Amazon set to cut staff, prices at Whole Foods Market

Seattle

WHEN Amazon.com Inc completes its acquisition of Whole Foods Market Inc, chief executive officer Jeff Bezos will try to keep the grocer's reputation for premium fresh foods while cutting prices to shed its "Whole Paycheck" image.

Amazon expects to reduce headcount and change inventory to lower prices and make Whole Foods competitive with Wal-Mart Stores Inc and other big-box retailers, according to a person with knowledge of the company's grocery plans. That includes potentially using technology to eliminate cashiers.