<p><strong>Austin, TX</strong><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Whole Foods Market has reported its third quarter results. For the 12-week period that ended July 1, 2012, sales for the quarter were $2.7 billion, an increase of 14%. Including a negative impact of 62 basis points from Easter shifting from the third quarter last year to the second quarter this year, comparable store sales increased 8.2%, and identical store sales, excluding six relocations and two expansions, increased 8.0%, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Walter Robb, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Whole Foods Market, stated, “In an economic environment that is proving to be difficult for many retailers, we are thriving and pleased to report another quarter of strong growth and excellent results for our stakeholders." He continued, “Our accelerated growth plans are on track, and we believe we will continue to gain market share through further differentiating our shopping experience, improving our relative value positioning, and reinforcing our position as America's healthiest grocery store.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com" target="_new"> Whole Foods </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
