Whole Foods reaches records sales in first quarter

Whole Foods announced last month that it had a record first quarter, with sales reaching $4.7 billion. That sales figure amounts to average weekly sales per store of $724,000, or sales per gross square foot of nearly $1,000.

Co-CEO Walter Robb said the strong numbers were due to its customers' positive response to the company's strategic initiatives along with improving consumer confidence. The strategic initiatives cited include the "values matter" television and print campaign, the 15-city partnership with Instacart, digital technologies like Apple Pay, and a test of lower pricing in select markets.

Whole Foods also said it expects to open between 38 and 42 stores this year, including relocations.

Whole Foods embracing technology via Instacart and Apple partnerships

Whole Foods announced earlier this month it would partner with Instacart to offer customers one-hour delivery service, as well as an option to place orders through Instacart for in-store pick-up.

The delivery service will start in the 15 cities Instacart currently operates in, including Philadelphia. The in-store pick-up service will start in select Austin, TX and Boston, MA stores before expanding to all cities serviced by Instacart in the coming months.

For the delivery service, customers at Instacart.com or via the company's app select their zip code, add items to their virtual cart, choose a delivery window and check out. "Personal Shoppers" working on commission and tips shop for the items and make the deliveries.

Customers' first orders are free, and thereafter will cost $3.99 for two-hour delivery or $5.99 for one-hour delivery. With a $99 annual membership, all orders over $35 are free.

In unrelated Whole Foods news, the company announced earlier this month it would be among the first retailers to let customers make purchases using Apple Pay, a new mobile payment system for the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch.