Whole Foods

Amazon has made plenty of changes to Whole Foods since acquiring the chain back in 2017 — and if recent reports are to be believed, plenty more changes are to come. But at the same time, part of the value in the Whole Foods brand has always been its differences from traditional grocery stores, including its longstanding connection to the specialty foods market.

Here’s another really good reason to join Amazon Prime: Members now get special discounts at Whole Foods.

Amazon’s entire business model was built around the idea of bringing things directly to people’s homes. So as the “Amazonification” of Whole Foods continued after last year’s buyout, the question wasn’t if Amazon would offer Whole Foods delivery, but when. The answer is “now.”

The big grocery news of last week was that, following its acquisition of Whole Foods, Amazon’s first big initiative in stores would be to lower prices on several items. It’s right in line with Whole Foods’ other efforts to change its reputation as a high-cost store like the opening of five more moderately priced 365 stores with more locations to come.

Amazon announced on Friday that it will acquire upscale food market chain Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, and the Internet was quick to erupt with all the avocado and hummus-themed comedy.