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  <xsd:element name="DeferredLeaseLiabilities" id="wfm_DeferredLeaseLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="DeferredTaxAssetsAssociatedWithUnrecognizedTaxBenefit" id="wfm_DeferredTaxAssetsAssociatedWithUnrecognizedTaxBenefit" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="DeferredTaxAssetsNetClassificationTextBlock" id="wfm_DeferredTaxAssetsNetClassificationTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DefiniteLivedContractMember" id="wfm_DefiniteLivedContractMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseOnPropertyAndEquipment" id="wfm_DepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseOnPropertyAndEquipment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DerivativeHedgedItemFixedInterestRate" id="wfm_DerivativeHedgedItemFixedInterestRate" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DescriptionOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract" id="wfm_DescriptionOfBusinessDisclosureAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DevelopmentCostsOfNewLocations" id="wfm_DevelopmentCostsOfNewLocations" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DirectStoreExpenses" id="wfm_DirectStoreExpenses" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DirectStoreExpensesMember" id="wfm_DirectStoreExpensesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DirectStoreExpensesPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_DirectStoreExpensesPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DivestitureOfBusinessAcquiredStoresSoldHenrys" id="wfm_DivestitureOfBusinessAcquiredStoresSoldHenrys" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="DivestedStores" id="wfm_DivestedStores" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" id="wfm_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FTCSettlementAgreementDisclosureAbstract" id="wfm_FTCSettlementAgreementDisclosureAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FTCSettlementAgreementDisclosureTextBlock" id="wfm_FTCSettlementAgreementDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FTCSettlementAgreementStoreStatusLineItems" id="wfm_FTCSettlementAgreementStoreStatusLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FTCSettlementMember" id="wfm_FTCSettlementMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FairValueAdjustmentsToCertainOperatingStoresFTCSettlement" id="wfm_FairValueAdjustmentsToCertainOperatingStoresFTCSettlement" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAbstract" id="wfm_FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" id="wfm_FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" id="wfm_FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" id="wfm_FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" id="wfm_FiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredDuringPeriod" id="wfm_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredDuringPeriod" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="NonPerishablesMember" id="wfm_NonPerishablesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="HenrysFarmersMarketAndSunHarvestStoresMember" id="wfm_HenrysFarmersMarketAndSunHarvestStoresMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsRelatedToFTCSettlement" id="wfm_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsRelatedToFTCSettlement" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredLeaseLiabilities" id="wfm_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredLeaseLiabilities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForUncertainTaxPositions" id="wfm_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForUncertainTaxPositions" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="IndefiniteLivedContractMember" id="wfm_IndefiniteLivedContractMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="InsuranceAndSelfInsuranceReservesPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_InsuranceAndSelfInsuranceReservesPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="InterestPeriodOnLIBORBorrowingsMaturityRangeMaximum" id="wfm_InterestPeriodOnLIBORBorrowingsMaturityRangeMaximum" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="InterestPeriodOnLIBORBorrowingsMaturityRangeMinimum" id="wfm_InterestPeriodOnLIBORBorrowingsMaturityRangeMinimum" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="InterestRateSwapAgreementInYears" id="wfm_InterestRateSwapAgreementInYears" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="IssuanceOfCommonStockSharesPursuantToTMStockPlans" id="wfm_IssuanceOfCommonStockSharesPursuantToTMStockPlans" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="IssuanceOfCommonStockValuePursuantToTMStockPlans" id="wfm_IssuanceOfCommonStockValuePursuantToTMStockPlans" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="LIFOExpenseBenefit" id="wfm_LIFOExpenseBenefit" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="LeasesAndRelatedAssetsMarketForSaleBasedOnOperationsAxis" id="wfm_LeasesAndRelatedAssetsMarketForSaleBasedOnOperationsAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="LeasesAndRelatedAssetsMarketForSaleBasedOnOperationsDomain" id="wfm_LeasesAndRelatedAssetsMarketForSaleBasedOnOperationsDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrentAndNoncurrent" id="wfm_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrentAndNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="CommitmentAgreementChangeInControlPeriod" id="wfm_CommitmentAgreementChangeInControlPeriod" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="MarketingAndOtherMember" id="wfm_MarketingAndOtherMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="MaximumNumberOfYearsInformationRequiredToComputeExpectedLife" id="wfm_MaximumNumberOfYearsInformationRequiredToComputeExpectedLife" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="MinimumPeriodsOfHistoricalVolatilityUsedToComputeExpectedVolatility" id="wfm_MinimumPeriodsOfHistoricalVolatilityUsedToComputeExpectedVolatility" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="MaximumPeriodsOfHistoricalVolatilityUsedToComputeExpectedVolatility" id="wfm_MaximumPeriodsOfHistoricalVolatilityUsedToComputeExpectedVolatility" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="MinimumNumberOfYearsInformationUsedToComputeExpectedLife" id="wfm_MinimumNumberOfYearsInformationUsedToComputeExpectedLife" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="NewClosuresNumber" id="wfm_NewClosuresNumber" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="NonoperatingFormerWildOatsStoresMember" id="wfm_NonoperatingFormerWildOatsStoresMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfConsecutiveTradingDaysForWhichCommonStockClosingPricesAreConsideredToDetermineDeclineInDividendRate" id="wfm_NumberOfConsecutiveTradingDaysForWhichCommonStockClosingPricesAreConsideredToDetermineDeclineInDividendRate" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfDaysOfNoticeRequiredToRedeemPreferredStock" id="wfm_NumberOfDaysOfNoticeRequiredToRedeemPreferredStock" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfReportingUnitsForGoodwillImpairmentTesting" id="wfm_NumberOfReportingUnitsForGoodwillImpairmentTesting" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfSegments" id="wfm_NumberOfSegments" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfStoresForWhichDivestiturePeriodIsExtended" id="wfm_NumberOfStoresForWhichDivestiturePeriodIsExtended" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfStoresThatMayBeRetained" id="wfm_NumberOfStoresThatMayBeRetained" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfStoresToBeMarketedForSale" id="wfm_NumberOfStoresToBeMarketedForSale" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfTranchesInWhichExpectedLifeIsComputed" id="wfm_NumberOfTranchesInWhichExpectedLifeIsComputed" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfYearsExistence" id="wfm_NumberOfYearsExistence" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="OffMarketLeaseUnfavorableWeightedAverageLife" id="wfm_OffMarketLeaseUnfavorableWeightedAverageLife" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingAcquiredWildOatsStoresMember" id="wfm_OperatingAcquiredWildOatsStoresMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueCurrent" id="wfm_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueInFiveYears" id="wfm_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueInFiveYears" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueInFourYears" id="wfm_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueInFourYears" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueInThreeYears" id="wfm_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueInThreeYears" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueInTwoYears" id="wfm_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueInTwoYears" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueThereafter" id="wfm_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueThereafter" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingWholeFoodsMarketStoreMember" id="wfm_OperatingWholeFoodsMarketStoreMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingStoresMember" id="wfm_OperatingStoresMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesNetOfTax" id="wfm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesNetOfTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="OtherPerishablesMember" id="wfm_OtherPerishablesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="OtherPropertyAndEquipmentExpenditures" id="wfm_OtherPropertyAndEquipmentExpenditures" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="PercentageOfPurchasesFromLargestSupplier" id="wfm_PercentageOfPurchasesFromLargestSupplier" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="PercentageOfTotalSales" id="wfm_PercentageOfTotalSales" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="PercentageOfTotalNetLongLivedAssets" id="wfm_PercentageOfTotalNetLongLivedAssets" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="PreferredStockDividendsDeclaredOrSettled" id="wfm_PreferredStockDividendsDeclaredOrSettled" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="PreferredStockDividendsSharesDeclaredOrSettled" id="wfm_PreferredStockDividendsSharesDeclaredOrSettled" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="PreOpeningExpensesPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_PreOpeningExpensesPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="PreparedFoodsAndBakeryMember" id="wfm_PreparedFoodsAndBakeryMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ProbabilityOfTaxBenefitsRealizedOnUltimateSettlement" id="wfm_ProbabilityOfTaxBenefitsRealizedOnUltimateSettlement" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ProceedsFromTransitionServicesAgreement" id="wfm_ProceedsFromTransitionServicesAgreement" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ProceedsFromTransitionServicesAgreementPercentOfMonthlySales" id="wfm_ProceedsFromTransitionServicesAgreementPercentOfMonthlySales" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="QuarterlyFinancialInformationWeeksInFiscalFourthQuarterHighEndOfRange" id="wfm_QuarterlyFinancialInformationWeeksInFiscalFourthQuarterHighEndOfRange" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="QuarterlyFinancialInformationWeeksInFiscalFourthQuarterLowEndOfRange" id="wfm_QuarterlyFinancialInformationWeeksInFiscalFourthQuarterLowEndOfRange" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="QuarterlyFinancialInformationWeeksInFiscalYear" id="wfm_QuarterlyFinancialInformationWeeksInFiscalYear" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="QuarterlyFinancialInformationWeeksInQuarter" id="wfm_QuarterlyFinancialInformationWeeksInQuarter" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars11.12ToDollars27.62Member" id="wfm_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars11.12ToDollars27.62Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars28.03ToDollars40.83Member" id="wfm_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars28.03ToDollars40.83Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars41.05ToDollars60.43Member" id="wfm_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars41.05ToDollars60.43Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars44.99ToDollars60.43Member" id="wfm_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars44.99ToDollars60.43Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars62.49ToDollars62.49Member" id="wfm_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars62.49ToDollars62.49Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars41.05ToDollars60.74Member" id="wfm_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars41.05ToDollars60.74Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars66.81ToDollars66.81Member" id="wfm_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars66.81ToDollars66.81Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars68.96ToDollars73.14Member" id="wfm_RangeOfExercisePricesFromDollars68.96ToDollars73.14Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_RecentAccountingPronouncementsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ReclassificationAdjustmentsForAmountsIncludedInIncomeNetOfIncomeTaxes" id="wfm_ReclassificationAdjustmentsForAmountsIncludedInIncomeNetOfIncomeTaxes" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ReclassificationsPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_ReclassificationsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RedeemablePreferredStockDisclosureAbstract" id="wfm_RedeemablePreferredStockDisclosureAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RelocationStoreClosureAndLeaseTerminationCosts" id="wfm_RelocationStoreClosureAndLeaseTerminationCosts" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RelocationStoreClosureAndLeaseTerminationCostsPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_RelocationStoreClosureAndLeaseTerminationCostsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ReservesForClosedPropertiesPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_ReservesForClosedPropertiesPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RestrictedCashPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_RestrictedCashPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RestructuringReserveAccrualAndTranslationAdjustment" id="wfm_RestructuringReserveAccrualAndTranslationAdjustment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RestructuringReservePeriodExpenseChangesInSubtenantIncomeEstimates" id="wfm_RestructuringReservePeriodExpenseChangesInSubtenantIncomeEstimates" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RestructuringReservePeriodExpenseNewStoreClosures" id="wfm_RestructuringReservePeriodExpenseNewStoreClosures" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfDividendsPaidTextBlock" id="wfm_ScheduleOfDividendsPaidTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationByGeographicAreaRevenueTextBlock" id="wfm_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationByGeographicAreaRevenueTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationByGeographicAreaLongLivedAssetsTextBlock" id="wfm_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationByGeographicAreaLongLivedAssetsTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfFiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTextBlock" id="wfm_ScheduleOfFiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAcquiredAsPartOfBusinessCombinationTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfFiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" id="wfm_ScheduleOfFiniteAndIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsForCapitalAndOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock" id="wfm_ScheduleOfFutureMinimumLeasePaymentsForCapitalAndOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfInterestRatesOnDebtDisclosureTextBlock" id="wfm_ScheduleOfInterestRatesOnDebtDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumber" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumber" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementOptionContractualTermMaximum" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementOptionContractualTermMaximum" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DeclineInFairValueDeemedOtherThanTemporaryNumberOfFiscalQuarters" id="wfm_DeclineInFairValueDeemedOtherThanTemporaryNumberOfFiscalQuarters" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementOptionContractualTermMinimum" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementOptionContractualTermMinimum" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementOptionContractualTerm" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementOptionContractualTerm" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationBeginningOfOptionVestingPeriod" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationBeginningOfOptionVestingPeriod" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedPaymentsPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_ShareBasedPaymentsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="SharesIssuedOther" id="wfm_SharesIssuedOther" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="StockPurchasePlanAbstract" id="wfm_StockPurchasePlanAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="StockIncentivePlanAbstract" id="wfm_StockIncentivePlanAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="StockPurchasePlanEligibilityMinimumServiceHours" id="wfm_StockPurchasePlanEligibilityMinimumServiceHours" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DividendsPerCommonShareAbstract" id="wfm_DividendsPerCommonShareAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="StoresOperatedLineItems" id="wfm_StoresOperatedLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="SubsequentEventDisclosureAbstract" id="wfm_SubsequentEventDisclosureAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDisclosureAbstract" id="wfm_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDisclosureAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAbstract" id="wfm_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="InsuranceAndSelfInsuranceReservesAbstract" id="wfm_InsuranceAndSelfInsuranceReservesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="CostOfGoodsSoldAndOccupancyCostsAbstract" id="wfm_CostOfGoodsSoldAndOccupancyCostsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ReservesForClosedPropertiesAbstract" id="wfm_ReservesForClosedPropertiesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DirectStoreExpensesAbstract" id="wfm_DirectStoreExpensesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="PreOpeningExpensesAbstract" id="wfm_PreOpeningExpensesAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="CommitmentDisclosureAbstract" id="wfm_CommitmentDisclosureAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="TeamMemberPlanEligibilityMinimumAnnualServiceHours" id="wfm_TeamMemberPlanEligibilityMinimumAnnualServiceHours" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="TeamMemberStockPurchasePlanAbstract" id="wfm_TeamMemberStockPurchasePlanAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="TemporaryEquityBaseRedemptionPricePerShare" id="wfm_TemporaryEquityBaseRedemptionPricePerShare" type="num:perShareItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="TemporaryEquityDividendRatePercentage" id="wfm_TemporaryEquityDividendRatePercentage" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="TermLoanRepaymentPeriod" id="wfm_TermLoanRepaymentPeriod" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="TransitionServicesAgreementTermMaximum" id="wfm_TransitionServicesAgreementTermMaximum" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="TreasuryStockAcquiredRepurchaseAuthorizationIncrease" id="wfm_TreasuryStockAcquiredRepurchaseAuthorizationIncrease" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="TreasuryStockAcquiredRepurchasesAuthorizationTotal" id="wfm_TreasuryStockAcquiredRepurchasesAuthorizationTotal" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="TreasuryStockPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_TreasuryStockPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="WeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" id="wfm_WeightedAverageExercisePriceAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="WeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermYearsAbstract" id="wfm_WeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermYearsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="WholeFoodsMarketStockIncentivePlan2009Member" id="wfm_WholeFoodsMarketStockIncentivePlan2009Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="WildOatsMarketsIncMember" id="wfm_WildOatsMarketsIncMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="GreenlifeMember" id="wfm_GreenlifeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="SpecialtyStoreMember" id="wfm_SpecialtyStoreMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RetailStoresMember" id="wfm_RetailStoresMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuanceEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" id="wfm_CommonStockCapitalSharesReservedForFutureIssuanceEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="TemporaryEquityParValue" id="wfm_TemporaryEquityParValue" type="num:perShareItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfStoresApprovedForSale" id="wfm_NumberOfStoresApprovedForSale" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract" id="wfm_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="MoneyMarketFundInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" id="wfm_MoneyMarketFundInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainsNetOfTax" id="wfm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainsNetOfTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedLossesNetOfTax" id="wfm_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedLossesNetOfTax" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="IntentionToRedeemOrCallPreferredStockDuringPeriodShares" id="wfm_IntentionToRedeemOrCallPreferredStockDuringPeriodShares" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="TemporaryEquityConversionRate" id="wfm_TemporaryEquityConversionRate" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="PeriodsOfHistoricalVolatilityUsedToComputeExpectedVolatility" id="wfm_PeriodsOfHistoricalVolatilityUsedToComputeExpectedVolatility" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RestrictedStockAbstract" id="wfm_RestrictedStockAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeituresNotVested" id="wfm_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardNetOfForfeituresNotVested" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DeferredTaxAssetsPropertyPlantAndEquipment" id="wfm_DeferredTaxAssetsPropertyPlantAndEquipment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="RestructuringReserveSettledWithCashTerminationFees" id="wfm_RestructuringReserveSettledWithCashTerminationFees" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RestructuringReserveSettledWithCashOngoingRentalPayments" id="wfm_RestructuringReserveSettledWithCashOngoingRentalPayments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RestrictedCashInvestments" id="wfm_RestrictedCashInvestments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShortTermInvestmentsAverageEffectiveMaturityPeriod" id="wfm_ShortTermInvestmentsAverageEffectiveMaturityPeriod" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="LongTermInvestmentsAverageEffectiveMaturityPeriod" id="wfm_LongTermInvestmentsAverageEffectiveMaturityPeriod" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FairValueAdjustmentsTangibleAssetImpairmentCharges" id="wfm_FairValueAdjustmentsTangibleAssetImpairmentCharges" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRestrictedCommonStockAwardVestingPeriod" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardRestrictedCommonStockAwardVestingPeriod" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FiscalPeriodPolicyTextBlock" id="wfm_FiscalPeriodPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RestructuringReserveGoodwillAdjustment" id="wfm_RestructuringReserveGoodwillAdjustment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShortTermInvestmentAverageEffectiveMaturityPeriod" id="wfm_ShortTermInvestmentAverageEffectiveMaturityPeriod" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="LongTermInvestmentAverageEffectiveMaturityPeriod" id="wfm_LongTermInvestmentAverageEffectiveMaturityPeriod" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="StockVestedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAward" id="wfm_StockVestedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAward" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="SecuredDebtOutstandingSubsequentToRepayment" id="wfm_SecuredDebtOutstandingSubsequentToRepayment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfDividendsDeclaredTextBlock" id="wfm_ScheduleOfDividendsDeclaredTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleNumberOfSeparateStatements" id="wfm_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleNumberOfSeparateStatements" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfYearsInformationRequiredToComputeExpectedLife" id="wfm_NumberOfYearsInformationRequiredToComputeExpectedLife" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RedeemablePrefferedStockTextBlock" id="wfm_RedeemablePrefferedStockTextBlock" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="RedeemablePreferredStockTextBlock" id="wfm_RedeemablePreferredStockTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" id="wfm_ScheduleOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" id="wfm_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DefinitionOfFiscalYear" id="wfm_DefinitionOfFiscalYear" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfWeeksInFiscalYear" id="wfm_NumberOfWeeksInFiscalYear" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardBeginningOfOptionVestingPeriod" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardBeginningOfOptionVestingPeriod" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTermOptionOne" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTermOptionOne" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTermOptionTwo" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTermOptionTwo" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTermOptionThree" id="wfm_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTermOptionThree" type="us-types:dateStringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" id="wfm_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="QuarterlyFinancialLineItems" id="wfm_QuarterlyFinancialLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DebtInstrumentVariableRateBaseAxis" id="wfm_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBaseAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationByGeographicAreaRevenueAndLongLivedAssetsTextBlock" id="wfm_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationByGeographicAreaRevenueAndLongLivedAssetsTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeaseRentExpense" id="wfm_OperatingLeaseRentExpense" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="TreasuryStockAbstract" id="wfm_TreasuryStockAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract" id="wfm_FairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmountExpired" id="wfm_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmountExpired" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="MunicpalNotesBondsMember" id="wfm_MunicpalNotesBondsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
  <xsd:element name="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefits" id="wfm_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefits" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration"/>
</xsd:schema>
