquiry in relation to online financial message board postings regarding Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Markets. The Company intends to fully cooperate with the SEC and does not anticipate commenting further while the inquiry is pending.

• June 20, 2007 - Whole Foods Market to Sell Henry's and Sun Harvest Stores and California Distribution Center Subject to the Closing of the Wild Oats Markets Merger

  AUSTIN, Texas (June 20, 2007). Whole Foods Market® (NASDAQ: WFMI) announced today that it plans to transfer all 35 Henry's and Sun Harvest store locations, and a Riverside, Calif. distribution center to a wholly owned subsidiary of Smart & Final Inc., a Los Angeles-based food retailer, subject to Whole Foods Market prevailing in the current lawsuit with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission concerning Whole Foods Market's merger with Wild Oats Markets and the actual closing of that merger. The Henry's and Sun Harvest stores are located in California and Texas.

  "We have determined that these stores do not fit into Whole Foods Market's long-term real estate and brand strategy," said Whole Foods Market CEO John Mackey. "It is important to us to ensure a smooth transition and to be open about our plans because of the employees and loyal shoppers at these locations. We believe both will be well served by Smart and Final's business focus." Smart & Final is privately held and controlled by Apollo Management, L.P., one of the largest private equity firms in the world. Operating under the Smart & Final and Smart Foodservice Cash & Carry banners, the company operates 255 non-membership warehouse stores selling food and foodservice products to both traditional household customers and small business owners in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Arizona, Nevada, and Northern Mexico.

  About the Merger with Wild Oats Markets: On February 21, 2007, Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Markets entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which Whole Foods Market commenced a tender offer to purchase all the outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets at a purchase price of $18.50 per share in cash, plus assumed debt. On June 12, 2007, the Company and Wild Oats Markets, Inc. announced the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia had scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing to begin on July 31, 2007 and to conclude on August 1, 2007 to decide whether to approve the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) application for an injunction to block the proposed merger between the two companies. Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Markets consented to a temporary restraining order pending the hearing. As previously announced, the FTC provided notice of its intent to file a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to block the proposed acquisition of shares pursuant to the tender offer. The FTC did file such complaint with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on June 7, 2007. Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Markets are cooperating to challenge the FTC's opposition to the merger.

  About Whole Foods Market: Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket and America's first national certified organic grocer. In fiscal year 2006, the company had sales of $5.6 billion and currently has more than 190 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The Whole Foods Market motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"™ captures the company's mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Whole Foods Market, Harry's Farmers Market®, and Fresh & Wild® are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Whole Foods Market employs more than 45,000 Team Members and has been ranked for ten consecutive years as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine.

  About Smart & Final: Smart & Final is a Los Angeles, California based operator of 255 non-membership warehouse stores operating under the Smart & Final and Smart Foodservice Cash & Carry banners that sell perishable and non-perishable food and foodservice products to both traditional household customers and small business owners. Smart & Final's market area includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Arizona, Nevada, and Northern Mexico. Financially, Smart & Final's sales in 2006 were in excess of $2.1 billion. Further information on the company can be found by visiting its website, http://www.smartandfinal.com.

  Smart & Final is privately held and controlled by Apollo Management, L.P. ("Apollo"), one of the largest private equity firms in the world. Apollo manages a pool of investment capital on behalf of a group of institutional investors and the principals of Apollo. Apollo has invested in excess of $16 billion of equity since its inception in 1990. Apollo is currently in the process of investing its sixth corporate fund, Apollo Investment Fund VI, L.P., which effectively has capital in excess of $12 billion. In addition, Apollo has had several highly successful partnerships with management teams operating retail and consumer-oriented businesses in the past, including investments in Smart & Final, Claire's Stores, Linens 'n Things, General Nutrition Centers, Ralphs Grocery Company, Dominick's Supermarkets, Zale Corporation, Rent-A-Center and Proffitt's Department Stores.

  George Golleher, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Smart & Final said, "Smart & Final and Apollo are both very excited about the opportunity to acquire the Henry's Farmer's Market and Sun Harvest banners, particularly given the tremendous consumer interest in natural foods and high quality perishable offerings. We believe that the Henry's and Sun Harvest formats have the potential for significant new store growth and we intend to invest in the Henry's and Sun Harvest store base with a goal of opening a significant number of new stores over the next two to three years. In addition, we believe there are enhancements to the business that will serve to further accelerate comparable store sales growth and we look forward to working with all of the Henry's and Sun Harvest employees in further developing these exciting formats. Henry's and Sun Harvest will be wholly-owned subsidiaries of Smart & Final and will continue with their focus on natural and organic foods. In addition, existing management of these formats will continue in their current roles."

  Whole Foods Market Safe Harbor Statement and Securities Law Disclosure: The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause Whole Foods Market's actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. These risks include but are not limited to general business conditions, the timely development and opening of new stores, the impact of competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in Whole Foods Market's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2006. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

  Securities Law Disclosure: The description contained herein is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. Whole Foods Market, Inc. and WFMI Merger Co. have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and certain amendments thereto, and have mailed an offer to purchase, forms of letter of transmittal and related documents to Wild Oats' stockholders. Wild Oats has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and has mailed to Wild Oats' stockholders, a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. These documents contain important information about the tender offer, including the terms of the tender offer, and stockholders of Wild Oats are urged to read them carefully. Stockholders of Wild Oats may obtain a free copy of these documents and other documents filed by Wild Oats or Whole Foods Market with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting the information agent for the tender offer, Georgeson Inc., at (212) 440-9800 or (866) 313-2357 (toll free), or the dealer manager for the tender offer, RBC Capital Markets Corporation, at (415) 633-8668 or (800) 777-9315 x8668 (toll free).

• June 5, 2007 - Whole Foods Market to Challenge FTC's Opposition to Wild Oats Merger

  AUSTIN, Texas (June 5, 2007) Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) announced, in connection with its tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. (Nasdaq: OATS), that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has advised Whole Foods Market that it will file a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to block the proposed acquisition. The FTC also has advised Whole Foods Market that it will ask the Court to enter a temporary restraining order that would prohibit the Company from completing its acquisition of the shares of Wild Oats until the Court has resolved the FTC's request for a preliminary injunction.

  John Mackey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Whole Foods Market, stated, "We are very disappointed by this decision and we intend to vigorously challenge the FTC in court. The FTC has failed to recognize the robust competition in the supermarket industry, which has grown more intense as competitors increase their offerings of natural, organic and fresh products, renovate their stores and open stores with new banners and formats resembling Whole Foods Market. Evidently the FTC does not appreciate the many benefits for consumers of the proposed merger, including our plan to invest capital in and improve many of the stores currently owned by Wild Oats."

  The FTC's challenge to the proposed merger is based on its contention that the relevant antitrust product market is limited to natural and organic food stores and excludes other supermarkets. The Company believes that the FTC's position is without basis and contrary to its position in past merger reviews, where its definition of supermarkets has included conventional supermarkets as well as Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats.

  About the Transaction: On February 21, 2007, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Wild Oats Markets, Inc., pursuant to which we, through our subsidiary, have commenced a tender offer to purchase all the outstanding shares of Wild Oats at a purchase price of $18.50 per share in cash. Based on the FTC's attempt to block the acquisition and the Company's intent to challenge the FTC, the Company anticipates announcing the extension of the expiration date for the tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. in the near future; currently that expiration date is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Wednesday June 20, 2007.

  About Whole Foods Market: Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market(R) is a Fortune 500 company and one of the leading retailers of natural and organic foods. The Company had sales of $5.6 billion in fiscal year 2006 and currently has 195 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

  About Wild Oats: Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic foods markets in the U.S. and Canada. With more than $1.2 billion in annual sales, the Company currently operates 110 natural food stores in 24 states and British Columbia, Canada. The Company's markets include: Wild Oats Marketplace, Henry's Farmers Market, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.wildoats.com.

  The following constitutes a "Safe Harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward looking statements. These risks include but are not limited to general business conditions, the timely development and opening of new stores, the impact of competition, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2006. Whole Foods Market undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

  Securities Law Disclosure: The description contained herein is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. Whole Foods Market, Inc. and WFMI Merger Co. have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and certain amendments thereto, and have mailed an offer to purchase, forms of letter of transmittal and related documents to Wild Oats' stockholders. Wild Oats has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and has mailed to Wild Oats' stockholders, a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. These documents contain important information about the tender offer, including the terms of the tender offer, and stockholders of Wild Oats are urged to read them carefully. Stockholders of Wild Oats may obtain a free copy of these documents and other documents filed by Wild Oats or Whole Foods Market with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting the information agent for the tender offer, Georgeson Inc., at (212) 440-9800 or (866) 313-2357 (toll free), or the dealer manager for the tender offer, RBC Capital Markets Corporation, at (415) 633-8668 or (800) 777-9315 x8668 (toll free).

• May 21, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Announces Extension to Tender Offer

  AUSTIN, Texas (May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/) Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) announced today that it had extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, June 20, 2007.

  On February 21, 2007, the Company and Wild Oats Markets announced they signed a definitive merger agreement under which the Company would acquire Wild Oats Markets' outstanding common stock in a cash tender offer at a price of $18.50 per share, or approximately $565 million based on fully diluted shares. The Company will also assume Wild Oats Markets' existing net debt, which totaled approximately $106 million on September 30, 2006. The Company expects to fund the transaction at closing using $700 million in new senior term loan facilities. Additionally, in conjunction with the transaction, the Company intends to expand its existing long-term senior revolving credit facility to $250 million. The Company agreed in the merger agreement to commence a tender offer on February 27, 2007 for all of Wild Oats Markets' outstanding common stock. The tender offer is conditioned upon at least a majority of the outstanding Wild Oats Markets' shares being tendered, as well as customary regulatory and other closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of any waiting period under the Federal Trade Commission's ("FTC") Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended ("HSR Act"). Wild Oats Markets' board of directors has unanimously recommended that Wild Oats Markets' stockholders tender their shares in the offer. The Yucaipa Companies, Wild Oats Markets' largest shareholder with approximately 18% ownership, has committed to tendering its shares.

  The Company is currently working diligently with the FTC regarding the HSR Act review. On March 13, 2007, the Company and Wild Oats Markets, Inc. received a second request for additional information from the FTC in connection with the Company's proposed tender offer. On March 21, 2007, the Company announced that it extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on Tuesday, April 24, 2007. On April 24, 2007, the Company announced that it again extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on Tuesday, May 22, 2007. Today the Company is announcing that it has extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, June 20, 2007.

  The extended tender offer is subject to additional extensions and to the receipt of customary regulatory approvals, including the expiration or termination of any waiting period under the HSR Act.

  Although the FTC has not yet decided whether to challenge the Wild Oats transaction, members of the FTC staff have voiced concerns regarding perceived anticompetitive effects resulting from the proposed tender offer and merger. Approval of the transaction by Whole Foods Market shareholders is not required.

  Wild Oats Markets is one of the leading natural and organic foods retailers in North America with annual sales of approximately $1.2 billion. Wild Oats Markets was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1987 and listed on the NASDAQ National Market in 1996. Wild Oats Markets currently operates 110 stores in 24 states and British Columbia, Canada under four banners: Wild Oats Marketplace (nationwide), Henry's Farmers Market (Southern California), Sun Harvest (Texas), and Capers Community Market (British Columbia).

  As of the close of business on May 21, 2007, a total of 20,956,505 shares of common stock of Wild Oats, which represent approximately 70.1% of the 29,882,910 shares that were outstanding as of April 27, 2007 (according to the most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by Wild Oats) have been tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer.

  The description contained herein is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. Whole Foods Market, Inc. and WFMI Merger Co. have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and certain amendments thereto, and have mailed an offer to purchase, forms of letter of transmittal and related documents to Wild Oats' stockholders. Wild Oats has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and has mailed to Wild Oats' stockholders, a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. These documents contain important information about the tender offer, including the terms of the tender offer, and stockholders of Wild Oats are urged to read them carefully. Stockholders of Wild Oats may obtain a free copy of these documents and other documents filed by Wild Oats or Whole Foods Market with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov or by contacting the information agent for the tender offer, Georgeson Inc., at (212) 440-9800 or (866) 313-2357 (toll free), or the dealer manager for the tender offer, RBC Capital Markets Corporation, at (415) 633-8668 or (800) 777-9315 x8668 (toll free).

• May 9, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Reports Second Quarter Results
• April 24, 2007 - Whole Foods Market Announces Extension to Tender Offer

  AUSTIN, Texas (April 24, 2007) Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) announced today that it had extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Tuesday, May 22, 2007.

  Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats previously announced that they had received a second request for additional information from the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") in connection with Whole Foods Market's proposed acquisition of Wild Oats. The effect of the second request is to extend the waiting period imposed by the HSR Act until 10 days after WFM has substantially complied with the second request, unless that period is terminated sooner by the FTC. As a result of the waiting period being extended, the condition to the tender offer requiring that the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated will not be fulfilled as of April 24, 2007, the date on which the tender offer was scheduled to expire. As of the close of business on April 24, 2007 (the date on which the tender offer was scheduled to expire), a total of 24,178,605 shares of common stock of Wild Oats, which represent approximately 64% of the shares subject to the tender offer, have been tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer.

  The description contained herein is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. Whole Foods Market, Inc. and WFMI Merger Co. have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and certain amendments thereto, and have mailed an offer to purchase, forms of letter of transmittal and related documents to Wild Oats' stockholders. Wild Oats has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and has mailed to Wild Oats' stockholders, a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. These documents contain important information about the tender offer, including the terms of the tender offer, and stockholders of Wild Oats are urged to read them carefully. Stockholders of Wild Oats may obtain a free copy of these documents and other documents filed by Wild Oats or Whole Foods Market with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov or by contacting the information agent for the tender offer, Georgeson Inc., at (212) 440-9800 or (866) 313-2357 (toll free), or the dealer manager for the tender offer, RBC Capital Markets Corporation, at (415) 633-8668 or (800) 777-9315 x8668 (toll free).

• March 21 - Whole Foods Market Announces Extension to Tender Offer

  AUSTIN, Texas (March 21, 2007) Whole Foods Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) announced today that it had extended the expiration date for its tender offer to purchase outstanding shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Tuesday, April 24, 2007.

  Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats previously announced that they had received a second request for additional information from the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") in connection with Whole Foods Market's proposed acquisition of Wild Oats. The effect of the second request is to extend the waiting period imposed by the HSR Act until 10 days after WFM has substantially complied with the second request, unless that period is terminated sooner by the FTC. As a result of the waiting period being extended, the condition to the tender offer requiring that the applicable waiting period under the HSR Act shall have expired or been terminated will not be fulfilled as of March 27, 2007, the original date on which the tender offer was to expire.

  The description contained herein is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. Whole Foods Market, Inc. and WFMI Merger Co. have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a tender offer statement on Schedule TO and certain amendments thereto, and have mailed an offer to purchase, forms of letter of transmittal and related documents to Wild Oats' stockholders. Wild Oats has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and has mailed to Wild Oats' stockholders, a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. These documents contain important information about the tender offer, including the terms of the tender offer, and stockholders of Wild Oats are urged to read them carefully. Stockholders of Wild Oats may obtain a free copy of these documents and other documents filed by Wild Oats or Whole Foods Market with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov or by contacting the information agent for the tender offer, Georgeson Inc., at (212) 440-9800 or (866) 313-2357 (toll free), or the dealer manager for the tender offer, RBC Capital Markets Corporation, at (415) 633-8668 or (800) 777-9315 x8668 (toll free).

• February 21 - Whole Foods Market Reports First Quarter Results
• February 21 - Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Markets Announce Merger to Create Stronger Natural and Organic Foods Retailer

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2006

• November 7 - Whole Foods Market Announces $100 Million Increase in Stock Repurchase Program
• November 2 - Whole Foods Market Announces Fourth Quarter Results
• November 2 - Whole Foods Market Announces Changes in Salary Cap and CEO Compensation
• July 31 - Whole Foods Market Reports Third Quarter Results
• May 3 - Whole Foods Market Reports Second Quarter Results
• February 8 - Whole Foods Market Reports First Quarter Results

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2005

• November 9 - Whole Foods Market Reports Fourth Quarter Results
• November 9 - Whole Foods Market Announces Cash Management Strategy Including 20% Increase in Quarterly Dividend, Special Dividend of $4.00 per Share, and Four-Year $200 Million Stock Repurchase Program; Company Also Announces 2-for-1 Stock Split
• August 31 - Whole Foods Market Provides Update on Louisiana and Florida Stores Affected by Hurricane Katrina
• July 28 - WFM Reports Third Quarter Results
• June 8 - WFM Announces Addition of Hass Hassan to its Board of Directors; Creates New Tri-State Region; Declares $0.25 Dividend
• May 4 - WFM Reports Second Quarter Results
• May 4 - WFM Returns to Previous Accounting Practice of Capitalizing Rent during Construction Period; Company will Restate Financials
• April 5 - WFM Announces a 32% Increase in Quarterly Dividend to $0.25 Per Share
• March 2 - WFM Files Form 10-Q for the First Quarter
• February 25 - WFM Extends Form 10-Q Filing Deadline by Five Days
• February 10 - WFM Reports First Quarter Results

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2004

• November 10 - Whole Foods Market Announces Fourth Quarter Results
• November 4 - Whole Foods Market Announces New Presidentsfor South and Midwest Regions
• October 11 - Whole Foods Market Announces New Southwest Regional President
• October 1 - Whole Foods Market Announces Enhancements to Executive Team and Creation of Two New Operating Regions
• September 22 - Whole Foods Market Announces Fourth Quarterly Dividend
• July 28 - Whole Foods Market Announces Third Quarter Results
• June 29 - Whole Foods Market Announces Third Quarterly Dividend
• May 4 - Whole Foods Market Announces Second Quarter Results
• April 16 - Credit Ratings Upgrade Announced;Moody's Raises Corporate Rating to Investment Grade
• March 22 - Whole Foods Market Announces Second Quarterly Dividend
• February 11th - Whole Foods Market Announces Record First Quarter Results
• January 16th - Whole Foods Market Expands into U.K.

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