Whole Foods Market has announced in a press release that it will be reducing approximately 1,500 jobs, representing 1.6 percent of its total workforce, over the next eight weeks.
The company said that the reduction is part of its ongoing commitment to lower prices for customers and to invest in technology upgrades.
Walter Rob, the co-CEO of Whole Foods, said in the press release that the decision is a very difficult one to make.
"We are committed to treating affected Team Members in a caring and respectful manner," he said. "We have offered them several options including transition pay, a generous severance, or the opportunity to apply for other jobs."
Rob also said in the press release that, though a difficult decision to make, it is an important step to take for the company.
"We believe this is an important step to evolve Whole Foods Market in a rapidly changing marketplace," he said.
Whole Foods said in the press release that it expects many of the reductions to be managed through natural attrition.
The company also expects a significant portion of the affected Team Members to find jobs from the nearly 2,000 open positions across the company via the new jobs created by its 100 new stores in development.
The Chicago Tribune adds that Whole Foods has recently been hurt by bad publicity as New York City officials have discovered that the grocery chain has been overcharging its customers.
The city's Department of Consumer Affairs said that the grocery chain has been overstating the weight of some of its pre-packaged products, like chicken tenders and vegetable platters.
Whole Foods said that they are taking the necessary steps to prevent overcharging of its products and offerings, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The steps include training its workers and a promise to give away the product if ever customers discover that they are overcharged.
The Chicago Tribune adds that Whole Foods has also been facing intense competition as organic products become more widely available.
The company has been trying to appeal to broader audiences as it plans to open a new chain of "365" stores with lower prices.
