2.5 stars- It may seem that I don't appreciate the fact that there is a natural food store near my neighborhood, but I really really do. There are some positives to Home Economist on Independence: there's a water refill station, they have a great bulk section and a fairly good supplement section. There's almost always somekind of sale on vitamins and herbal supplements (Wellness Formula rocks!). They have wine and beer. They have pet food- our dog loves the chicken strips! They have sprouting supplies, books and neti pots.
The rub is that the water station is highly unreliable even though they replaced the station fairly recently. Some employess are friendly and helpful and some are seemingly locked into a perpetual bad day. Their counters are cumbersome and don't allow much space to accomodate your groceries. My husband was so shocked at the high cost of bread at this store he walked out without anything at all- this I never thought I'd see from him. But after I looked at the price I was really glad he did walk away. The doors must be manually opened and, with cart, that can be difficult. If Trader Joe's had a bulk section and water refill station I would have one grocery shopping destination per week. The South Blvd location (Home Economist) has shown me slightly better results.
1/10/08: I just rec'd my Aquasana waterfilter and all of a sudden find myself less and less reliant on Home Economist.