10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended July 7, 2013; or

o Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from __________ to __________.

Commission File Number:  0-19797

WHOLE FOODS MARKET, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas	74-1989366
(State of	(IRS employer
incorporation)	identification no.)

550 Bowie Street

Austin, Texas 78703

(Address of principal executive offices)

512-477-4455

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer x	Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o	Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o  No x

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, outstanding as of August 2, 2013 was 372,512,876 shares.

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Form 10-Q

Table of Contents

	Page
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited), July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012	1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited), for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and July 1, 2012	2
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited), for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and July 1, 2012	3
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited), for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2012	4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited), for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and July 1, 2012	5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	6
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.	13
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.	20
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.	20
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.	21
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.	21
Item 6. Exhibits.	22
Signature	23

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements.

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(In millions)

Assets	July 7, 2013			September 30, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	311		$	89
Short-term investments - available-for-sale securities	678			1,131
Restricted cash	110			103
Accounts receivable	181			197
Merchandise inventories	390			374
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	87			77
Deferred income taxes	144			132
Total current assets	1,901			2,103
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,324			2,193
Long-term investments - available-for-sale securities	355			221
Goodwill	679			663
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	66			62
Deferred income taxes	55			43
Other assets	14			9
Total assets	$	5,394		$	5,294
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Current installments of capital lease obligations	$	1		$	1
Accounts payable	230			247
Accrued payroll, bonus and other benefits due team members	355			307
Dividends payable	37			26
Other current liabilities	431			396
Total current liabilities	1,054			977
Long-term capital lease obligations, less current installments	26			23
Deferred lease liabilities	482			441
Other long-term liabilities	47			51
Total liabilities	1,609			1,492
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value, 600.0 shares authorized; 374.9 and 371.6 shares issued; 372.3 and 370.9 shares outstanding at 2013 and 2012, respectively	2,726			2,592
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 2.6 and 0.7 shares at 2013 and 2012, respectively	(116		)	(28		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(6		)	5
Retained earnings	1,181			1,233
Total shareholders’ equity	3,785			3,802
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	5,394		$	5,294

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Sales	$	3,058	$	2,727	$	9,941	$	8,788
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	1,939		1,746		6,373		5,659
Gross profit	1,119		981		3,568		3,129
Direct store expenses	781		689		2,529		2,242
General and administrative expenses	95		88		302		278
Pre-opening expenses	13		12		37		33
Relocation, store closure and lease termination costs	2		4		9		8
Operating income	228		188		691		568
Investment and other income, net of interest expense	2		2		8		6
Income before income taxes	230		190		699		574
Provision for income taxes	88		73		269		221
Net income	$	142	$	117	$	430	$	353
Basic earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.32	$	1.16	$	0.97
Weighted average shares outstanding	371.4		367.5		370.9		363.1
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.31	$	1.15	$	0.96
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted basis	374.6		371.8		374.2		367.5
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.10	$	0.07	$	1.30	$	0.21

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

(In millions)

	Twelve weeks ended						Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012			July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012
Net income	$	142		$	117		$	430		$	353
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(6		)	(3		)	(11		)	—
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(6		)	(3		)	(11		)	—
Comprehensive income	$	136		$	114		$	419		$	353

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Consolidated Statementsof Shareholders’ Equity(unaudited)

Forty weeks endedJuly 7, 2013 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2012

(In millions)

	Shares outstanding		Common stock		Common stock in treasury			Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			Retained earnings			Total shareholders’ equity
Balances at September 25, 2011	357.8		$	2,121	$	—		$	—		$	870		$	2,991
Net income	—		—		—			—			466			466
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—		—		—			5			—			5
Dividends ($0.28 per common share)	—		—		—			—			(103		)	(103		)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans	13.8		366		—			—			—			366
Purchase of treasury stock	(0.7	)	—		(28		)	—			—			(28		)
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	—		63		—			—			—			63
Share-based payment expense	—		42		—			—			—			42
Balances at September 30, 2012	370.9		2,592		(28		)	5			1,233			3,802
Net income	—		—		—			—			430			430
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—		—		—			(11		)	—			(11		)
Dividends ($1.30 per common share)	—		—		—			—			(482		)	(482		)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans	3.3		62		—			—			—			62
Purchase of treasury stock	(1.9	)	—		(88		)	—			—			(88		)
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	—		30		—			—			—			30
Share-based payment expense	—		42		—			—			—			42
Balances at July 7, 2013	372.3		$	2,726	$	(116	)	$	(6	)	$	1,181		$	3,785

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

4

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Consolidated Statementsof Cash Flows (unaudited)

(In millions)

	Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	430		$	353
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	257			235
Share-based payment expense	43			29
LIFO expense	2			2
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(24		)	11
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	(30		)	(38		)
Accretion of premium/discount on marketable securities	23			9
Deferred lease liabilities	36			58
Other	13			7
Net change in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	15			(12		)
Merchandise inventories	(18		)	(41		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(12		)	3
Accounts payable	(16		)	2
Accrued payroll, bonus and other benefits due team members	49			38
Other current liabilities	54			72
Net change in other long-term liabilities	(4		)	3
Net cash provided by operating activities	818			731
Cash flows from investing activities
Development costs of new locations	(226		)	(189		)
Other property and equipment expenditures	(151		)	(137		)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(1,104		)	(2,303		)
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	1,393			1,569
Increase in restricted cash	(7		)	(12		)
Payment for purchase of acquired entities	(22		)	—
Other investing activities	(7		)	(2		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(124		)	(1,074		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Common stock dividends paid	(471		)	(69		)
Issuance of common stock	61			325
Purchase of treasury stock	(88		)	(28		)
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	30			38
Payments on capital lease obligations	(1		)	—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(469		)	266
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3		)	—
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	222			(77		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	89			212
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	311		$	135
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Federal and state income taxes paid	$	296		$	154

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

July 7, 2013

(1) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Whole Foods Market, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively “Whole Foods Market,” “Company,” or “we”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation. Where appropriate, we have reclassified prior years’ financial statements to conform to current year presentation. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or for a full fiscal year. The Company reports its results of operations on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. The first fiscal quarter is 16 weeks, the second and third quarters each are 12 weeks, and the fourth quarter is 12 or 13 weeks. Fiscal year 2013 is a 52-week year and fiscal year 2012 was a 53-week year. The Company has one operating segment and a single reportable segment, natural and organic foods supermarkets.

On May 29, 2013, the Company completed a two-for-one stock split. All references made to share or per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures reflect this two-for-one stock split.

The following is a summary of percentage sales by geographic area for the periods indicated:

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Sales:
United States	96.6	%	96.7	%	96.6	%	96.8	%
Canada and United Kingdom	3.4		3.3		3.4		3.2
Total sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

The following is a summary of the percentage of net long-lived assets by geographic area as of the dates indicated:

	July 7, 2013		September 30, 2012
Long-lived assets, net:
United States	95.8	%	95.2	%
Canada and United Kingdom	4.2		4.8
Total long-lived assets, net	100.0	%	100.0	%

(2) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Income Taxes.” The amendments provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, as either a reduction of a deferred tax asset or as a liability, when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and may be applied on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The provisions are effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year ending September 27, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force),” which amends ASC 405, “Liabilities.” The amendments provide guidance on the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, including debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings, for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied retrospectively. The provisions are effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year ending September

6

27, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effective October 1, 2012, the Company concurrently adopted ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” and ASU No. 2013-02, “Reporting Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” both of which amend ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income.” In adopting ASU No. 2011-05, which requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented in either a single statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements, the Company added Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income following our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amended guidance in ASU No. 2013-02 requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component and to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The amended guidance does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-02 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(3) Fair Value Measurements

The Company holds money market fund investments that are classified as cash equivalents that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The Company also holds available-for-sale securities generally consisting of state and municipal obligations and variable-rate demand notes which hold high credit ratings. These instruments are valued using a series of multi-dimensional relational models and matrices with standard inputs obtained from readily available pricing sources and other observable market data, such as benchmark yields and base spread. Investments are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related tax effect, included as a component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Declines in fair value below the Company’s carrying value deemed to be other than temporary are charged against net earnings.

The carrying amounts of accrued payroll, bonuses and other benefits due team members, and other accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short maturities. Store closure reserves and estimated workers’ compensation claims are recorded at net present value to approximate fair value.

The Company held the following financial assets at fair value, based on the hierarchy input levels indicated, on a recurring basis (in millions):

July 7, 2013	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market fund	$	85	$	—	$	—	$	85
Commercial paper	—		50		—		50
Municipal bonds	—		10		—		10
Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Corporate bonds	—		15		—		15
Municipal bonds	—		998		—		998
Variable-rate demand notes	—		20		—		20
Total	$	85	$	1,093	$	—	$	1,178

September 30, 2012	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market fund	$	16	$	—	$	—	$	16
Municipal bonds	—		8		—		8
Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Commercial paper	—		10		—		10
Corporate bonds	—		11		—		11
Municipal bonds	—		983		—		983
Variable-rate demand notes	—		348		—		348
Total	$	16	$	1,360	$	—	$	1,376

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(4) Investments

The Company holds investments in marketable securities, generally commercial paper, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and variable-rate demand notes, that are classified as either short- or long-term available-for-sale securities. The Company held the following investments at fair value as of the dates indicated (in millions):

	July 7, 2013		September 30, 2012
Short-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Commercial paper	$	—	$	10
Corporate bonds	10		5
Municipal bonds	648		768
Variable-rate demand notes	20		348
Total short-term marketable securities	$	678	$	1,131
Long-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Corporate bonds	$	5	$	6
Municipal bonds	350		215
Total long-term marketable securities	$	355	$	221

At July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012, available-for-sale securities totaling approximately $464 million and $382 million, respectively, were in unrealized loss positions. The aggregate value of available-for-sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months at July 7, 2013 was approximately $38 million. There were no investments in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months at September 30, 2012. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 or fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. Gross unrealized holding gains and losses were not material at July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012.

At July 7, 2013, the average effective maturity of the Company’s short- and long-term investments was approximately 6 months and 17 months, respectively, compared to approximately 5 months and 15 months, respectively, at September 30, 2012.

(5) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company recorded goodwill totaling approximately $16 million primarily related to the acquisition of six retail locations during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. No additions or adjustments to goodwill were recorded during fiscal year 2012. The Company acquired approximately $6 million in definite-lived intangible assets, primarily favorable lease assets related to the acquisition of six retail locations, during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. Acquisitions of definite-lived intangible assets were not material during fiscal year 2012. The components of intangible assets were as follows (in millions):

	July 7, 2013					September 30, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization			Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Definite-lived contract-based	$	102	$	(39	)	$	95	$	(35	)
Definite-lived marketing-related and other	1		(1		)	2		(2		)
Indefinite-lived contract-based	3					2
	$	106	$	(40	)	$	99	$	(37	)

Amortization associated with intangible assets totaled approximately $1 million and $4 million for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, respectively, and for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Future amortization associated with the net carrying amount of definite-lived intangible assets is estimated to be as follows (in millions):

Remainder of fiscal year 2013	$	1
Fiscal year 2014	5
Fiscal year 2015	5
Fiscal year 2016	4
Fiscal year 2017	4
Future fiscal years	44
Total estimated future amortization associated with definite-lived intangible assets	$	63

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(6) Reserves for Closed Properties

Following is a summary of store closure reserve activity during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (in millions):

	July 7, 2013			September 30, 2012
Beginning balance	$	41		$	45
Additions	3			4
Usage	(9		)	(10		)
Adjustments	—			2
Ending balance	$	35		$	41

Additions to store closure reserves primarily relate to the accretion of interest on existing reserves. New reserves related to seven and four new closures during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, respectively, were not material. Usage included approximately $9 million primarily related to ongoing cash rental payments during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, usage included approximately $10 million in ongoing cash rental payments.

(7) Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

On May 7, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock, which was effected through a stock dividend distributed on May 29, 2013. All references made to share or per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures reflect this two-for-one stock split.

Dividends per Common Share

Following is a summary of dividends declared per common share during fiscal years 2013 and 2012 (in millions, except per share amounts):

Date of declaration	Dividend per common share		Date of record	Date of payment	Total amount
Fiscal year 2013:
November 29, 2012	$	1.00	December 10, 2012	December 21, 2012	$	371
November 7, 2012	0.10		January 18, 2013	January 29, 2013	37
March 15, 2013	0.10		April 12, 2013	April 23, 2013	37
June 12, 2013 (1)	0.10		July 5, 2013	July 16, 2013	37
Fiscal year 2012:
November 2, 2011	$	0.07	January 13, 2012	January 24, 2012	$	25
March 9, 2012	0.07		April 5, 2012	April 17, 2012	26
May 30, 2012	0.07		June 29, 2012	July 10, 2012	26
September 6, 2012	0.07		September 28, 2012	October 9, 2012	26

⁽¹⁾ Dividend accrued at July 7, 2013

Treasury Stock

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program in the amount of $200 million through November 1, 2013. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase an amount of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company up to an aggregate amount of $300 million through December 31, 2014. This repurchase program is in addition to, and does not supersede or modify, the Company’s previously authorized program.

Share repurchase activity for the periods indicated was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Number of common shares acquired	0.5		0.6		1.9		0.7
Average price per common share acquired	$	51.83	$	43.20	$	46.35	$	41.34
Total cost of common shares acquired	$	25	$	24	$	88	$	28

9

The Company currently has approximately $384 million in share repurchase authority. Under the repurchase programs, purchases can be made from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases and purchases through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, all in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other applicable legal requirements. The specific timing, price and size of purchases will depend on prevailing stock prices, general economic conditions and market conditions, and other considerations. The repurchase programs do not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion.

(8) Earnings per Share

The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents consisting of incremental common shares deemed outstanding from the assumed exercise of stock options and the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock awards.

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Net income (numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share)	$	142	$	117	$	430	$	353
Weighted average common shares outstanding (denominator for basic earnings per share)	371.4		367.5		370.9		363.1
Potential common shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options	3.2		4.3		3.3		4.4
Weighted average common shares outstanding and potential additional common shares outstanding (denominator for diluted earnings per share)	374.6		371.8		374.2		367.5
Basic earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.32	$	1.16	$	0.97
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.31	$	1.15	$	0.96

The computation of diluted earnings per share for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 does not include options to purchase approximately 8.6 million shares and 7.6 million shares of common stock, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect. For the twelve and forty weeks ended July 1, 2012, the computation of diluted earnings per share does not include options to purchase approximately 3.5 million shares and 1.1 million shares of common stock, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect. The dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock awards was not material for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 or the same periods of the prior fiscal year.

(9) Share-Based Payments

Total share-based payment expense before income taxes recognized during the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 totaled approximately $13 million and $43 million, respectively, and approximately $9 million and $29 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Share-based payment expense was included in the following line items on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated (in millions):

	Twelve weeks ended						Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012			July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
Direct store expenses	7			4			24			15
General and administrative expenses	6			5			18			13
Share-based payment expense before income taxes	13			9			43			29
Income tax benefit	(5		)	(3		)	(16		)	(11		)
Net share-based payment expense	$	8		$	6		$	27		$	18

10

Stock Options

At July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012, approximately 42.1 million shares and 16.8 millionshares of the Company’s common stock were available for future stock incentive grants.

On May 31, 2013, the Company issued its annual grant of stock options to team members and directors. The following table summarizes stock option activity during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 (in millions, except per share amounts and contractual lives in years):

	Number of options outstanding		Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining contractual life	Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding options at September 30, 2012	20.0		$	30.17
Options granted	4.3		51.33
Options exercised	(3.3	)	19.95
Options expired	(0.1	)	18.13
Options forfeited	(0.7	)	35.86
Outstanding options at July 7, 2013	20.2		$	36.34	5.37	$	342
Vested/expected to vest at July 7, 2013	18.8		$	35.74	5.31	$	328
Exercisable options at July 7, 2013	6.5		$	26.12	4.40	$	176

The weighted average fair value per option granted during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 was $12.37. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options at exercise, represented in the table above, was approximately $98 million. At July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012, there was approximately $138 million and $135 million of unrecognized share-based payment expense, respectively, related to unvested stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, related to approximately 12.3 million shares and 14.2 million shares, respectively. We anticipate this expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years.

A summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable at July 7, 2013 follows (share amounts in millions):

Range of Exercise Prices				Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
From		To		Number of options outstanding	Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining life (in years)	Number of options exercisable	Weighted average exercise price
$	5.56	$	18.49	1.5	$	9.50	2.81	1.5	$	9.37
20.42		28.50		3.3	20.43		4.42	1.8	20.42
31.25		31.25		4.5	31.25		4.83	1.7	31.25
40.81		46.28		6.9	44.29		5.86	1.5	44.22
51.86		51.86		4.0	51.86		6.89	—	—
Total				20.2	$	36.34	5.37	6.5	$	26.12

The fair value of stock option grants has been estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	2013		2012
Expected dividend yield	0.880	%	0.800	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.77	%	0.58	%
Expected volatility	31.25	%	40.89	%
Expected life, in years	3.96		4.14

Risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve on the date of the grant for the time period equal to the expected term of the grant. Expected volatility is calculated using a ratio of implied volatility based on the Newton-Raphson method of bisection, and four or six year historical volatilities based on the expected life of each tranche of options. The Company determined the use of implied volatility versus historical volatility represents a more accurate calculation of option fair value. Expected life is calculated in two tranches based on weighted average percentage of unexpired options and exercise-after-vesting information over the last five or seven years. Unvested options are included in the term calculation using the “mid-point scenario” which assumes that unvested options will be exercised halfway between vest and expiration date. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience. In addition

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to the above valuation assumptions, the Company estimates an annual forfeiture rate for unvested options and adjusts fair value expense accordingly. The Company monitors actual forfeiture activity and adjusts the rate from time to time as necessary.

Restricted Stock

During the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, the Company awarded 82,800 shares of restricted common stock pursuant to the Whole Foods Market 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. Fair value of the restricted share issuances on grant date totaled approximately $4 million. Restricted shares vest over four or seven year terms. Share-based payment expense related to restricted shares, included in the “General and administrative expenses” line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, was not material for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. At July 7, 2013, there was approximately $3 million of unrecognized share-based payment expense related to unvested restricted stock. The number of shares, grant date fair value, and share-based payment expense related to the issuance of restricted common stock during fiscal year 2012 were not material.

(10) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is exposed to claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business and uses various methods to resolve these matters in a manner that we believe best serves the interests of our stakeholders. Our primary contingencies are associated with insurance and self-insurance obligations and litigation matters. Estimation of our insurance and self-insurance liabilities requires significant judgments, and actual claim settlements and associated expenses may differ from our current provisions for loss. We have exposures to loss contingencies arising from pending or threatened litigation for which assessing and estimating the outcomes of these matters involve substantial uncertainties.

The Company evaluates contingencies on an ongoing basis and has established loss provisions for matters in which losses are probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Insurance and legal settlement liabilities are included in the “Other current liabilities” line item on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities.

(11) Related Party Transactions

The Company provides ongoing support to two independent non-profit organizations: Whole Planet Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation (the “Foundations”). Whole Planet Foundation’s mission is to empower the poor through microcredit, with a focus on developing-world communities that supply the Company’s stores with product. Whole Kids Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving children’s nutrition through partnerships with schools, educators, and other organizations. Members of the Company’s management comprise the Board of Directors of each of the Foundations. Additionally, the Company provides administrative support and covers all operating costs of the Foundations.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Disclaimer on Forward-looking Statements

We wish to caution you that there are risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different from those indicated by forward-looking statements that we make from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, news releases, reports, proxy statements, registration statements and other written communications, as well as forward-looking statements made from time to time by representatives of our Company. These risks and uncertainties include those listed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. These risks and uncertainties and additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may cause our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows to be materially adversely affected. Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this analysis are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including general business conditions, changes in overall economic conditions that impact consumer spending, including fuel prices and housing market trends, the impact of competition and other factors which are often beyond the control of the Company. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

Overview

Whole Foods Market, Inc. is the world’s leading retailer of natural and organic foods and America’s first national “Certified Organic” grocer. Our Company mission is to promote the vitality and well-being of all individuals by supplying the highest quality, most wholesome foods available. Through our growth, we have had a significant and positive impact on the natural and organic foods movement throughout the United States, helping lead the industry to nationwide acceptance. As of July 7, 2013, we operated 351 stores: 336 stores in 40 U.S. states and the District of Columbia; 8 stores in Canada; and 7 stores in the United Kingdom. We have one operating segment, natural and organic foods supermarkets.

Our continued growth depends on our ability to increase sales in our identical stores and open new stores. New stores generally become profitable within the first year of operation, although some new stores may incur operating losses for the first several years of operation. The Company’s average weekly sales and gross profit as a percentage of sales are typically highest in the second and third fiscal quarters, and lowest in the fourth fiscal quarter due to seasonally slower sales during the summer months. Gross profit as a percentage of sales is also typically lower in the first fiscal quarter due to the product mix of holiday sales.

Sales of a store are deemed to be comparable commencing in the fifty-third full week after the store was opened or acquired. Stores acquired in purchase acquisitions enter the comparable store sales base effective the fifty-third full week following the date of the acquisition. Identical store sales exclude sales from relocated stores and remodeled stores with expansions in square footage greater than 20% from the comparable calculation to reduce the impact of square footage growth on the comparison. Stores closed for eight or more days are excluded from the comparable and identical store base from the first fiscal week of closure until re-opened for a full fiscal week. Comparable and identical sales growth is calculated on a same-calendar-week to same-calendar-week basis.

The Company reports its results of operations on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. Fiscal year 2013 is a 52-week year and fiscal year 2012 was a 53-week year, with the additional week falling in the fourth fiscal quarter.

Economic and Industry Factors

Food retailing is a large, intensely competitive industry. Our competition varies across the Company and includes but is not limited to local, regional, national and international conventional and specialty supermarkets, natural foods stores, warehouse membership clubs, online retailers, smaller specialty stores, farmers’ markets and restaurants, each of which competes with us on the basis of store ambiance and experience, product selection, quality, customer service, price or a combination of these factors.

We offer a broad and differentiated selection of high-quality natural and organic products with a strong emphasis on perishable foods. Whole Foods Market defines natural foods as foods that are minimally processed, largely or completely free of artificial ingredients, preservatives and other non-naturally occurring chemicals and as near to their whole, natural state as possible. Organic foods are foods grown through methods that emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality. We are dedicated to providing communities with fresh, healthy, natural and organic food. We believe we will maintain our leadership position and continue to gain market share as we accelerate our new store

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openings, improve our relative value proposition, further differentiate our shopping experience, and reinforce our standing as America’s healthiest grocery store.

Highlights for the Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2013

On May 29, 2013, the Company completed a two-for-one stock split. All references made to share or per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures reflect this two-for-one stock split.

During the twelve weeks ended July 7, 2013, we delivered another outstanding quarter, producing a 20.3% increase in diluted earnings per share to $0.38 on a 12.1% increase in sales. For the twelve weeks ended July 7, 2013:

• Average weekly sales increased to approximately $728,000, translating to sales per square foot of $996;

• Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 36.6%;

• Operating income as a percentage of sales totaled 7.5%;

• EBITDA margin totaled 10.0%; and

• Return on invested capital (“ROIC”) was 16.5%.

We produced approximately $228 million in cash flows from operations and invested approximately $113 million in capital expenditures, of which approximately $69 million related to new stores. During the twelve weeks ended July 7, 2013, we opened four new stores. In addition, the Company paid cash dividends to common shareholders totaling approximately $37 million and repurchased approximately $25 million of its common stock. At July 7, 2013, we had cash, restricted cash and investments totaling approximately $1.5 billion.

Outlook for Fiscal Year 2013 and Initial Outlook for Fiscal Year 2014

Based on our year-to-date results and updated assumptions, the Company is raising its fiscal year 2013 diluted earnings per share range to $1.45 to $1.46. The following table provides additional information on the Company’s results through July 7, 2013 and updated expectations for the remainder of fiscal year 2013.

	Forty weeks ended July 7, 2013	Implied fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013	Estimated fiscal year 2013
Sales growth	13.1%	3.0% - 4.0%	11.0%
Comparable store sales growth	7.2%	7.0% - 7.5%	7.2% - 7.3%
Identical store sales growth	6.9%	6.5% - 7.0%	6.8% - 7.0%
General and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales	3.0%	3.2%	3.1%
Pre-opening and relocation expenses	$46 million	$22 - $24 million	$68 - $70 million
Diluted earnings per share	$1.15	$0.30 - $0.31	$1.45 - $1.46
Diluted earnings per share growth	19.6%	0.0% - 4.0%	15.0% - 16.0%

On a 52-week to 52-week basis, excluding the impact of the extra week in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Company now expects diluted earnings per share growth of 17% to 18% on sales growth of approximately 13%.

The Company expects ending square footage growth of 8% in fiscal year 2013. The Company expects capital expenditures for fiscal year 2013 to be in the range of approximately $525 million to $550 million, which includes the opening of 32 new stores. In addition, the Company continues to expect a significant year-over-year increase in pre-opening and relocation expenses in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 based on the opening of 12 new stores along with a high number of openings anticipated in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.

For fiscal year 2014, the Company expects sales growth of 12% to 14%, comparable store sales growth of 6.5% to 8.0%, and identical store sales growth of 6.0% to 7.5%. The Company expects diluted earnings per share of $1.69 to $1.72, an increase of 17% to 18% over expected fiscal year 2013. The Company expects ending square footage growth of 8% to 9% based on the opening of 33 to 38 new stores, two to three of which will be relocations.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the Company’s statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of sales:

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	63.4		64.0		64.1		64.4
Gross profit	36.6		36.0		35.9		35.6
Direct store expenses	25.6		25.3		25.4		25.5
General and administrative expenses	3.1		3.2		3.0		3.2
Pre-opening expenses	0.4		0.4		0.4		0.4
Relocation, store closure and lease termination costs	—		0.1		0.1		0.1
Operating income	7.5		6.9		7.0		6.5
Investment and other income, net of interest expense	0.1		0.1		0.1		0.1
Income before income taxes	7.5		7.0		7.0		6.5
Provision for income taxes	2.9		2.7		2.7		2.5
Net income	4.6	%	4.3	%	4.3	%	4.0	%

Figures may not sum due to rounding.

Sales for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 totaled approximately $3.1 billion and $9.9 billion, respectively, increasing 12.1% and 13.1%, respectively, over the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Comparable store sales increased 7.5% and 7.2% during the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, respectively. As of July 7, 2013, there were 328 locations in the comparable store base. Identical store sales, excluding four relocations and one expansion, increased 7.2% during the twelve weeks and, excluding four relocations and three expansions, increased 6.9% during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. Relocations and expansions are removed from the comparable calculation to reduce the impact of square footage growth on the comparison. Identical store sales growth during the twelve weeks ended July 7, 2013 was driven by an approximate four percent increase in transaction count and a three percent increase in basket size. At July 7, 2013, there were 27 stores that were opened or acquired 52 weeks or less which contributed approximately $143 million and $363 million to total sales during the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, respectively.

The Company’s gross profit as a percentage of sales for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 was approximately 36.6% and 35.9%, respectively, compared to approximately 36.0% and 35.6%, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased61 basis points and 29 basis points for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, respectively, compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Leverage in cost of goods sold and occupancy costs drove the improvement in gross profit as a percentage of sales during the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. During the twelve weeks ended July 7, 2013, our value efforts were more than offset by occupancy leverage, shrink reduction and buy-side initiatives. We remain committed to expanding our value offerings across the store, increasing our promotional activity, and improving our relative price positioning. We continue to be very competitive in non-perishables with more opportunities to narrow the gap in perishables, which reflect our higher quality standards.

Direct store expenses as a percentage of sales for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 were approximately 25.6% and 25.4%, respectively, compared to approximately 25.3% and 25.5%, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Leverage in wages was more than offset by increases in team member benefits, primarily team member discount costs related to the Team Member Appreciation Double Discount Day. As a result, direct store expenses as a percentage of sales increased 27 basis points during the twelve weeks ended July 7, 2013.

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 were approximately 3.1% and 3.0%, respectively, compared to approximately 3.2% and 3.2%, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The decreases in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 were primarily due to leverage in wages at the Company’s regional and global offices.

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Share-based payment expense was included in the following line items on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated (in millions):

	Twelve weeks ended						Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012			July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
Direct store expenses	7			4			24			15
General and administrative expenses	6			5			18			13
Share-based payment expense before income taxes	13			9			43			29
Income tax benefit	(5		)	(3		)	(16		)	(11		)
Net share-based payment expense	$	8		$	6		$	27		$	18

Pre-opening expenses totaled approximately $13 million and $37 million for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, respectively, and approximately $12 million and $33 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year.

Relocation, store closure and lease termination costs totaled approximately $2 million and $9 million for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, respectively, compared to approximately $4 million and $8 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year.

The numbers of stores opened and relocated were as follows:

	Twelve weeks ended		Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013	July 1, 2012	July 7, 2013	July 1, 2012
New stores	4	8	17	17
Relocated stores	—	1	3	1

Investment and other income, net of interest expense, which includes interest income, investment gains and losses, rental income and other income, totaled approximately $2 million and $8 million for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, respectively, compared to approximately $2 million and $6 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year.

Income taxes resulted in an effective tax rate of approximately 38.5% for both the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 compared to approximately 38.6% for the same periods of the prior fiscal year.

Non-GAAP measures

In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, the Company provides information regarding EBITDA margin and ROIC as additional information about its operating results. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP. We believe that these presentations provide useful information to management, analysts and investors regarding certain additional financial and business trends relating to our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, management uses these measures for reviewing the financial results of the Company as well as a component of incentive compensation.

The following is a tabular reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure EBITDA margin to GAAP net income, which the Company believes is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. EBITDA margin was as follows (in millions):

	Twelve weeks ended						Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012			July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012
Net income	$	142		$	117		$	430		$	353
Provision for income taxes	88			73			269			221
Investment and other income, net of interest expense	(2		)	(2		)	(8		)	(6		)
Operating income	228			188			691			568
Depreciation and amortization	78			73			257			235
EBITDA	$	306		$	261		$	948		$	803
Sales	$	3,058		$	2,727		$	9,941		$	8,788
EBITDA margin	10.0%			9.6%			9.5%			9.1%

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The Company defines ROIC as annualized adjusted earnings divided by average invested capital. Earnings are annualized on a 52-week basis. Adjustments to earnings are defined in the following tabular reconciliation. Invested capital reflects an average of the trailing four quarters. ROIC was as follows (in millions):

	Twelve weeks ended						Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012			July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012
Net income	$	142		$	117		$	430		$	353
Interest expense, net of tax	—			—			—			—
Adjusted earnings	142			117			430			353
Total rent expense, net of tax (1)	52			48			169			157
Estimated depreciation on capitalized operating leases, net of tax (2)	(35		)	(32		)	(113		)	(105		)
Adjusted earnings, including interest related to operating leases	159			133			486			405
Annualized adjusted earnings	$	614		$	507		$	559		$	459
Annualized adjusted earnings, including interest related to operating leases	$	689		$	576		$	632		$	527
Average working capital, excluding current portion of long-term debt	$	945		$	818		$	945		$	818
Average property and equipment, net	2,249			2,041			2,249			2,041
Average other assets	1,033			915			1,033			915
Average other liabilities	(511		)	(438		)	(511		)	(438		)
Average invested capital	$	3,716		$	3,336		$	3,716		$	3,336
Average estimated asset base of capitalized operating leases (3)	2,895			2,641			2,895			2,641
Average invested capital, adjusted for capitalization of operating leases	$	6,611		$	5,977		$	6,611		$	5,977
ROIC	16.5%			15.2%			15.0%			13.8%
ROIC, adjusted for capitalization of operating leases	10.4%			9.6%			9.6%			8.8%

⁽¹⁾ Total rent includes minimum base rent of all tendered leases

⁽²⁾ Estimated depreciation equals two-thirds of total rent expense

⁽³⁾ Estimated asset base equals eight times total annualized rent expense

Liquidity and Capital Resources and Changes in Financial Condition

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and short-term investments as of the dates indicated (in millions):

	July 7, 2013		September 30, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents	$	311	$	89
Short-term investments - available-for-sale securities	678		1,131
Total	$	989	$	1,220

Additionally, the Company held long-term investments in available-for-sale securities totaling approximately $355 million and $221 million at July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively.

We generated cash flows from operating activities totaling approximately $818 million during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 compared to approximately $731 million during the same period of the prior fiscal year. Cash flows from operating activities resulted primarily from our net income plus non-cash expenses and changes in operating working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $124 million for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 compared to approximately $1.1 billion for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $289 million during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 compared to net purchases of approximately $734 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Our principal historical capital requirements have been the funding of the development or acquisition of new stores and acquisition of property and equipment for existing stores. The required cash investment for new stores varies depending on the size of the new store, geographic location, degree of work performed by the

17

landlord and complexity of site development issues. Capital expenditures for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 totaled approximately $377 million, of which approximately $226 million was for new store development. Capital expenditures for the forty weeks ended July 1, 2012 totaled approximately $326 million, of which approximately $189 million was for new store development. The following table provides information about the Company’s store development activities:

	Stores opened during fiscal year 2012	Stores opened during fiscal year 2013 as of July 31, 2013	Properties tendered as of July 31, 2013	Total leases signed as of July 31, 2013 (1)
Number of stores (including relocations)	25	24	21	94
Number of relocations	1	4	3	11
New markets	8	9	6	21
Average store size (gross square feet)	35,500	35,700	37,300	37,800
Total square footage	887,400	855,700	784,000	3,569,000
Average tender period in months	7.9	9.3
Average pre-opening expense per store	$1.7 million
Average pre-opening rent per store	$0.6 million

⁽¹⁾ Includes leases for properties tendered

The following table provides information about the Company’s estimated store openings through fiscal year 2014:

	Estimated openings	Relocations	Average new store square footage	Ending square footage growth
Fiscal year 2013	32	5	35,000	8%
Fiscal year 2014	33 - 38	2 - 3	38,000	8% - 9%

We believe we will produce operating cash flows in excess of the capital expenditures needed to open the 94 stores in our store development pipeline. We currently expect accelerating square footage growth for several years to come.

Over the long term, the Company considers 1,000 stores to be a reasonable indication of its market opportunity in the United States as the Whole Foods Market brand continues to strengthen, consumer demand for natural and organic products continues to increase, and the Company’s flexibility on new store size opens up additional market opportunities. The Company believes significant opportunities exist in Canada and the United Kingdom as well. Our growth strategy is to expand primarily through new store openings, with the majority of our new stores to fall in the range of 35,000 to 45,000 square feet going forward.

Net cash used in financing activities totaled approximately $469 million for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of approximately $266 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year.

On May 29, 2013, the Company completed a two-for-one stock split. All references made to share or per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures reflect this two-for-one stock split.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a 43% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.10 per common share and a special dividend of $1.00 per common share. Following is a summary of dividends declared per common share during fiscal years 2013 and 2012 (in millions, except per share amounts):

Date of declaration	Dividend per common share		Date of record	Date of payment	Total amount
Fiscal year 2013:
November 29, 2012	$	1.00	December 10, 2012	December 21, 2012	$	371
November 7, 2012	0.10		January 18, 2013	January 29, 2013	37
March 15, 2013	0.10		April 12, 2013	April 23, 2013	37
June 12, 2013 (1)	0.10		July 5, 2013	July 16, 2013	37
Fiscal year 2012:
November 2, 2011	$	0.07	January 13, 2012	January 24, 2012	$	25
March 9, 2012	0.07		April 5, 2012	April 17, 2012	26
May 30, 2012	0.07		June 29, 2012	July 10, 2012	26
September 6, 2012	0.07		September 28, 2012	October 9, 2012	26

⁽¹⁾ Dividend accrued at July 7, 2013

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The Company will pay future dividends at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The continuation of these payments, the amount of such dividends, and the form in which dividends are paid (cash or stock) depend on many factors, including the results of operations and the financial condition of the Company. Subject to these qualifications, the Company currently expects to pay dividends on a quarterly basis.

Net proceeds to the Company from the exercise of stock options by team members for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 totaled approximately $61 million compared to approximately $325 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The Company intends to keep its broad-based stock option program in place, but also intends to limit the number of shares granted in any one year so that annual earnings dilution from share-based payment expense will not exceed 10%. The Company believes this strategy is best aligned with its stakeholder philosophy because it limits future earnings dilution from options and at the same time retains the broad-based stock option plan, which the Company believes is important to team member morale, its unique corporate culture and its success. At July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012, approximately 42.1 million shares and 16.8 million shares of our common stock were available for future stock incentive grants.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program in the amount of $200 million through November 1, 2013. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase an amount of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company up to an aggregate amount of $300 million through December 31, 2014. This repurchase program is in addition to, and does not supersede or modify, the Company’s previously authorized program.

Share repurchase activity for the periods indicated was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Number of common shares acquired	0.5		0.6		1.9		0.7
Average price per common share acquired	$	51.83	$	43.20	$	46.35	$	41.34
Total cost of common shares acquired	$	25	$	24	$	88	$	28

The Company currently has approximately $384 million in share repurchase authority. Under the repurchase programs, purchases can be made from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases and purchases through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, all in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other applicable legal requirements. The specific timing, price and size of purchases will depend on prevailing stock prices, general economic conditions and market conditions, and other considerations. The repurchase programs do not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion.

The Company is committed under certain capital leases for rental of certain equipment, buildings and land, and certain operating leases for rental of facilities and equipment. These leases expire or become subject to renewal clauses at various dates through 2054. The following table shows payments due by period on contractual obligations as of July 7, 2013 (in millions):

	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Capital lease obligations (including interest)	$	46	$	3	$	6	$	5	$	32
Operating lease obligations (1)	7,226		335		807		856		5,228
Total	$	7,272	$	338	$	813	$	861	$	5,260

⁽¹⁾ Amounts exclude taxes, insurance and other related expense

Gross unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties at July 7, 2013 totaled approximately $5 million. Although a reasonably reliable estimate of the period of cash settlement with respective taxing authorities cannot be determined due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, as of July 7, 2013, the Company does not expect tax audit resolution will reduce its unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months.

We periodically make other commitments and become subject to other contractual obligations that we believe to be routine in nature and incidental to the operation of the business. Management believes that such routine commitments and contractual obligations do not have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our principal historical sources of liquidity have included cash generated by operations, available cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments. Absent any significant change in market condition, we expect planned expansion and other

19

anticipated working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the next 12 months will be funded by these sources. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels or that other sources of capital will be available to us in the future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our off-balance sheet arrangements at July 7, 2013 consist of operating leases disclosed in the above contractual obligations table. We have no other off-balance sheet arrangements that have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect on our consolidated financial statements or financial condition.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements are included in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, “Recent Accounting Pronouncements.”

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. Our exposures to market risk have not changed materially since September 30, 2012.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Co-Chief Executive Officers (principal executive officers) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

The Company is exposed to claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business and uses various methods to resolve these matters in a manner that we believe best serves the interests of our stakeholders. We have exposures to loss contingencies arising from pending or threatened litigation for which assessing and estimating the outcomes of these matters involve substantial uncertainties.

The Company evaluates contingencies on an ongoing basis and has established loss provisions for matters in which losses are probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal settlement liabilities are included in the “Other current liabilities” line item on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. However, resolution of contingencies resulting in amounts that vary materially from the Company’s current estimates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The following table provides information about the Company’s share repurchase activity during the twelve weeks ended July 7, 2013.

Period (1)	Total number of shares purchased	Average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (2)	Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (2)
April 15, 2013 - May 12, 2013	—	$	—	—	$	408,686,012
May 13, 2013 - June 9, 2013	482,200	$	51.83	482,200	$	383,694,038
June 10, 2013 - July 7, 2013	—	$	—	—	$	383,694,038
Total	482,200	$	51.83	482,200

⁽¹⁾  Periodic information is presented by reference to our fiscal periods during the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.

⁽²⁾  On November 2, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program in the amount of $200 million through November 1, 2013. On November 15, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase an amount of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company up to an aggregate amount of $300 million through December 31, 2014. This repurchase program is in addition to, and does not supersede or modify, the Company’s previously authorized program to repurchase an amount of outstanding shares of common stock having an aggregate value of up to $200 million. At July 7, 2013, the Company had approximately $384 million in share repurchase authority. Under the repurchase programs, purchases can be made from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases and purchases through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, all in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission and other applicable legal requirements. The specific timing, price and size of purchases will depend on prevailing stock prices, general economic conditions and market conditions, and other considerations. The repurchase programs do not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit  10.1 (1)	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for WFLN and Directors under the 2009 Stock Incentive Plan
Exhibit  31.1 (1)	Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a -14(a)
Exhibit  31.2 (1)	Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a - 14(a)
Exhibit  31.3 (1)	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a - 14(a)
Exhibit  32.1 (2)	Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Exhibit  32.2 (2)	Certification of Co-Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Exhibit  32.3 (2)	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Exhibit  101 (1)	The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 7, 2013, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

⁽¹⁾  Filed herewith.

⁽²⁾  Furnished herewith.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

		WHOLE FOODS MARKET, INC.
Date:	August 9, 2013	By:	/s/ Glenda Flanagan
		Glenda Flanagan
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)

23

EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

WHOLE FOODS MARKET 2009 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

FOR WFLN AND DIRECTORS

[Grant Date]

The Board of Directors of Whole Foods Market, Inc. (the “Company”), acting pursuant to the direction of the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”), in its capacity as the plan administrator of the Whole Foods Market 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), hereby grants to the Option Holder a non-qualified stock option to purchase common stock, no par value (“Common Stock”), of the Company upon the terms and conditions of the Plan and the following additional terms and conditions:

I.    NOTICE OF GRANT OF NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTION

1.	Name:
2.	Date of Grant:
3.	Total Number of Option Shares:
4.	Exercise Price per Share:
5.	The Option will become exercisable upon vesting in accordance with the following schedule:

(i)25% on the first anniversary of the Date of Grant;

(ii)a further 25% on the second anniversary of the Date of Grant;

(iii)a further 25% on the third anniversary of the Date of Grant;

(iv) the remaining 25% on the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant.

Notwithstanding the foregoing vesting schedule, in the event the Option Holder’s employment or service with the Company is terminated for any reason other than for death, disability or Cause, and the Company and the Option Holder enter into a separation agreement the terms of which provide for immediate vesting of this Option, then this Option shall become 100% vested and immediately exercisable on the date specified in such separation agreement.

Page 1

II.    AGREEMENT

1. Grant of Options. The Option Holder is hereby granted a non-qualified stock option (an “Option”) to purchase from the Company shares of Common Stock at the “Option Exercise Price” (being at least equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant), in the amounts, during the periods and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

2. Time of Exercise. The vested portion of the Option is exercisable in whole or in part (but not as to any fractional shares) at any time prior to the termination of the Option. The Option shall vest with respect to 25% of the shares on each anniversary of the grant date that the Option Holder remains in the full-time employment or service with the Company and its subsidiaries.

3. Exercise of Option. The exercise of the Option shall entitle the Option Holder to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company in the manner set forth in Section 7.

4. Term. The Option will terminate, and will no longer be exercisable, at the first of the following:

a)    5 p.m. Central Standard Time on [Expiration Date] (the “Expiration Date”).

b) 5 p.m. Central Standard Time on (i) the date 90 days following the date the Option Holder’s employment or service with the Company and its subsidiaries terminates (“Termination Date”) or (ii), in the event the Option Holder’s employment or service with the Company is terminated for any reason other than for death, disability or Cause and the Company and the Option Holder enter into a separation agreement the terms of which provide for an extension of the Term following the Termination Date, the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the executed separation agreement.

c)    5 p.m. Central Standard Time on the first anniversary of the Termination Date following the Option Holder’s termination of employment or service due to disability or death (or death within the ninety (90) day period following the Termination Date).

d)    5 p.m. Central Standard Time on the date on which Option Holder’s employment or service with the Company and its subsidiaries is terminated for “Cause” (as defined in the Plan).

An Option that has terminated will not be reinstated if the Option Holder is subsequently rehired by the Company.

5. Rights in Event of Death or Disability. During the lifetime of the Option Holder, the Option may be exercised only by the Option Holder. If the Option Holder dies or becomes disabled during the Option Holder’s employment or service with the Company, (or dies within the ninety (90) day period following the Option Holder’s termination of employment or service) and prior to the Expiration Date, the Option may be exercised, to the extent vested on the

Page 2

date of the Option Holder’s death or disability, at any time prior to the time and date specified in Section 4(c) hereof by (i) the Option Holder’s estate or a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by reason of the death of the Option Holder in the event the Option Holder’s death, or (ii) the Option Holder or his personal representative or attorney-in-fact in the event of the Option Holder’s disability, subject to the other terms of this Agreement, the Plan and applicable laws, rules and regulations.

6. Restrictions on Exercise. This Option:

a) may be exercised only with respect to a whole number of shares. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the Option. If the Option vests with respect to a fractional share, such installment will be rounded to the next highest whole number of shares, except for the final installment, which will be for the balance of the shares subject to the Option. The Company will pay cash to the Option Holder in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in Section 7 of this agreement) of any fractional share in lieu of issuing a fractional share, and the Option Holder will not have any rights with respect to the fractional share;

b) may be exercised, in full or in part, only with respect to the vested portion of the Option; and

c) may not be exercised, in whole or in part, if any requisite approval or consent of any government authority of any kind or having jurisdiction over the exercise of options shall not have been obtained.

7. Manner of Exercise. Subject to such administrative regulations as the Committee may from time to time adopt, the Option Holder (or, in the event of Option Holder’s death or disability, the Option Holder’s attorney-in-fact, estate or heirs, as the case may be) shall, in order to exercise the Option, deliver to the Company an executed exercise agreement, on a form provided by the Committee. If someone other than the Option Holder exercises the Option, then such person must also submit documentation reasonably acceptable to the Committee verifying that such person has the legal right to exercise the Option. The exercise agreement must state the number of shares that the Option Holder will purchase and must be accompanied by full payment of the Option Exercise Price and applicable tax withholding. In the discretion of the Committee, payment of the Option Exercise Price and applicable tax withholding shall be made in the form of a “net exercise” (pursuant to which the Company, or its authorized delegate, withholds from the shares that would otherwise be issued upon exercise of the Option that number of shares with a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Exercise Price and necessary to satisfy applicable tax withholding), cash, a “sell-to-cover” or “cashless exercise” transaction through a broker-dealer (subject to the conditions set forth in the Plan), wire transfer, certified check, or bank draft, or any other method that is not inconsistent with the Plan, and additionally, the Committee may permit payment of the Option Exercise Price (but not the applicable tax withholding) to be made through the delivery of unrestricted shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Exercise Price and owned by the Option Holder for a period of at least 6 months (or such shorter or longer period of time as is necessary for the Company to avoid a charge to earnings on its financial

Page 3

statements). For purposes of this Section 7, the “Fair Market Value” of the shares of the Company’s Common Stock shall be the sales price for such shares on the NASDAQ National Market at the time of sale on the date of exercise. Except to the extent otherwise authorized by the Committee, a stock certificate representing the shares purchased upon exercise of the Option will not be issued, and the Option Holder will not have the rights of a shareholder with respect to such shares until the Company receives full payment of the Option Exercise Price and applicable tax withholding.

8. Non-Assignability. The Option is not assignable or transferable by the Option Holder except by will or by the laws of descent or distribution. Subject to the foregoing sentence, the Option shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Option Holder.

9. Right of Stockholder. The Option Holder will have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by the Options until the date on which the Option Holder becomes a holder of record for the shares. Except as otherwise provided in Section 10 hereof, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date of full payment of the Option Exercise Price and applicable tax withholding.

10. Capital Adjustments and Reorganizations. The number of shares of Common Stock covered by the Option, and the Option Exercise Price thereof, shall be subject to such appropriate proportionate adjustment to reflect any stock dividend, stock split, share combination, separation, reorganization, liquidation or the like of or by the Company.

11. No Obligation to Retain. Nothing in the Plan or this Agreement confers on the Option Holder any right to continue in the employ of, or other relationship with, the Company or any subsidiary, or limits in any away the right of the Company or any subsidiary to terminate the Option Holder’s employment or relationship at any time, with or without Cause.

12. Interpretation. Any dispute regarding the interpretation of this Agreement and the Plan shall be resolved by the Committee, which decision shall be final and binding on the parties and their successors.

13. Notice. Any notice required to be given or delivered to the Committee or the Company under the terms of this Agreement shall be in writing (including a writing delivered by facsimile) and addressed to the “Compensation Committee” at the principal office of the Company. Any notice required to be given or delivered to the Option Holder shall be in writing and addressed to the Option Holder at the address indicated above or to such other address as the Option Holder may designate in writing from time to time to the Committee. All notices shall be deemed to have been given or delivered upon: (a) personal delivery; (b) five (5) days after deposit in the United States mail by certified or registered mail; (c) one (1) business day after deposit with any return receipt courier; or (d) when receipt is acknowledged by facsimile.

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14. Successors and Assigns. The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company. Subject to applicable restrictions on transfer, described above, this Agreement shall be binding upon the successors of the Option Holder.

15. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended except as provided in the Plan.

16. Law Governing. This Agreement is intended to be performed in the State of Texas and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of such state. If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court of law to be illegal or unenforceable, then such provision will be enforced to the maximum extent possible and the other provisions will remain fully effective and enforceable.

17. Defined Terms. Capitalized terms which are used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Plan.

The Option Holder does hereby agree to the terms of this Agreement by signing in the space indicated below or by electronically accepting the terms hereof in the manner prescribed by the Committee, as applicable.

Dated as of [Grant Date].

___________________________________        __________________________________    

Name:    [Participant Name]

Title:    

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, John Mackey, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Whole Foods Market, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	August 9, 2013
/s/John Mackey
John Mackey
Co-Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Walter Robb, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Whole Foods Market, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	August 9, 2013
/s/Walter Robb
Walter Robb
Co-Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.3

Exhibit 31.3

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Glenda Flanagan, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Whole Foods Market, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	August 9, 2013
/s/Glenda Flanagan
Glenda Flanagan
Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

Certification by Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Whole Foods Market, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ending July 7, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John Mackey, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

/s/John Mackey

John Mackey

Co-Chief Executive Officer

August 9, 2013

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

Certification by Co-Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Whole Foods Market, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ending July 7, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Walter Robb, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

/s/Walter Robb

Walter Robb

Co-Chief Executive Officer

August 9, 2013

EX-32.3

Exhibit 32.3

Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the

Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Whole Foods Market, Inc. (the “Company”) for the period ending July 7, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Glenda Flanagan, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

/s/Glenda Flanagan

Glenda Flanagan

Chief Financial Officer

August 9, 2013

XML

Share-Based Payments

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

Share-Based Payments

Total share-based payment expense before income taxes recognized during the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 totaled approximately $13 million and $43 million, respectively, and approximately $9 million and $29 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Share-based payment expense was included in the following line items on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated (in millions):

	Twelve weeks ended						Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012			July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
Direct store expenses	7			4			24			15
General and administrative expenses	6			5			18			13
Share-based payment expense before income taxes	13			9			43			29
Income tax benefit	(5		)	(3		)	(16		)	(11		)
Net share-based payment expense	$	8		$	6		$	27		$	18

Stock Options

At July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012, approximately 42.1 million shares and 16.8 millionshares of the Company’s common stock were available for future stock incentive grants.

On May 31, 2013, the Company issued its annual grant of stock options to team members and directors. The following table summarizes stock option activity during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 (in millions, except per share amounts and contractual lives in years):

	Number of options outstanding		Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining contractual life	Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding options at September 30, 2012	20.0		$	30.17
Options granted	4.3		51.33
Options exercised	(3.3	)	19.95
Options expired	(0.1	)	18.13
Options forfeited	(0.7	)	35.86
Outstanding options at July 7, 2013	20.2		$	36.34	5.37	$	342
Vested/expected to vest at July 7, 2013	18.8		$	35.74	5.31	$	328
Exercisable options at July 7, 2013	6.5		$	26.12	4.40	$	176

The weighted average fair value per option granted during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 was $12.37. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options at exercise, represented in the table above, was approximately $98 million. At July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012, there was approximately $138 million and $135 million of unrecognized share-based payment expense, respectively, related to unvested stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, related to approximately 12.3 million shares and 14.2 million shares, respectively. We anticipate this expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately three years.

A summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable at July 7, 2013 follows (share amounts in millions):

Range of Exercise Prices				Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
From		To		Number of options outstanding	Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining life (in years)	Number of options exercisable	Weighted average exercise price
$	5.56	$	18.49	1.5	$	9.50	2.81	1.5	$	9.37
20.42		28.50		3.3	20.43		4.42	1.8	20.42
31.25		31.25		4.5	31.25		4.83	1.7	31.25
40.81		46.28		6.9	44.29		5.86	1.5	44.22
51.86		51.86		4.0	51.86		6.89	—	—
Total				20.2	$	36.34	5.37	6.5	$	26.12

The fair value of stock option grants has been estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	2013		2012
Expected dividend yield	0.880	%	0.800	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.77	%	0.58	%
Expected volatility	31.25	%	40.89	%
Expected life, in years	3.96		4.14

Risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve on the date of the grant for the time period equal to the expected term of the grant. Expected volatility is calculated using a ratio of implied volatility based on the Newton-Raphson method of bisection, and four or six year historical volatilities based on the expected life of each tranche of options. The Company determined the use of implied volatility versus historical volatility represents a more accurate calculation of option fair value. Expected life is calculated in two tranches based on weighted average percentage of unexpired options and exercise-after-vesting information over the last five or seven years. Unvested options are included in the term calculation using the “mid-point scenario” which assumes that unvested options will be exercised halfway between vest and expiration date. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and experience. In addition to the above valuation assumptions, the Company estimates an annual forfeiture rate for unvested options and adjusts fair value expense accordingly. The Company monitors actual forfeiture activity and adjusts the rate from time to time as necessary.

Restricted Stock

During the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, the Company awarded 82,800 shares of restricted common stock pursuant to the Whole Foods Market 2009 Stock Incentive Plan. Fair value of the restricted share issuances on grant date totaled approximately $4 million. Restricted shares vest over four or seven year terms. Share-based payment expense related to restricted shares, included in the “General and administrative expenses” line item on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, was not material for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. At July 7, 2013, there was approximately $3 million of unrecognized share-based payment expense related to unvested restricted stock. The number of shares, grant date fair value, and share-based payment expense related to the issuance of restricted common stock during fiscal year 2012 were not material.

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Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 3,058	$ 2,727	$ 9,941	$ 8,788
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	1,939	1,746	6,373	5,659
Gross profit	1,119	981	3,568	3,129
Direct store expenses	781	689	2,529	2,242
General and administrative expenses	95	88	302	278
Pre-opening expenses	13	12	37	33
Relocation, store closure and lease termination costs	2	4	9	8
Operating income	228	188	691	568
Investment and other income, net of interest expense	2	2	8	6
Income before income taxes	230	190	699	574
Provision for income taxes	88	73	269	221
Net income	$ 142	$ 117	$ 430	$ 353
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.32	$ 1.16	$ 0.97
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	371.4	367.5	370.9	363.1
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.31	$ 1.15	$ 0.96
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted basis (in shares)	374.6	371.8	374.2	367.5
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.07	$ 1.30	$ 0.21

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted [Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Income Taxes.” The amendments provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit, as either a reduction of a deferred tax asset or as a liability, when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and may be applied on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The provisions are effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year ending September 27, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04, “Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force),” which amends ASC 405, “Liabilities.” The amendments provide guidance on the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, including debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings, for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013 and should be applied retrospectively. The provisions are effective for the Company’s first quarter of fiscal year ending September 27, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Effective October 1, 2012, the Company concurrently adopted ASU No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income,” and ASU No. 2013-02, “Reporting Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” both of which amend ASC 220, “Comprehensive Income.” In adopting ASU No. 2011-05, which requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented in either a single statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements, the Company added Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income following our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amended guidance in ASU No. 2013-02 requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component and to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The amended guidance does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-02 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Finite-Lived And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]

The components of intangible assets were as follows (in millions):

	July 7, 2013					September 30, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization			Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Definite-lived contract-based	$	102	$	(39	)	$	95	$	(35	)
Definite-lived marketing-related and other	1		(1		)	2		(2		)
Indefinite-lived contract-based	3					2
	$	106	$	(40	)	$	99	$	(37	)

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

Future amortization associated with the net carrying amount of definite-lived intangible assets is estimated to be as follows (in millions):

Remainder of fiscal year 2013	$	1
Fiscal year 2014	5
Fiscal year 2015	5
Fiscal year 2016	4
Fiscal year 2017	4
Future fiscal years	44
Total estimated future amortization associated with definite-lived intangible assets	$	63

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Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is exposed to claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of business and uses various methods to resolve these matters in a manner that we believe best serves the interests of our stakeholders. Our primary contingencies are associated with insurance and self-insurance obligations and litigation matters. Estimation of our insurance and self-insurance liabilities requires significant judgments, and actual claim settlements and associated expenses may differ from our current provisions for loss. We have exposures to loss contingencies arising from pending or threatened litigation for which assessing and estimating the outcomes of these matters involve substantial uncertainties.

The Company evaluates contingencies on an ongoing basis and has established loss provisions for matters in which losses are probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Insurance and legal settlement liabilities are included in the “Other current liabilities” line item on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities.

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Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended					4 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013 Dividend Declared [Member]	Apr. 14, 2013 Dividend Declared [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Dividend Declared [Member]	Jul. 01, 2012 Dividend Declared [Member]	Apr. 08, 2012 Dividend Declared [Member]	Jan. 20, 2013 Dividend Declared [Member]	Jan. 15, 2012 Dividend Declared [Member]	Jan. 20, 2013 Special Dividend [Member]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared						Jun. 12, 2013	Mar. 15, 2013	Sep. 06, 2012	May 30, 2012	Mar. 09, 2012	Nov. 07, 2012	Nov. 02, 2011	Nov. 29, 2012
Dividends Per Common Share [Abstract]
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.07	$ 1.30	$ 0.21	$ 0.28	$ 0.10	$ 0.10	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.07	$ 0.10	$ 0.07	$ 1.00
Dividends Payable, Date of Record, Day, Month and Year						Jul. 05, 2013	Apr. 12, 2013	Sep. 28, 2012	Jun. 29, 2012	Apr. 05, 2012	Jan. 18, 2013	Jan. 13, 2012	Dec. 10, 2012
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid, Day, Month and Year						Jul. 16, 2013	Apr. 23, 2013	Oct. 09, 2012	Jul. 10, 2012	Apr. 17, 2012	Jan. 29, 2013	Jan. 24, 2012	Dec. 21, 2012
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			$ 482		$ 103	$ 37	$ 37	$ 26	$ 26	$ 26	$ 37	$ 25	$ 371

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Earnings per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Net income (numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share)	$	142	$	117	$	430	$	353
Weighted average common shares outstanding (denominator for basic earnings per share)	371.4		367.5		370.9		363.1
Potential common shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options	3.2		4.3		3.3		4.4
Weighted average common shares outstanding and potential additional common shares outstanding (denominator for diluted earnings per share)	374.6		371.8		374.2		367.5
Basic earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.32	$	1.16	$	0.97
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.31	$	1.15	$	0.96

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Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]

Following is a summary of dividends declared per common share during fiscal years 2013 and 2012 (in millions, except per share amounts):

Date of declaration	Dividend per common share		Date of record	Date of payment	Total amount
Fiscal year 2013:
November 29, 2012	$	1.00	December 10, 2012	December 21, 2012	$	371
November 7, 2012	0.10		January 18, 2013	January 29, 2013	37
March 15, 2013	0.10		April 12, 2013	April 23, 2013	37
June 12, 2013 (1)	0.10		July 5, 2013	July 16, 2013	37
Fiscal year 2012:
November 2, 2011	$	0.07	January 13, 2012	January 24, 2012	$	25
March 9, 2012	0.07		April 5, 2012	April 17, 2012	26
May 30, 2012	0.07		June 29, 2012	July 10, 2012	26
September 6, 2012	0.07		September 28, 2012	October 9, 2012	26

⁽¹⁾ Dividend accrued at July 7, 2013

Schedule of Shares Repurchased [Table Text Block]

Share repurchase activity for the periods indicated was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Number of common shares acquired	0.5		0.6		1.9		0.7
Average price per common share acquired	$	51.83	$	43.20	$	46.35	$	41.34
Total cost of common shares acquired	$	25	$	24	$	88	$	28

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Share-Based Payments (Details 5) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	82,800
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	$ 4
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$ 3
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	7 years
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years

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Investments (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 07, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	$ 678	$ 1,131
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	355	221
Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current		10
Corporate Note Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	10	5
Municipal Notes [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	648	768
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Current	20	348
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	5	6
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent	$ 350	$ 215

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Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]
Net Income (numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share)	$ 142	$ 117	$ 430	$ 353	$ 466
Weighted average common shares outstanding (denominator for basic earnings per share)	371.4	367.5	370.9	363.1
Weighted average common shares outstanding and potential additional common shares outstanding (denominator for diluted earnings per share)	374.6	371.8	374.2	367.5
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.32	$ 1.16	$ 0.97
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.31	$ 1.15	$ 0.96
Stock Options [Member]
Potential common shares outstanding [Abstract]
Incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements	3.2	4.3	3.3	4.4

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Basis of Presentation (Details 3)	Jul. 07, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Percentage net long-lived assets by geographic area
Percentage of Total Net Long-Lived Assets	100.00%	100.00%
United States [Member]
Percentage net long-lived assets by geographic area
Percentage of Total Net Long-Lived Assets	95.80%	95.20%
Canada and United Kingdom [Member]
Percentage net long-lived assets by geographic area
Percentage of Total Net Long-Lived Assets	4.20%	4.80%

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Share-Based Payments (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	20.0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	4.3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	(3.3)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period	(0.1)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	(0.7)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	20.2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	18.8
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number	6.5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 30.17
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 51.33
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 19.95
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.13
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 35.86
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 36.34
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 35.74
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 26.12
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 4 months 13 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 3 months 22 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 342
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	328
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 176

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Reserves for Closed Properties (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block]

Following is a summary of store closure reserve activity during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (in millions):

	July 7, 2013			September 30, 2012
Beginning balance	$	41		$	45
Additions	3			4
Usage	(9		)	(10		)
Adjustments	—			2
Ending balance	$	35		$	41

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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common stock	Common stock in treasury	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Retained earnings
Balances at Sep. 25, 2011	$ 2,991	$ 2,121			$ 870
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 25, 2011		357.8
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income	466				466
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5			5
Dividends ($1.30 and $0.28 per common share for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, respectively)	(103)				(103)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans	366	366
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans (in shares)		13.8
Purchase of treasury stock	(28)		(28)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)		(0.7)
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	63	63
Share-based payment expense	42	42
Balances at Sep. 30, 2012	3,802	2,592	(28)	5	1,233
Balances (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	370.9	370.9
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net income	430				430
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(11)			(11)
Dividends ($1.30 and $0.28 per common share for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, respectively)	(482)				(482)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans	62	62
Issuance of common stock pursuant to team member stock plans (in shares)		3.3
Purchase of treasury stock	(88)		(88)
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	(1.9)	(1.9)
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	30	30
Share-based payment expense	42	42
Balances at Jul. 07, 2013	$ 3,785	$ 2,726	$ (116)	$ (6)	$ 1,181
Balances (in shares) at Jul. 07, 2013	372.3	372.3

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 430	$ 353
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	257	235
Share-based payment expense	43	29
LIFO expense	2	2
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(24)	11
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	(30)	(38)
Accretion of premium/discount on marketable securities	23	9
Deferred lease liabilities	36	58
Other	13	7
Net change in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	15	(12)
Merchandise inventories	(18)	(41)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(12)	3
Accounts payable	(16)	2
Accrued payroll, bonus and other benefits due team members	49	38
Other current liabilities	54	72
Net change in other long-term liabilities	(4)	3
Net cash provided by operating activities	818	731
Cash flows from investing activities
Development costs of new locations	(226)	(189)
Other property and equipment expenditures	(151)	(137)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(1,104)	(2,303)
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	1,393	1,569
Increase in restricted cash	(7)	(12)
Payment for purchase of acquired entities	(22)
Other investing activities	(7)	(2)
Net cash used in investing activities	(124)	(1,074)
Cash flows from financing activities
Common stock dividends paid	(471)	(69)
Issuance of common stock	61	325
Purchase of treasury stock	(88)	(28)
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of team member stock options	30	38
Payments on capital lease obligations	(1)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(469)	266
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	222	(77)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	89	212
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	311	135
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Federal and state income taxes paid	$ 296	$ 154

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Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Fair Value Measurements

The Company holds money market fund investments that are classified as cash equivalents that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The Company also holds available-for-sale securities generally consisting of state and municipal obligations and variable-rate demand notes which hold high credit ratings. These instruments are valued using a series of multi-dimensional relational models and matrices with standard inputs obtained from readily available pricing sources and other observable market data, such as benchmark yields and base spread. Investments are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related tax effect, included as a component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Declines in fair value below the Company’s carrying value deemed to be other than temporary are charged against net earnings.

The carrying amounts of accrued payroll, bonuses and other benefits due team members, and other accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short maturities. Store closure reserves and estimated workers’ compensation claims are recorded at net present value to approximate fair value.

The Company held the following financial assets at fair value, based on the hierarchy input levels indicated, on a recurring basis (in millions):

July 7, 2013	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market fund	$	85	$	—	$	—	$	85
Commercial paper	—		50		—		50
Municipal bonds	—		10		—		10
Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Corporate bonds	—		15		—		15
Municipal bonds	—		998		—		998
Variable-rate demand notes	—		20		—		20
Total	$	85	$	1,093	$	—	$	1,178

September 30, 2012	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market fund	$	16	$	—	$	—	$	16
Municipal bonds	—		8		—		8
Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Commercial paper	—		10		—		10
Corporate bonds	—		11		—		11
Municipal bonds	—		983		—		983
Variable-rate demand notes	—		348		—		348
Total	$	16	$	1,360	$	—	$	1,376

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Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Whole Foods Market, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively “Whole Foods Market,” “Company,” or “we”) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation. Where appropriate, we have reclassified prior years’ financial statements to conform to current year presentation. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or for a full fiscal year. The Company reports its results of operations on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. The first fiscal quarter is 16 weeks, the second and third quarters each are 12 weeks, and the fourth quarter is 12 or 13 weeks. Fiscal year 2013 is a 52-week year and fiscal year 2012 was a 53-week year. The Company has one operating segment and a single reportable segment, natural and organic foods supermarkets.

On May 29, 2013, the Company completed a two-for-one stock split. All references made to share or per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures reflect this two-for-one stock split.

The following is a summary of percentage sales by geographic area for the periods indicated:

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Sales:
United States	96.6	%	96.7	%	96.6	%	96.8	%
Canada and United Kingdom	3.4		3.3		3.4		3.2
Total sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

The following is a summary of the percentage of net long-lived assets by geographic area as of the dates indicated:

	July 7, 2013		September 30, 2012
Long-lived assets, net:
United States	95.8	%	95.2	%
Canada and United Kingdom	4.2		4.8
Total long-lived assets, net	100.0	%	100.0	%

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Earnings per Share (Details 2) (Stock Options [Member]) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	8.6	3.5	7.6	1.1

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Share-Based Payments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]

Share-based payment expense was included in the following line items on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated (in millions):

	Twelve weeks ended						Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012			July 7, 2013			July 1, 2012
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	$	—		$	—		$	1		$	1
Direct store expenses	7			4			24			15
General and administrative expenses	6			5			18			13
Share-based payment expense before income taxes	13			9			43			29
Income tax benefit	(5		)	(3		)	(16		)	(11		)
Net share-based payment expense	$	8		$	6		$	27		$	18

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 (in millions, except per share amounts and contractual lives in years):

	Number of options outstanding		Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining contractual life	Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding options at September 30, 2012	20.0		$	30.17
Options granted	4.3		51.33
Options exercised	(3.3	)	19.95
Options expired	(0.1	)	18.13
Options forfeited	(0.7	)	35.86
Outstanding options at July 7, 2013	20.2		$	36.34	5.37	$	342
Vested/expected to vest at July 7, 2013	18.8		$	35.74	5.31	$	328
Exercisable options at July 7, 2013	6.5		$	26.12	4.40	$	176

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]

A summary of stock options outstanding and exercisable at July 7, 2013 follows (share amounts in millions):

Range of Exercise Prices				Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
From		To		Number of options outstanding	Weighted average exercise price		Weighted average remaining life (in years)	Number of options exercisable	Weighted average exercise price
$	5.56	$	18.49	1.5	$	9.50	2.81	1.5	$	9.37
20.42		28.50		3.3	20.43		4.42	1.8	20.42
31.25		31.25		4.5	31.25		4.83	1.7	31.25
40.81		46.28		6.9	44.29		5.86	1.5	44.22
51.86		51.86		4.0	51.86		6.89	—	—
Total				20.2	$	36.34	5.37	6.5	$	26.12

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

The fair value of stock option grants has been estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	2013		2012
Expected dividend yield	0.880	%	0.800	%
Risk-free interest rate	0.77	%	0.58	%
Expected volatility	31.25	%	40.89	%
Expected life, in years	3.96		4.14

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Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Fair value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 07, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Level 1 Inputs [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total	$ 85	$ 16
Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total	1,093	1,360
Total [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total	1,178	1,376
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 Inputs [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Equivalents	85	16
Money Market Funds [Member] | Total [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Equivalents	85	16
Municipal Notes Bonds [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Equivalents	10	8
Marketable securities - available-for-sale	998	983
Municipal Notes Bonds [Member] | Total [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Equivalents	10	8
Marketable securities - available-for-sale	998	983
Commercial Paper [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Equivalents	50
Marketable securities - available-for-sale		10
Commercial Paper [Member] | Total [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash Equivalents	50
Marketable securities - available-for-sale		10
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Marketable securities - available-for-sale	15	11
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Total [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Marketable securities - available-for-sale	15	11
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member] | Level 2 Inputs [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Marketable securities - available-for-sale	20	348
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member] | Total [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Marketable securities - available-for-sale	$ 20	$ 348

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Reserves for Closed Properties (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013 Store	Sep. 30, 2012 Store
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 41	$ 45
Additions	3	4
Usage	(9)	(10)
Adjustments		2
Ending Balance	$ 35	$ 41
New Closures, Number	7	4

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Share-Based Payments (Details 4)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013 Tranche	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.88%	0.80%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.77%	0.58%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	31.25%	40.89%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	3 years 11 months 16 days	4 years 1 month 21 days
Number of tranches	2
Minimum [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Historical volatility	4 years
Expected life	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Historical volatility	6 years
Expected life	7 years

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 07, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	600.0	600.0
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	374.9	371.6
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	372.3	370.9
Common Stock, No Par Value
Treasury Stock, Shares	2.6	0.7

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Reserves for Closed Properties

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

Reserves for Closed Properties

Following is a summary of store closure reserve activity during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (in millions):

	July 7, 2013			September 30, 2012
Beginning balance	$	41		$	45
Additions	3			4
Usage	(9		)	(10		)
Adjustments	—			2
Ending balance	$	35		$	41

Additions to store closure reserves primarily relate to the accretion of interest on existing reserves. New reserves related to seven and four new closures during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, respectively, were not material. Usage included approximately $9 million primarily related to ongoing cash rental payments during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, usage included approximately $10 million in ongoing cash rental payments.

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Net income	$ 142	$ 117	$ 430	$ 353
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(6)	(3)	(11)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(6)	(3)	(11)
Comprehensive income	$ 136	$ 114	$ 419	$ 353

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 07, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 311	$ 89
Short-term investments - available-for-sale securities	678	1,131
Restricted cash	110	103
Accounts receivable	181	197
Merchandise inventories	390	374
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	87	77
Deferred income taxes	144	132
Total current assets	1,901	2,103
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,324	2,193
Long-term investments - available-for-sale securities	355	221
Goodwill	679	663
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	66	62
Deferred income taxes	55	43
Other assets	14	9
Total assets	5,394	5,294
Current liabilities:
Current installments of capital lease obligations	1	1
Accounts payable	230	247
Accrued payroll, bonus and other benefits due team members	355	307
Dividends payable	37	26
Other current liabilities	431	396
Total current liabilities	1,054	977
Long-term capital lease obligations, less current installments	26	23
Deferred lease liabilities	482	441
Other long-term liabilities	47	51
Total liabilities	1,609	1,492
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, no par value, 600.0 shares authorized; 374.9 and 371.6 shares issued; 372.3 and 370.9 shares outstanding at 2013 and 2012, respectively	2,726	2,592
Common stock in treasury, at cost, 2.6 and 0.7 shares at 2013 and 2012, respectively	(116)	(28)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(6)	5
Retained earnings	1,181	1,233
Total shareholders' equity	3,785	3,802
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 5,394	$ 5,294

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Basis of Presentation (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013 Segment	Sep. 30, 2012
Organization Consolidation and Presentation [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	1
Number of Reportable Segments	1
Number of weeks in fiscal year	P52W	P53W
Number of weeks in first quarter	P16W
Number of weeks in second quarter	P12W
Number of weeks in third quarter	P12W
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio	2
Minimum [Member]
Organization Consolidation and Presentation [Line Items]
Number of weeks in fiscal year	P52W
Number of weeks in fourth quarter	P12W
Maximum [Member]
Organization Consolidation and Presentation [Line Items]
Number of weeks in fiscal year	P53W
Number of weeks in fourth quarter	P13W

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Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Investments [Abstract]

Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]

The Company held the following investments at fair value as of the dates indicated (in millions):

	July 7, 2013		September 30, 2012
Short-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Commercial paper	$	—	$	10
Corporate bonds	10		5
Municipal bonds	648		768
Variable-rate demand notes	20		348
Total short-term marketable securities	$	678	$	1,131
Long-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Corporate bonds	$	5	$	6
Municipal bonds	350		215
Total long-term marketable securities	$	355	$	221

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Share-Based Payments (Details 3) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	20.2	20.0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 36.34	$ 30.17
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 4 months 13 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number	6.5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 26.12
Range of Exercise Prices from $5.56 to $18.49 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 5.56
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 18.49
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	1.5
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 9.50
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 9 months 22 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	1.5
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 9.37
Range of Exercise Prices from $20.42 to $28.50 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 20.42
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 28.50
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	3.3
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 20.43
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 5 months 1 day
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	1.8
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 20.42
Range of Exercise Prices from $31.25 to $31.25 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 31.25
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 31.25
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	4.5
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 31.25
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 9 months 29 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	1.7
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 31.25
Range of Exercise Prices from $40.81 to $46.28 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 40.81
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 46.28
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	6.9
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 44.29
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 10 months 10 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	1.5
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 44.22
Range of Exercise Prices from $51.86 to $51.86 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 51.86
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 51.86
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	4.0
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 51.86
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 10 months 21 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price

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Shareholders' Equity (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jan. 20, 2013	Jan. 15, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Treasury Stock [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount			$ 300	$ 200
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0.5	0.6			1.9	0.7
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 51.83	$ 43.20			$ 46.35	$ 41.34
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	25	24			88	28	28
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount					$ 384
Common Stock [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio					2

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013 Store	Jul. 01, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period			$ 16
Number of Stores Acquired			6
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired			6
Amortization of Intangible Assets	1	1	4	4
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross carrying amount	106		106		99
Accumulated amortization	(40)		(40)		(37)
Definite-lived contract-based [Member]
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross carrying amount	102		102		95
Accumulated amortization	(39)		(39)		(35)
Definite-lived marketing-related and other [Member]
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross carrying amount	1		1		2
Accumulated amortization	(1)		(1)		(2)
Indefinite-lived contract-based [Member]
Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross carrying amount	$ 3		$ 3		$ 2

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 07, 2013
Future Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization associated with the net carrying amount of intangible assets, remainder of fiscal year	$ 1
Amortization associated with the net carrying amount of intangible assets, year two	5
Amortization associated with the net carrying amount of intangible assets, year three	5
Amortization associated with the net carrying amount of intangible assets, year four	4
Amortization associated with the net carrying amount of intangible assets, year five	4
Amortization associated with the net carrying amount of intangible assets, after year five	44
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 63

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company recorded goodwill totaling approximately $16 million primarily related to the acquisition of six retail locations during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. No additions or adjustments to goodwill were recorded during fiscal year 2012. The Company acquired approximately $6 million in definite-lived intangible assets, primarily favorable lease assets related to the acquisition of six retail locations, during the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013. Acquisitions of definite-lived intangible assets were not material during fiscal year 2012. The components of intangible assets were as follows (in millions):

	July 7, 2013					September 30, 2012
	Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization			Gross carrying amount		Accumulated amortization
Definite-lived contract-based	$	102	$	(39	)	$	95	$	(35	)
Definite-lived marketing-related and other	1		(1		)	2		(2		)
Indefinite-lived contract-based	3					2
	$	106	$	(40	)	$	99	$	(37	)

Amortization associated with intangible assets totaled approximately $1 million and $4 million for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013, respectively, and for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Future amortization associated with the net carrying amount of definite-lived intangible assets is estimated to be as follows (in millions):

Remainder of fiscal year 2013	$	1
Fiscal year 2014	5
Fiscal year 2015	5
Fiscal year 2016	4
Fiscal year 2017	4
Future fiscal years	44
Total estimated future amortization associated with definite-lived intangible assets	$	63

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Basis of Presentation (Details 2)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Percentage sales by geographic area
Percentage of Total Sales	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States [Member]
Percentage sales by geographic area
Percentage of Total Sales	96.60%	96.70%	96.60%	96.80%
Canada and United Kingdom [Member]
Percentage sales by geographic area
Percentage of Total Sales	3.40%	3.30%	3.40%	3.20%

XML

Share-Based Payments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense before income taxes	$ 13	$ 9	$ 43	$ 29
Income tax benefit	(5)	(3)	(16)	(11)
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	8	6	27	18
Common stock available for future stock option grants (in shares)	42.1		42.1		16.8
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value			$ 12.37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value			98
Unrecognized share-based payment expense, net of estimated forfeitures	138		138		135
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares	12.3		12.3		14.2
Weighted average period for recognition of unrecognized share-based payment expense (in years)			3 years
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense before income taxes			1	1
Direct store expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense before income taxes	7	4	24	15
General and administrative expenses [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based payment expense before income taxes	$ 6	$ 5	$ 18	$ 13

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Earnings per Share

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

Earnings per Share

The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents consisting of incremental common shares deemed outstanding from the assumed exercise of stock options and the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock awards.

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Net income (numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share)	$	142	$	117	$	430	$	353
Weighted average common shares outstanding (denominator for basic earnings per share)	371.4		367.5		370.9		363.1
Potential common shares outstanding:
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options	3.2		4.3		3.3		4.4
Weighted average common shares outstanding and potential additional common shares outstanding (denominator for diluted earnings per share)	374.6		371.8		374.2		367.5
Basic earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.32	$	1.16	$	0.97
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.31	$	1.15	$	0.96

The computation of diluted earnings per share for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 does not include options to purchase approximately 8.6 million shares and 7.6 million shares of common stock, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect. For the twelve and forty weeks ended July 1, 2012, the computation of diluted earnings per share does not include options to purchase approximately 3.5 million shares and 1.1 million shares of common stock, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect. The dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock awards was not material for the twelve and forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 or the same periods of the prior fiscal year.

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Investments

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Investments [Abstract]

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]

Investments

The Company holds investments in marketable securities, generally commercial paper, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and variable-rate demand notes, that are classified as either short- or long-term available-for-sale securities. The Company held the following investments at fair value as of the dates indicated (in millions):

	July 7, 2013		September 30, 2012
Short-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Commercial paper	$	—	$	10
Corporate bonds	10		5
Municipal bonds	648		768
Variable-rate demand notes	20		348
Total short-term marketable securities	$	678	$	1,131
Long-term marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Corporate bonds	$	5	$	6
Municipal bonds	350		215
Total long-term marketable securities	$	355	$	221

At July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012, available-for-sale securities totaling approximately $464 million and $382 million, respectively, were in unrealized loss positions. The aggregate value of available-for-sale securities in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months at July 7, 2013 was approximately $38 million. There were no investments in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months at September 30, 2012. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments for the forty weeks ended July 7, 2013 or fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. Gross unrealized holding gains and losses were not material at July 7, 2013 and September 30, 2012.

At July 7, 2013, the average effective maturity of the Company’s short- and long-term investments was approximately 6 months and 17 months, respectively, compared to approximately 5 months and 15 months, respectively, at September 30, 2012.

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Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 07, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.07	$ 1.30	$ 0.21	$ 0.28

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Related Party Transactions (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013 Foundation
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Number of non-profit organizations	2

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Investments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Investments [Abstract]
Aggregate available-for-sale securities with unrealized holding losses	$ 464	$ 382
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	$ 38
Short-term Investment Average Effective Maturity Period (in months)	6 months	5 months
Long-term Investment Average Effective Maturity Period (in months)	17 months	15 months

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Related Party Transactions

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

Related Party Transactions

The Company provides ongoing support to two independent non-profit organizations: Whole Planet Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation (the “Foundations”). Whole Planet Foundation’s mission is to empower the poor through microcredit, with a focus on developing-world communities that supply the Company’s stores with product. Whole Kids Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving children’s nutrition through partnerships with schools, educators, and other organizations. Members of the Company’s management comprise the Board of Directors of each of the Foundations. Additionally, the Company provides administrative support and covers all operating costs of the Foundations.

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Shareholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

On May 7, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock, which was effected through a stock dividend distributed on May 29, 2013. All references made to share or per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures reflect this two-for-one stock split.

Dividends per Common Share

Following is a summary of dividends declared per common share during fiscal years 2013 and 2012 (in millions, except per share amounts):

Date of declaration	Dividend per common share		Date of record	Date of payment	Total amount
Fiscal year 2013:
November 29, 2012	$	1.00	December 10, 2012	December 21, 2012	$	371
November 7, 2012	0.10		January 18, 2013	January 29, 2013	37
March 15, 2013	0.10		April 12, 2013	April 23, 2013	37
June 12, 2013 (1)	0.10		July 5, 2013	July 16, 2013	37
Fiscal year 2012:
November 2, 2011	$	0.07	January 13, 2012	January 24, 2012	$	25
March 9, 2012	0.07		April 5, 2012	April 17, 2012	26
May 30, 2012	0.07		June 29, 2012	July 10, 2012	26
September 6, 2012	0.07		September 28, 2012	October 9, 2012	26

⁽¹⁾ Dividend accrued at July 7, 2013

Treasury Stock

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program in the amount of $200 million through November 1, 2013. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase an amount of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company up to an aggregate amount of $300 million through December 31, 2014. This repurchase program is in addition to, and does not supersede or modify, the Company’s previously authorized program.

Share repurchase activity for the periods indicated was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Number of common shares acquired	0.5		0.6		1.9		0.7
Average price per common share acquired	$	51.83	$	43.20	$	46.35	$	41.34
Total cost of common shares acquired	$	25	$	24	$	88	$	28

The Company currently has approximately $384 million in share repurchase authority. Under the repurchase programs, purchases can be made from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases and purchases through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, all in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other applicable legal requirements. The specific timing, price and size of purchases will depend on prevailing stock prices, general economic conditions and market conditions, and other considerations. The repurchase programs do not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion.

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The Company held the following financial assets at fair value, based on the hierarchy input levels indicated, on a recurring basis (in millions):

July 7, 2013	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market fund	$	85	$	—	$	—	$	85
Commercial paper	—		50		—		50
Municipal bonds	—		10		—		10
Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Corporate bonds	—		15		—		15
Municipal bonds	—		998		—		998
Variable-rate demand notes	—		20		—		20
Total	$	85	$	1,093	$	—	$	1,178

September 30, 2012	Level 1 Inputs		Level 2 Inputs		Level 3 Inputs		Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market fund	$	16	$	—	$	—	$	16
Municipal bonds	—		8		—		8
Marketable securities - available-for-sale:
Commercial paper	—		10		—		10
Corporate bonds	—		11		—		11
Municipal bonds	—		983		—		983
Variable-rate demand notes	—		348		—		348
Total	$	16	$	1,360	$	—	$	1,376

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The Company reports its results of operations on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. The first fiscal quarter is 16 weeks, the second and third quarters each are 12 weeks, and the fourth quarter is 12 or 13 weeks. Fiscal year 2013 is a 52-week year and fiscal year 2012 was a 53-week year.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents consisting of incremental common shares deemed outstanding from the assumed exercise of stock options and the dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock awards.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The Company holds money market fund investments that are classified as cash equivalents that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The Company also holds available-for-sale securities generally consisting of state and municipal obligations and variable-rate demand notes which hold high credit ratings. These instruments are valued using a series of multi-dimensional relational models and matrices with standard inputs obtained from readily available pricing sources and other observable market data, such as benchmark yields and base spread. Investments are stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related tax effect, included as a component of shareholders’ equity until realized. Declines in fair value below the Company’s carrying value deemed to be other than temporary are charged against net earnings.

The carrying amounts of accrued payroll, bonuses and other benefits due team members, and other accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short maturities. Store closure reserves and estimated workers’ compensation claims are recorded at net present value to approximate fair value.

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Document and Entity	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 07, 2013	Aug. 02, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	WHOLE FOODS MARKET INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000865436
Document Type	10-Q
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-29
Document Period End Date	Jul. 07, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		372,512,876
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false

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Basis of Presentation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 07, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Schedule of Entity Wide Information Geographic Area Revenue [Table Text Block]

The following is a summary of percentage sales by geographic area for the periods indicated:

	Twelve weeks ended				Forty weeks ended
	July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012		July 7, 2013		July 1, 2012
Sales:
United States	96.6	%	96.7	%	96.6	%	96.8	%
Canada and United Kingdom	3.4		3.3		3.4		3.2
Total sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

Schedule of Entity Wide Information Geographic Area Long-Lived Assets [Table Text Block]

The following is a summary of the percentage of net long-lived assets by geographic area as of the dates indicated:

	July 7, 2013		September 30, 2012
Long-lived assets, net:
United States	95.8	%	95.2	%
Canada and United Kingdom	4.2		4.8
Total long-lived assets, net	100.0	%	100.0	%