Whole Foods, Bayview & Broadway, August 16, 2025 /South Bayview Bulldog
After eight years as a neighbourhood staple, the Whole Foods at 1860 Bayview Avenue in Leaside and its counterpart at Yonge & Sheppard are closing their doors on August 22. The surprise announcement, confirmed by Whole Foods representatives, comes as the company says it is “positioning for long-term success” and planning new locations in the city. (BlogTO, CTV News, Toronto Star)
The Leaside store, which opened in April 2017 to much fanfare, occupies the second floor of the complex at Bayview and Broadway. Many in the community will remember its grand opening as the long-awaited arrival in 2017. (South Bayview Bulldog archive)
Shoppers looking to stock up before the final day have been taking advantage of some serious markdowns. A closing sale began Saturday, August 16, with discounts starting at 50% off and climbing to 70% off by Monday. The deep cuts will continue until the doors officially close on the 22nd. (BlogTO)
If you’ve been to Leaside in the past few days, you may have noticed shoppers leaving with overflowing paper bags. Community Facebook groups lit up over the weekend with reports of long lineups—including waits just to reach the elevator—and shelves looking bare by Sunday. Some residents joked that with nothing left to sell, the store might not make it to its planned closing date.
Whole Foods says the decision isn’t tied to Amazon ownership or global trade issues, but rather to underperformance at these locations. A company spokesperson confirmed that no other closures are planned at this time, and that existing stores in Yorkville and Markham will continue operating. Meanwhile, a new downtown location on King Street West is set to open in 2026. (BlogTO, CTV News)
As for what’s next for the soon-to-be-vacant Bayview space? That’s a mystery, but residents will be watching closely. For now, if you’re hoping to grab some last-minute deals—or just say goodbye—you’ll need to act fast. Judging by the empty shelves, the neighbourhood has already cleaned house.