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610 E 4th Street l Duluth, MN 55805 l phone: (218) 728-0884 l info@wholefoods.coop
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Store Policies:
General Store Policies:
- Animals - Only dogs working for physically challenged customers are allowed in this store.
- Bicycles - Customers may not bring bicycles into the store. Bicycles should not be parked blocking the entrance to the store.
- Shirts and Shoes - Customers are required to wear a shirt and shoes in this store.
- Skates and Skateboards - Customers may not wear in-line skates or roller skates or ride skateboards in the store.
- Smoking - No smoking is permitted anywhere in this store.
- Unaccompanied Children - No more than two unaccompanied children are allowed in this store at a time.
Accomodations:
As a courtesy to our chemically sensitive customers:
- Biodegradable cleaning products with no added fragrance are used throughout the premises.
- The sales floor is waxed using non-toxic materials and notice of waxing times is posted.
- The Health & Body Care (HBC) Department maintains all testers with re-closeable/sealable lids or pump dispensers within the HBC Department.
- No smoking is permitted on WFC’s premises including in rest rooms, storage and equipment areas.
Carpooling:
To raise awareness that carpooling can reduce air pollution, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and cut down on parking lot traffic, WFC will designate at least one of the most convenient-to-the-retail-entrance parking spots for
customer vehicles arriving with three or more shoppers at least sixteen years of age or more than two shoppers at least sixteen years of age from two different households. Designated spaces will be posted with Carpool Policy and painted to differentiate these spaces in a vibrant way.
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Check Cashing:
ALL “OVER AMOUNT OF PURCHASE” CHECKS
Are subject to Coordinator discretion on cash availabilityMember Checks
- Phone number required
- Must provide picture ID upon request
- Out of state checks accepted
- Over amount of purchase – accepted up to $50.00
- Personal check cashing (no purchase) allowed by WFC members subject to other provisions of Check Cashing Policy
Non-member Checks
- Phone number and Picture ID required
- Out of state checks (with purchase) accepted from Iowa, Michigan, North and South Dakota, and Wisconsin
- Over amount of purchase – accepted up to $5.00
- Personal check cashing (no purchase) not allowed for any amount
WFC Checks
Accepted from members subject to other provisions of Check Cashing Policy
Traveler's Checks
Accepted PROVIDED signatures match
Certified Cahsier's Checks
Accepted only if made out to WFC for amount of purchase/payment
Loose Checks
(not bound in a checkbook)
Picture ID required
Third Party Checks
Not accepted
Postdated Checks
- Not accepted
- All checks are required to be dated with the current day’s date
Starter Checks
(Account holder’s information is not pre-printed in top left corner)
Not acceptedReturned Checks
- Are sent by bank to RCB Collections
- RCB charges a fee of $30 for each returned check
Container Refunds:
Effective August 1, 2000, WFC will refund to customers three cents for each bulk purchase and three cents for each produce purchase for which customers reuse their own (or donated) plastic or paper bags or containers.
This refund does not apply to carryout bags. WFC will promote this reuse policy through newsletter articles and with in-store signs.
Courtesy Phone:
WFC offers a free, courtesy phone for customer use. The line for this phone does not accept incoming calls and does not permit long-distance calls. A sign will be posted by the free phone requesting that calls be limited to three minutes each and advising that this limit will be enforced by staff.
In order to limit restrictions on operations and telephone access, customers will be directed to use the free phone and not allowed to use business phones.
Credit/Debit Cards:
WFC accepts VISA, Master Card, EBT or Discover Card and debit cards supported by VISA or Master Card. WFC does not accept American Express credit or debit cards or ATM cards.
There is no minimum purchase amount required to use a credit/debit card as tender.
Front End staff will automatically select the “credit” charge function of the terminal unless the customer specifies their preference for a “debit” charge. WFC requires that the customer provide a signature for credit charges or enter a PIN number for debit charges.The signature on the back of the card will be compared to the signature on the charge receipt. Front End Staff will ask for identification if one or any of the following applies to the card in hand:
- Signature is illegible,
- Signature is not signed,
- Signature does not match the signature signed on the charge receipt, or
- Signature space directs cashier to “check identification (CID).”
WFC has the right to refuse a credit purchase if the customer is unable to provide sufficient identification when it has been requested.
WFC will not provide any cash back on credit/debit/EBT charges.
WFC retains the right to keep signed charge receipts, containing the entire account number and expiration date of the card. WFC will not duplicate any record of the account number for any reason unrelated to the required needs of the WFC Finance Department. WFC will securely maintain these records with Finance Department records.
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Customer Bill of Rights:
Every customer has the right to:
- Be acknowledged
- A safe, clean, fragrance-free shopping environment
- A shopping environment free from inappropriate behavior by other customers or by employees
- Access products and information on products, on store policies and on membership in WFC
- Be treated respectfully and fairly
- Be heard and be responded to by courteous and knowledgeable staff
- Be presented with options to resolve an issue quickly and fairly
- Return products following established policy
- Expect to leave WFC happy and satisfied
Customer Service Policy:
The Cooperative is committed to excellent service, fair prices and operating a fiscally sound business. As a consumer-owned business, the Cooperative is accountable to its customers, to its community and to its environment.
Therefore, the General Manager shall not fail to ensure that:
- Every customer that comes to the Cooperative is treated respectfully and fairly.
- Every customer’s expectations for quality and service are exceeded.
- The Cooperative’s Mission Statement, membership information and operating policies are posted in the store.
This policy shall be monitored annually by internal report in June.
Discounts:
WFC Members
As of August 1, 2002, WFC will no longer offer an up-front, across the board discount to Members.
Staff Discount
A ten percent (12%) discount on eligible purchases is available to regularly scheduled WFC staff daily.
Donations:
WFC receives requests for donations from organizations. Recognizing that each request will be evaluated upon its own merits, we have adopted and amended the following policies originally set forth in June 1989:
- WFC must never jeopardize its own financial well-being. Donations should not be made if they pose a hardship to WFC’s financial health regardless of the worthwhile nature of the request.
- WFC is prohibited by its policies from making contributions to any political party or candidate.
- Donation requests must be made in writing.
- Whenever appropriate, donations from WFC inventory (via WFC gift certificates or product) are preferred. WFC requests that the recipient make our brochure available at the event, list WFC as a contributor in its event program and/or otherwise publicly recognize WFC’s contribution.
- Direct cash contribution is the least favored donation.
- Donations will be considered in the order received.
- Donation requests are referred to the Marketing and Member Services Manager who monitors WFC’s donation budget.
- Donation requests that meet the following criteria will be considered:
- For events that do not conflict with WFC’s Mission Statement,
- For non-profit agencies or cooperatives in Duluth,
- For events that are open to the public,
- Limited to one per organization per fiscal year and
- A maximum $25.00 value per donation.
Environmental Policy:
In order to respect and comply with the Mission of Whole Foods Community Co-op, Inc. (WFC), to make positive changes in the life of its community, employees and environment, WFC will take the following steps to research, educate staff and the community, and act with consideration for the environmental and health consequences of decisions relating to product line, cleaning supplies, office supplies, paper products, packaging supplies, pest management, grounds keeping, energy use, water use, waste management and recycling.
Food Products
WFC’s Food Policies give priority to:
- fresh, healthy, nutritious
- certified organically grown (free of pesticides and chemicals), whenever possible, and locally produced, when available
- whole grains
- minimally processed
- seasonal, as available
- well-stored, well-handled, well-presented
- free from preservatives, hormones, additives, antibiotics, chemicals, toxins and non-irradiated
- bio-dynamically grown, whenever possible
- variety
- non-exploitatively produced, consistent with its ideals and goals
- special diet foods and alternatives to commonly allergenic foods and products
- bulk or minimally packaged
Cleaning Supplies/Products
WFC uses maintenance products and systems that accomplish the cleaning task, without risk or harm to the environment or persons using our products, and that meet Health Department and National Organic Standards requirements. Pursuant to WFC’s Non-Food Items Policy: “…Biodegradable and non-perfumed cleaning products will also be preferred, with increasing emphasis on natural, non-toxic cleaners.”
Personal Care Products
Pursuant to WFC’s Non-Food Items Policy: “…With cosmetics, the emphasis will also be on natural, non-perfumed, hypoallergenic products that reflect our ideals (no animal testing, no animal products). Only non-toxic baby care items will be offered. Perfumed items will be enclosed whenever possible. To accommodate the needs of sensitive patrons, staff will not wear scented products while on duty.”
Office Supplies
WFC uses 100% post consumer waste, non-chlorine bleached paper products for printing, copying, letterhead, and envelopes. WFC brochures and newsletters are printed on 100% post-consumer waste paper with soy inks. Cartridges from printers and the copier are recycled.
Packaging Supplies
WFC uses recycled paper packaging and recyclable plastic packaging whenever possible.
Pest Management
WFC contracts for integrated pest management services that comply with Health Department and National Organic Standards regulations.
Grounds Keeping
WFC uses no pesticides or artificial fertilizers on its property. Snow removal is done manually or mechanically. Ice removal is accomplished manually, mechanically and/or with non-toxic products. Trees and plants are native to this region.
Energy Use
Decisions regarding insulation, physical plant, lighting, day-lighting, roofing, landscaping, support of alternative transportation and alternative energy, and refrigeration systems for WFC’s site were made with respect to the Environmental Implications section of the Board’s Expansion Policy:
“7) Environmental implications – The expansion project shall not fail to endeavor to minimize the impact of our operation on the environment.
7.A Other things being equal, when choices are made that will affect resource use (e.g., energy, land), the more resource efficient and/or less polluting choice will be preferred provided that the more resource efficient and/or less polluting choice has been proven effective and efficient in comparable commercial settings.
7.B When there is a cost difference, a more environmentally sound choice is preferred if the cost difference is less than 10% or if the cost difference will be recovered within five years according to the formula to be devised by the Board and provided that the more environmentally sound choice has been proven effective and efficient in comparable commercial settings.”
There will be quarterly maintenance of refrigeration systems by an outside contractor and 24/7 electronic monitoring of refrigeration systems and equipment temperatures tied in to the security system to ensure optimal performance.
Water Use
Water conservation will be encouraged by installation of low flow toilets in restrooms and a low flow showerhead in the shower. Water entering the hot water heater will be pre-heated by waste heat from the compressor system.
Waste Management and Recycling
WFC offers consumers over 400 products in bulk, credits consumers three cents/each for reusing containers, and offers discounts to members who purchase in case lots or bulk quantities. Pursuant to the Recycling section of WFC’s Food Policy:
“…Recycling and repackaging will continue to be practiced and encouraged.
WFC will also buy in bulk, sell in bulk, and feature reduced or re-usable packaging
and glass containers. Glass, paper bag, egg carton and berry carton re-use will
also be practiced.”Customer returns of egg cartons provide reusable packaging for our local egg suppliers. Sales of organic local produce are supported by recycling organic produce boxes to local suppliers. Gallon glass jugs are reused by the local maple syrup supplier. Plastic buckets with lids are reused by the local honey supplier. WFC offers consumers milk in returnable glass bottles. The recycled content of paper products sold in the store is listed on the label or noted by sign on the shelf.
Non-saleable but edible food is donated daily to the Soup Kitchen/Food Bank and to staff. Food waste is kept separate from trash so that it can be composted off-site. Styrofoam packaging material is recycled at the Mail Room. Paper, cardboard, metal, aluminum, glass, plastic, newspaper, magazines, and office paper are separated and recycled. WFC provides recycling containers at its work stations and at its events.
Food Stamps:
Food Stamps (issued on paper or via Electronic Benefit Cards/EBTs) may only be used for eligible food items (see sign posted at checkout), garden seeds and vegetable transplants. Food Stamps may not be used to purchase heated food. Food Stamp purchases are not subject to sales tax.
$5 and $10 paper Food Stamps will be validated or stamped on the back with the WFC’s endorsement stamp as soon as they are received. Change over a dollar for paper Food Stamp purchases must be given in unstamped $1 Food Stamps.
WFC is not authorized to give out cash from the government benefits portion of the EBT card.
Members using Food Stamps are entitled to receive their discount.Food Stamps MAY NOT be used to pay an IOU.
Violation of Food Stamp policies and regulations may result in the loss of WFC’s Food Stamp license.
Customers with Food Stamps are treated fairly and respectfully.
Found Cash:
When cash is “found” on WFC premises and turned in by a customer or staff to the Coordinator on duty, that Coordinator should:
- Record the name, phone number and address of finder and amount found on the Found Cash Form and submit the Found Cash Form to the Finance Department.
- Deposit the cash through the Customer Service Till for the day as a Miscellaneous Receipt.
- If cash is not claimed by 30 days, 100% of the found money will be mailed as a WFC check to the finder by the Finance Department. “Not claimed” is assuming no claim has been made for the money and that balancing daily receipts and deposits indicates the money was not owed to WFC.
- This policy is for cash tender only.
Identification:
Members
We apologize that we do not recognize all our members. To ensure the appropriate allocation of credits and debits to member accounts, please be prepared to present your WFC membership card, a picture ID or other identification upon request in order to receive member discounts or to charge your purchases to your member account.
Non-Members
We apologize that we do not recognize all our customers. To ensure the financial integrity of WFC, please be prepared to present a picture ID or other identification upon request when using any tender other than cash.
Inactive Members:
To comply with WFC Bylaws and Board policies relating to members whose:
- Stock payment is delinquent and/or
- IOU payment is delinquent and/or
- Address is not current and/or
- Termination request is pending Board approval.
Under the above conditions, management is authorized to make a member temporarily inactive by recording an administrative hold on the member’s account and/or removing charge and discount privileges. Inactive members are not eligible for membership benefits and will not receive the newsletter. Purchases by inactive members will not be recorded and will not count toward eligibility for a patronage rebate.
Internet:
This policy defines acceptable use of wireless access in WFC’s sit-down area, Brewery Creek Overlook. Access to the Internet in the Brewery Creek Overlook is a privilege. Maintaining that privilege is subject to abiding by this policy. WFC reserves the right to restrict access to anyone who, in management’s opinion, abuses this service.
Wireless access in the Brewery Creek Overlook is offered as a customer service. This wireless access is not connected to WFC’s internal systems or network.
This policy will be posted in the Brewery Creek Overlook. Anyone who chooses to access the Internet via the wireless access in the Brewery Creek Overlook is subject to the following policy.
WFC reserves the right to set and to enforce time use limits on wireless access.The following actions are NOT allowed:
- Sending or soliciting any material which violates any laws including material which is legally obscene, threatening, or violates any provision of intellectual property laws.
- Violation of any state or federal laws relating to Internet use.
- The origination or further propagation of chain letters. A chain letter is an e-mail that is sent out requiring each recipient to mail it on to a number of other people, resulting in the distribution of an infinite number of e-mail messages.
- Any activity that compromises the performance of the wireless access such that others are negatively affected including, but not limited to, changing any settings.
- Any attempt to access WFC internal systems.
Liability:
- WFC is not responsible for the actions or activity of users of the wireless access in the Brewery Creek Overlook but management will act to restrict access based on violations of this policy.
- WFC is not responsible for any activity that degrades a user’s computer.
- WFC does not guarantee the security of email traffic sent using the free wireless access.
- Users are responsible for protecting the secrecy of their login identities, passwords, file name/s, and any security lock codes used to protect access to data.
- WFC is not obligated to provide technical assistance for users of this service.
- WFC is not responsible for any incidental damage to or theft of a user’s computer.
- WFC is not obligated to provide continuous wireless service.
MODIFICATIONS TO THIS POLICY
Management reserves the right to modify this policy or terminate this service at any time. Modifications to this policy will be posted in the Brewery Creek Overlook.
FOR ASSISTANCE
For questions on interpreting this policy or to report violations of policy, please contact WFC’s IT Manager or the Shift Leader or Coordinator on duty.
IOUs:
Members
IOUs and BOUNCED CHECKS:
WFC members may charge purchases to a maximum of $20.00* payable within thirty (30) days from the date incurred. IOUs must be signed by the maker. IOUs may not, under any circumstances, be paid with Food Stamps or EBT card.
WFC asks that its members only use the charge system for emergencies. IOU accounts should not be prepaid to cover future charges.
- An IOU account credit balance will be tagged to notify the member before his/her next purchase is completed.
- Members with an IOU debit balance more than sixty (60) days past due will be mailed a statement showing balance due and including a reminder of this policy.
If WFC is not reimbursed by a member within ninety (90) days from the date of an overdue IOU for the amount of that IOU or from the date of a bounced check for the amount of that check plus the amount of any administrative fee, that person’s membership may be terminated by the Board and any remaining stock, after reimbursement for all indebtedness owed to WFC, will be refunded by mail to that person’s last known address.
Members with with IOU credit balances over ninety (90) days will be mailed a check
for the credit balance, and the IOU account will be adjusted to zero.SPECIAL ORDERS:
Special orders not picked up or paid for within thirty (30) days of the time items are received at WFC will be put out for sale or disposed of at management discretion. Future special orders from members or from non-members who have not previously promptly paid for and/or picked up special orders, at management discretion, may require prepayment.
NEWSLETTER ADS
Members may charge the cost of advertising their business in WFC’s newsletter under the same IOU payment terms as noted above but on an IOU account separate from the member’s IOU account for inventory purchases.
Members will be mailed an invoice within ten (10) days of the date of publication for the amount of the advertising charge. Failure to pay the amount due is then subject to the provisions of this IOU policy.
*A member IOU may not exceed the amount of stock purchased OR twenty ($20.00) dollars, whichever is less. For example, a member with $10.00 of stock may charge only $10.00; a member with $100.00 of stock may charge only $20.00. A member with stock from the Matching Fund may charge only the amount purchased individually or $20.00, whichever is less. At the discretion of the General Manager, member business and non-profit agency accounts may have higher IOU limits and/or extended payment terms.
NOTE: Memberships with IOUs and/or other credit problems in excess of ninety (90) days may be placed on inactive status by management pending Board action. Purchases by inactive members will not be recorded and will not count toward eligibility for a patronage rebate. Purchases by inactive members are not eligible for member discounts or member specials.
Non-Members
Individual non-members MAY NOT access WFC’s IOU privileges.
Non-profit agencies and businesses may apply to WFC’s Finance Department at least seven (7) business days in advance in writing to use WFC’s IOU system to a limit of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) payable within thirty (30) days subject to management discretion and subject to previous payment history.
Non-profit agencies and businesses are not eligible to receive member discounts.
A completed W-9 form will be required from each applicant along with a list of up to three (3) individuals authorized to charge.
Member Household Policy:
As a benefit of membership, a WFC member may choose to list additional members of his/her household on his/her membership account.
To clarify what individuals may be listed on a member’s account:
- “Household” is a single residential address and
- Up to three (3) individuals (no age limit) in the member’s household may be listed on a member’s account.
Benefits available to additional individuals on a member’s account include:
- Member discounts on special orders.
- Member coupons and specials.
Rights and responsibilities not available to additional individuals on a member’s account include:
- Only the first person name on the stock certificate has the vote (one member, one vote).
- The first person named on the stock certificate owns the stock. Stock certificates may be transferred back to WFC only and are not transferable to any other entity or individual.
- Any patronage rebate will be issued to the first person named on the stock certificate.
- The first person named on the stock certificate is responsible for the full amount of any in-store IOU as long as the receipt is signed by a person authorized by the member to use that member’s account.
Newsletter:
PART ONE - PRODUCTION
- The Marketing and Member Services Manager (MMSM) will review the theme for the next issue and schedule and remind staff, regular columnists, artist/s, feature author/s and regular advertisers at least two weeks in advance of the deadline for submissions. Publication of late submissions is not guaranteed. The MMSM may insert stock articles as needed.
- Within the period of time agreed upon by the Layout Designer and the MMSM, the MMSM will send hard copies, faxes and e-mails with all submissions for that issue to the Layout Designer.
- The MMSM will review and return faxed proofs of all submissions from the Layout Designer within 48 hours of the time received.
- The MMSM or the Layout Designer will e-mail or deliver the final version and any inserts to the vendor or printer for printing, collating, tabbing and mailing at least ten (10) business days, excluding holidays, before the newsletter is due to be mailed.
- The MMSM will use lighter weights than 80# of 100% post-consumer waste paper for the newsletter and is authorized to make a change in newsletter paper based on his/her research and within the parameters of the newsletter budget.
- The MMSM will choose the best printer for the job especially with respect to reproduction of photographs, quality of finished product and cost.
PART TWO - SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR ARTICLES
- Articles are preferred by e-mail or on a disk as a Word file. Non-electronic articles must be submitted typewritten and double-spaced. Authors should provide to the MMSM a short description of their background or experience on the subject and include address, phone, fax number and e-mail address.
- The MMSM will ensure that articles written by members are given priority as the newsletter is a member forum. The MMSM may occasionally invite non-members to write special feature articles.
- Regular columns should be about 250 words in length unless the editor determines a longer or shorter article is needed for a particular issue. Feature articles (usually there are three of these) will be 500-750 words in length. Member commentary or editorials will be no more than 250 words in length.
- The MMSM may edit articles for correct grammar, spelling and obscenities without the permission of the author.
- The MMSM may edit articles for content and will notify the author of changes before final layout.
- The MMSM will ensure that no articles promoting a stand on a political candidate are published.
- MMSM will solicit and give preference to articles that deal with:
- whole foods in any aspect (production, distribution, organics, recipes, food regulations, quality controls, pesticides, etc.)
- issues that affect the health of our community (environmental concerns, pollution, toxic clean-up, herbs, health aids, nutrition, safety, etc.)
- cooperative principles
- holistic, natural lifestyles
- store operations
- community and regional issues and organizations
- staff, Board, membership and other cooperative issues and
- book reviews on topics as noted above.
- local community events
- With the exception of regular columns, MMSM will accept submissions from authors on a rotating basis. Preference will be given to members who have not submitted articles within the last year.
- Columns may include: Better in Bulk, Board Report, Management Report, Buyer’s Pick, Book Review, Gourmet to Go, Notes from the Front, Savor the Season, Fresh Perspectives, Produce Department’s “Back 40” and News Bites.
- The MMSM will ensure that members are eligible for two (2) months of working member benefit effective after an article is published.
- The MMSM will approve the number of copies to be printed, the number of pages in each issue and the size of pages and inserts in each issue taking into account budget restrictions and postal regulations.
- The MMSM will ensure each issue is provided to the IT Department for posting on the Co-op’s web site within five (5) business days after the mailing of printed copies.
PART THREE – SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
- The MMSM will ensure that illustrations and photographs submitted by members are given priority as the newsletter is a member forum. The MMSM may occasionally invite non-members to submit illustrations and photographs.
- The MMSM will print illustrations and photographs considering space constraints, theme of issue and appropriateness of topic. Preference will be given to illustrations and photographs from members who have not submitted work within the last year.
- The MMSM will only accept photographs that are provided electronically or are scannable. The MMSM will only accept illustrations or photographs that reproduce well. The MMSM will only accept illustrations done in black and white.
- The Layout Designer will scan in and size submissions to fit.
- The MMSM will ensure that illustrations and photographs are acknowledged in the issue in which they appear.
- The MMSM will not accept signed submissions.
- The MMSM will ensure that members are eligible for two (2) months of working member benefit effective after an article is published.
PART FOUR – SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR ADVERTISEMENTS
- The MMSM will establish and provide information on technical standards for ad submissions. The MMSM will advise advertisers that clear reproduction of advertising submissions in “gray scale” is not guaranteed and will ensure that advertisement criteria, timeline and rates are published in each issue.
- Any adjustments to camera-ready ads will be billed at market rates.
- The MMSM is authorized to limit advertising as follows:
- to no more than 40% of space in each issue
- to a maximum of full page per ad (space allowing) and
- to one ad per business per issue.
Organic Standards:
To ensure every employee is trained on the National Organic Standards and complies with the Standards in the form of formulated practices and guidelines defined by WFC, every employee will finish an Organic Standards Training within the first two (2) weeks after his/her start date. This training will include information on compliance with the National Organic Standards that became effective on October 21, 2002. Current employees will be required to demonstrate to Department Manager or Department Buyer proficient knowledge in the practices and guidelines defined by WFC or to attend training offered to new employees.
If an employee cannot complete this training within the required two (2) weeks, all shifts will be suspended until he/she can complete the training.
All employees that complete this training will be required to practice the techniques they have learned.
Note: This policy will be finalized and approved when WFC or specific departments within WFC become certified under the National Organic Standards. The amendment will include a more thorough training for all current employees and future employees. After that training, the employee will sign an affidavit of understanding and compliance with the Standards.
Parking Lot:
WFC will take the following steps to ensure that the 4th Street parking lot is accessible for WFC/MCCU customers during business hours, that while working WFC staff park in designated locations, and that as needed snow removal can be done in all WFC/Members Cooperative Credit Union (MCCU) parking areas first thing in the morning.
- The 4th Street parking lot will be posted at all times stating WFC/MCCU customer parking only -- others will be towed at owner’s expense.
- WFC’s open hours will be posted at the customer entrance.
- The Shift Leader on duty will be responsible for monitoring and tagging the 4th Street parking lot for vehicles that are not WFC or MCCU customer vehicles.
- During public classes and member/public events sponsored by WFC, attendees will be encouraged to park in the designated WFC parking lot across the alley behind 610 East 4th Street and, subject to specific permission, in the St. Mary’s employee parking lot adjacent to the WFC parking lot across the alley behind 610 East 4th Street.
- Except during public classes and member/public events sponsored by WFC, the Shift Leader on duty will be responsible for monitoring and tagging vehicles parked in the designated WFC parking lot across the alley behind 610 East 4th Street.
Petitions:
Petitions not sponsored by Whole Foods Co-op will be accepted and posted on clipboards in the specified area provided that, at the discretion of the Marketing & Member Services Manager:
- Space is available,
- The petition topic is relevant to WFC’s Mission Statement and ENDS Policy,
- The petition is not in support of or against a specific political party or a candidate seeking political office, and
- A contact person’s name, address and telephone number is provided.
The Marketing & Member Services Manager will notify the contact person when a petition has been filled. WFC is not responsible for mailing, shipping, filing or storing petitions. Full petitions not claimed within ten (10) days of notification may be disposed of at the discretion of the Marketing & Member Services Manager.
In the event petitioners wish to solicit signatures for unsponsored petitions on WFC property, WFC requires:
- Prior notice (72 hours) to the Marketing & Member Services Manager to ensure the petition meets the above criteria,
- That no non-WFC signs or banners may be posted, affixed or attached to WFC’s building,
- That, under no circumstances, are petitioners allowed to solicit signatures inside the building,
- That petitioners not block the entrance to the store,
- That petitioners solicit signatures in an orderly and respectful manner,
- That a maximum of three (3) petitioners from the same organization may solicit on the same day,
- That any petitioning organization may solicit for a maximum of four (4) hours per day, and
- That the same organization may present the same petition no more than once in a thirty (30) day period.
At the discretion of the Marketing & Member Services Manager, WFC reserves the right to deny solicitation outside of the store to organizations that do not comply with this policy.
Rainchecks:
Rain check forms will be:
- completed in legible printing with ink – no abbreviations
- item specific as to: manufacturer, name of product, size of product, and barcode or PLU (if possible)
- item specific as to sale price
- dated with a 30 day expiration date with a statement that out of stocks longer than 30 days indicate a manufacturer or seasonal availability problem
- signed (not initialed) by the staff person who completes the form
- retained with the day’s receipts when submitted by a customer prior to the expiration date.
Rain checks will be offered on all out of stock sale items except when sale sign or flyer indicates “while supplies last.”
Recalled Products:
WFC will take the following steps to ensure immediate removal of affected product, immediate notification to consumers of the concerns regarding affected products, and proper disposal of affected products.
Notice of recall of products will be processed immediately upon receipt by the relevant Manager or Buyer or, in the absence of the Manager or Buyer, by the Shift Leader on duty. Listed products will be immediately removed from retail and storage areas, boxed, sealed, and placed on or near the desk of the Manager or Buyer.
A copy of the recall notice will be taped to the box of removed product. A copy of the recall notice or a smaller sign with the same information will immediately be posted next to where that product is sold and will remain posted for at least 14 business days.The Manager or Buyer will return or dispose of affected product according to the directions on the recall notice. The Manager or Buyer will ensure that Front End staff are informed of the recall notice and how to process returns of affected product.
Reduce, Reuse, Redeem:
RRR is a WFC program to provide an incentive for consumers to reuse their own paper, plastic, string, cloth or canvas bag or backpack or bike-bag to pack their order.
PROGRAM:
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- WFC will promote (through signs, department and all-staff meeting presentations, a bag-stuffer to be distributed at the tills, and Gazette articles) a Reduce, Reuse, Redeem (RRR) Program effective by July 1, 2006.
- Continuation and/or modification of the RRR Program are subject to management discretion.
- The Front End Manager and the Marketing & Member Services Manager will coordinate design and production of the RRR card and the design and acquisition of the punch tool.
- Each customer, as he/she goes through the checkout process, will be asked if he/she brought in a bag (as defined above) to load his/her purchases.
- If the response is no, the customer will be offered the bag-stuffer promotion piece.
- If the answer is yes and the customer does not have an RRR Card, the Front End Assistant will punch a new RRR Card and give it to that customer.
- If the answer is yes and the customer presents an RRR Card, the Front End Assistant will punch the card or, if the card already has 20 punches, the Front End Assistant will redeem the card for $1.00 credit on a purchase totaling at least $1.00.
- If the answer is yes but the customer does not want to participate in the RRR Program, the Front End Assistant can punch the RRR donation card that will be maintained at each checkout.
- No matter how many bags a customer reuses during a single transaction, there is only one punch per transaction.
- A card must have all 20 punches before it can be redeemed for $1.00.
- Multiple partially punched cards cannot be compiled to qualify as 20 punches.
- Partially punched cards can be donated back to WFC for donation to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank.
- Front End staff will add completed RRR donation cards from the tills to deposit bags.
- Finance staff will total the RRR donation cards and, monthly, prepare a check for the cash amount of those cards as a donation to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank.
- The Front End Manager will establish an average of Co-op brand paper bags distributed per transaction and then, quarterly, will graph whether that average declines or increases once the RRR Program is implemented.
- The Finance Manager will produce a monthly report of RRR cards redeemed for cash and of the value of the donation to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank.
- The RRR Program is not a replacement for the Container Refund Policy.
Refunds:
Notes on all Refunds:
- A thirty (30) day limit will be imposed on accepting returns.
- WFC will not accept products altered or damaged by consumers.
- WFC reserves the right to refuse credit on returns without receipt or product based on management discretion.
- WFC will not accept any expired product for refund unless there was an issue with quality prior to the expiration date.
- No credit will be issued if half or less of a Health or Body Care (HBC) product is returned.
- It is preferable that products be returned with the receipt and that expired or contaminated products are returned in their original container.
- No credit will be issued for lost or stolen gift cards/certificates. If customer has gift card number, a lost gift card can be cancelled and any remaining balance can be transferred to a new card.
- If gift cards/certificates are mailed at customer’s request, a photocopy of the addressed gift envelope will be mailed to the customer along with the purchase receipt.
- Gift cards/certificates that have incorrect balances may be eligible for credit if appropriate receipts (subject to management discretion) are presented.
Processing Refunds:
- A refund request accompanied by a receipt is eligible for a refund in the tender in which it was purchased. Customers who paid by check but request a cash refund, must wait ten (10) days for processing.
- All HBC products returned without a receipt require submission of a “WFC Refund Request” form. A Buyer or Manager will contact the customer within seven (7) days to confirm the request.
- A refund request for items without a receipt, subject to applicable HBC return procedures, is eligible for a store credit only. Subject to management discretion, refund requests without a receipt must be accompanied by the product being returned.
- Only Customer Service Counter staff on duty may process returns, subject to the restrictions listed above, to a maximum retail value of $20.00/per customer/per day. Any refund request exceeding these limits requires management approval or the submission of a “WFC Refund Request” form.
- Front End Management may handle all returns subject to the restrictions listed above with no limit on the maximum value.
- Front End staff will deliver returned items to the appropriate Department Manager or Buyer. Front End staff may NOT restock returned items.
- Special orders can only be returned for issues of quality or if the customer has received the wrong item. If the customer has received the wrong item, Customer Service Counter staff are authorized to provide the desired product, if available, at special order price.
Sale Prices:
- Do not substitute items not on sale for sale products that are out-of-stock or not desired by the customer.
- Sale price, whenever lower, takes precedence over case discount or special order discount.
- Sale price is not cumulative with case discount or special order discount.
Special Orders:
In order to allow customers access to more products than the store offers, allow customers to make quantity purchases, e.g., full cases, without reducing access to products for other customers, and offer a financial benefit to members:
- Management will develop a special order form and educate staff on how to complete that form and process a special order.
- Management will implement and promote member only special order discounts.
- Non-members do not benefit from special order discounts.
- Management has discretion to offer an in-store case discount to members on a limited, item- by-item basis; an in-store case discount is available only on appropriately signed items.
- Management will fulfill special order requests for any products that we can acquire subject to quantity requirements.
Tobacco:
This policy is in place to provide guidelines for the use of tobacco while on Whole Foods Co-op (WFC) property and to comply with guidelines of Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA), National Organic Program (NOP) and Leadership in Energy & Design (LEED), and with WFC Policies.
Definition of Tobacco: For the purpose of this policy, tobacco is any legal tobacco product including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco. Only legal tobacco substances will be permitted on WFC property.
Employees, customers, vendors, trades people, and the general public are not allowed to use tobacco anywhere inside WFC. Employees can only use tobacco in the designated Staff Smoking Area or in areas beyond the boundaries of WFC property. Upon relocation to 610 East 4th Street, the designated Staff Smoking Area will be located at least twenty-five (25) feet away from entries and operable windows. Public entries will be posted as no smoking areas.