If you live or work in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, this might come as a surprise—the Whole Foods Market at Madison and Broadway is closing permanently on June 20. That means customers have only a few more days to visit this popular location, stock up on their favorite groceries, and bid farewell.
The store has long been a favorite for residents in the area thanks to its central location, wide range of organic and specialty products, and familiar team members. But the company has now confirmed that the store will shut its doors for good.
🛒 Why is Whole Foods closing this store?
Whole Foods explained the closure in a statement, saying:
“We regularly evaluate the performance and growth potential of our stores and make decisions to position the company for long-term success.”
In simple terms, the store wasn’t performing as well as others and didn’t meet the company’s expectations for future growth. While the exact reasons weren’t disclosed, it’s likely a mix of sales performance, foot traffic, and operational costs.
It’s worth noting that store closures like this aren’t uncommon—especially as companies like Whole Foods (which is owned by Amazon) continue to shift their strategies to meet changing customer needs and market conditions.
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Good News: Employees Are Not Losing Their Jobs
One of the most important things for customers and the community to know is this: no jobs will be lost as a result of the Capitol Hill store closure.
A Whole Foods spokesperson confirmed that all employees will be transferred to nearby locations. So while you may not see them at Madison and Broadway anymore, you’re likely to run into your favorite cashier or barista at another Seattle Whole Foods.
This move is part of the company’s effort to support its team as it adjusts its operations.
🏬 Whole Foods is still expanding elsewhere
While the Capitol Hill location is closing, Whole Foods Market is continuing to grow in other parts of the country. In fact, the company is opening several new stores this month alone:
- June 4: A new, smaller-format store opened in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City
- June 25: A new store will open in St. Charles, Illinois
- June 26: Midtown Miami will get a Whole Foods with a full-service Cuban-style coffee bar
- May: A new store has already opened in Las Vegas
This shows that while the company is closing some underperforming locations, it’s still investing heavily in other markets.
What this means for local shoppers
For customers who have made the Capitol Hill Whole Foods part of their routine, this is definitely disappointing. The store has become a go-to spot for groceries, coffee, lunch, and friendly service.
If you’re one of those regulars, you’ll now need to visit another Whole Foods in Seattle. Fortunately, there are several options nearby that will likely absorb the foot traffic from the Madison and Broadway location.
And for fans of the brand traveling around the U.S., there will be new locations popping up with fresh features and specialty offerings.
A few days left to visit
Before the store closes, you still have time to make a final visit. Whether it’s to grab your go-to items, pick up a fresh sandwich from the hot bar, or simply thank the staff, now’s the time to stop by.
The last day of operation is Thursday, June 20, so consider swinging by before then.
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In the end, it’s never easy to say goodbye to a neighborhood staple. But with Whole Foods continuing to grow elsewhere—and taking care of its employees—there’s at least some good news in the mix.
