The Lexington Co-operative Market, with locations on Hertel and Elmwood avenues, also touts its natural and organic food options but emphasizes buying from local vendors and recirculating revenue in the community.

"Whole Foods, we didn't see as big of a dip with that opening," said Joann Tomasulo, the co-op's marketing and owner services manager. "I think there was a lot of fanfare, but pretty much our customers stayed with us."

Tops Market said it works to stay ahead of industry trends.

"While their arrival didn’t necessarily change how we did business, as our loyal customers are exactly that, we do stay attune" to what others in the same arena offer, Tops President John Persons said in an email.

Wegmans declined to comment on how the chain prepared for Whole Foods' arrival or how the store has affected its bottom line. Wegmans is facing another challenge on its Rochester home turf, where Whole Foods wants to enter the market in suburban Brighton.

The developer behind that project has accused Wegmans of acting behind the scenes to block its competition. Wegmans, for its part, has denied the developer's claims.