The buzz across the city is undeniable — Whole Foods Toronto stores closing has sparked massive crowds, bargain hunting, and long lineups as the American grocery giant prepares to shutter two of its three locations in Toronto. The Leaside store at 1860 Bayview Ave. and the Yonge-Sheppard store at 4771 Yonge St. will officially close their doors on Thursday, August 22, 2025, leaving just one Toronto location open.
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Bonkers Lineups for Final Closing Sales
On Saturday, August 16 — the day after news broke — eager shoppers lined up outside the Whole Foods at Yonge-Sheppard’s Hullmark Centre, hoping to grab steep discounts on organic and natural grocery items. Despite the sweltering 30+ C heat, the line stretched around the building, with customers bringing umbrellas and water bottles to handle the long wait.
Toronto residents are no strangers to lineups, especially when combined with the promise of major discounts. The sales have been drawing larger crowds each day, creating what many describe as a “clearout frenzy.”
Steep Discounts as Closing Date Nears
The clearance sale began with 50 per cent off on Saturday, August 16. By Sunday, August 17, prices were reduced by 60 per cent. Starting Monday, August 18 and running through Friday, August 22, discounts have deepened to 70 per cent off across both closing locations.
Shoppers who can withstand the long waits may find even greater bargains as the stores prepare to shut down completely.
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A Look Back: Whole Foods in Toronto
Whole Foods, owned by Amazon, first entered the Canadian market in 2002, launching in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighborhood. The Yonge-Sheppard location opened in 2014, followed by Leaside in 2017.
Despite its reputation as the largest retailer specializing in natural and organic products, Whole Foods is not immune to retail challenges. The company confirmed that the decision to close was part of a “regular evaluation” of stores to strengthen long-term success.
What’s Next for Whole Foods in Toronto
While the Leaside and Yonge-Sheppard closures mark the end of an era for those neighborhoods, Whole Foods fans won’t be left without options.
- Remaining Toronto store: 87 Avenue Rd. (Yorkville)
- Other GTA stores: Markham (3997 Hwy 7), Mississauga (155 Square One Dr.), and Oakville (301 Cornwall Rd.)
In a more positive development, Whole Foods confirmed that a brand-new location will open on King Street West in 2026, giving downtown shoppers another option for their organic grocery needs.
Final Thoughts
With Whole Foods Toronto stores closing, bargain hunters are rushing to the Leaside and Yonge-Sheppard locations for one last chance at discounted organic groceries before doors officially shut on August 22, 2025. While Toronto loses two Whole Foods staples, loyal shoppers can look forward to a future King West location and continued service at Yorkville and other GTA stores.