I haven't but love the idea of buying a small portion for a recipe instead of a larger/more expensive container that will just sit around for years until either (a) I buy more because I forget that I have it, or (b) decide it can't be good and throw out an almost-full container and buy more.

Note: Not all WFs have these. Par example, in Chicago: Lakeview does, Lincoln Park and Gold Coast do not.

I purchased spices in bulk for years--even if they are in clear jars they are so much fresher--not to mention so much more economical--than buying the small jars.
The WF in Arlington, Va. did stock bulk spices but then got rid of the entire section! I was furious and sent an email to which I received no reply. I also called and was told the change had something to do with not being able to ensure the organic certification if people used the same scoop in different jars--or some other such nonsense.
I keep shopping there because it is in my neighborhood, and I can't drive or metro across town to get a tablespoon of cumin, but I find it so insulting that a store claiming to be about natural foods would get rid of their bulk spice section. I suspect it had more to do with their bottom line.
This is one of those thing about the world that makes no sense. Thanks for letting me vent!

Some QFC stores in Seattle have these too!

I wonder if you end up saving money by buying small portions since the weight of the plastic/sticker invariably drives up the cost. Not to mention environmental impact... :/

Mostly, though, I don't have cool looking spice jars.

rizzuhjj, I think whole foods tares the weight of their bags. So you're not paying for the bag. And look for spice jars at World Market if there's one by you. They go for a $1 each. You can also just save the containers from spices you use up.

It is still much cheaper, even with bag costs factored in--I mean pennies for spices when you'd pay over 3 dollars for most jars of stale spices.
The natural foods store I used to buy bulk spices from in SC deducted the weight of the store-provided containers (reusable plastic containers or bags) from the price calculation. If you brought your own container (how great is that?), they weighed it for you so it could be deducted.
If plastic bags are used for this purchase, they should be reused, and small paper bags are of course preferable.
At home I just hide the bags if I did not transfer them to prettier jars.

I buy bulk spices from my local co-op or from the spice stores at Pike Place Market (Seattle)

They are sooo much cheaper in bulk. I buy mine from Central Market in Austin, and it seems like they always run out of certain spices, so I think they are fairly fresh. I prefer their selection to the flagship Whole Foods'.

Whole Foods did away with bulk spices in DC. :(

WFs may have done away with bulk spices in DC, but I took it as an opportunity to patron the little mom and pop ethnic food shops. There are tons in VA, a few around Baltimore and I'm sure that there are places in DC where you can get it, the little basement shops in Chinatown have always really great even though they look sketchy.

Penzey's (a mail-order company that also has store locations) doesn't sell in bulk, but does sell many of their spices in smaller 2 or 4 ounce containers (as well as standard 8 ounce ones). They also sell empty jars so for those who wanted/needed "cool looking spice jars," this might work for you.

If you're not familiar with them, I suggest checking them out. I'm lucky enough to be able to shop at a store (are you?), but their mail-order business does quite well and their catalog is excellent (and includes recipes too!).

I'm going to second Penzey's! they are not far from me and the whole food's in my area and are really cheap for most things.

I'll have to "third" Penzeys since I don't have access to a good spice merchant anywhere here.

I keep at least one copy of the Penzey's catalog in the house as a reference on the spices and herbs, since they include so much information.

I buy spices I use small amounts of from whole foods or pcc, or spices and teas I want to try first before buying a large quantity. I don't usually make it down to the international district, or I would probably get them there as well. I also love it for the rice, sugar, etc. They are also my closest grocery store, so that helps.

When I want to buy a lot of a spice I usually get it from http://www.herbco.com/, and vanilla I get by the pound from http://stores.ebay.com/Vanilla-Products-USA

i didn't know not all their branches had these. i think it's an absolute must. how often do you REALLY need that much of any certain spice anyway? (okay, so i do personally need that much curry, but that's just me ;)

I'm coming to the comment party REALLY late but I want to make sure I say this again: Asian markets (in general) are awesome for buying spices. I've been to a few which have bulk bins, but even those that don't usually sell spices for a fraction of the price most standard supermarkets sell them at. Of course spices that aren't traditionally used in Asian cuisine aren't likely to be present.

In theory this is an obvious choice, however for those that live with lethal allergies, it is never an option because stores don't do anything to prevent cross contamination. Pretty pathetic if you ask me.