More Grocery Debate

June 26, 2008 by dave.

Well, it seems my grocery store comparison has indeed struck a nerve.  In addition to posting the data, I had forwarded the Blog entry to a number of friends and co-workers…..who in turn forwarded it to others.  Typically individuals would comment directly on the Blog entry but instead I’m getting commentary via email.  This makes sense in some respect as some individuals didn’t actually receive the Blog link - they got to read the information via a cut-and-pasted email.  I feel it’s important to share this commentary so read on (I have blocked the personal information).  Also - please post opinions directly on the Blog by clicking on the comment option at the bottom of the article.

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Thanks for the update!  You have a great website.  It is good to know that I really am saving money at Market Basket.  I didn’t realize they were putting in a Hannaford’s in Meredith.  I’d still drive to MB if I was you although I do find that there are a few items that MB doesn’t carry and I do go to the Plymouth Hannaford for those.

I’m passing this on to a few other people.  Thanks.

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Thanks for sharing…..I’m a confirmed shopper at Market Basket…..and always love saving a few dollars whenever I can:)  I’m sharing with _______ and _______ too!

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Thanks so much, Dave.  We, too, converted to shopping at MB a couple years ago; and, like you, go there every couple weeks.  Glad to see that our decision now has some data to go with it.

Interesting…..Your shopping list looks really similar to the common things we buy. 

Again, thanks for sharing this.

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Very interesting!  I can’t quarrel with the price info; it speaks for itself.

However, on a non-price basis there are some other contrasts.  When I’m in Market Basket, I’m always impressed by the number of people on life support: oxygen tubes, electric carts, etc.  Shaws always has some promotion going: reduced price gas, free turkey, $20 - $50 off coupons based on how much you buy.  Shaws and Hannaford seem to be best for organic items.

Then there’s the question of how many other necessary stops you can make close to the supermarket, saving time and gas.

It’s nice to have Jackson’s Star so close, and would be even nicer if their prices were at least in the Hannaford/Shaws range.  Maybe the competition will help!

Many thanks, 

NOTE MY REPLY:

I agree that pricing isn’t everything.  I also agree that Shaws has great ’specials’.  I’ve been known to ‘cherry pick’ at that store once in a while.  Price is one part of my reason for shopping at Market Basket.  Honestly I have had very bad experiences at Shaws.  I even walked out with a partially filled carriage once because I was so ticked off.  Some of this may have changed but they lost a customer as a result:

1) When I did shop at Shaws it was regularly in the evening during the week.  I got frustrated because in the evening their meat selection was horrible.  It seems they ‘let the display run out’ towards the end of the day.  Market Basket is always very well stocked.

2) The employees running the registers and bagging at Shaws come across as inattentive and uncaring.  They came across as though I was bothering them on several occasions.  The supervision of the younger high-school-age staff leaves a lot to be desired.  At MB all employees are friendly and come across professional and attentive to customer needs.  I don’t like to be ‘kissed up to’…..but I do want them to treat me with courtesy and be friendly.

3) The Card…..On a few occasions I forgot I didn’t have ‘the card’ because I had my keys and not Tami’s (I hate extra stuff on my keyring).  When I told the checker I didn’t have it and asked if they could just have a manager bypass it I was directed to go to customer service.  This held up the checker  line and I had to wait in line at customer service.  I understand ‘the card’ from a marketing, loyalty, and tracking standpoint but they need to be a bit reasonable about this…..

So…..for me it IS more than prices…..Shaws’ doesn’t treat me like a customer…..they act as though I should be privileged to shop in their store.  I guess we’ve had different experiences and perhaps they have changed.  At least for now I will continue to shop at Market Basket….but I will sincerely consider Hannaford when it opens in Meredith as I’m still pretty happy with that chain.

Take care….and thanks for the healthy discussion!

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Thanks for the information.  We actually have an Economic Development Committee meeting tomorrow, so I’ll bring the information to the group.

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I am SO HAPPY….finally someone is on my side!!!!!!  Give my kuddos to Dave!!!!  I have been shopping and SAVING at Market Basket for years and I am always arguing with others about the cost savings…..I don’t care about the “one time only deals” that Shaws’ and other stores have because it cost me extra $$$ to drive there and then I end up picking up this and that while in the store.  Market Basket has ALWAYS been the store to shop at.

Here is my opinion:  I have to drive to Rochester 30 minutes to shop at MB but for me worth the $ in gas for the overall savings in food.  As you may recall Hannaford opened a store 1 mile from my home 2 years ago which put the little mom and pop store out of business (but it has helped our local economy).  I  have shopped at Hannaford as that is where _____ meds are for convenience sake…but the prices are OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!  I would be better off spending the extra $$$ to make the trip gas wise to Rochester than to shop 1 mile from my home.  Please do NOT shop at Hannaford…it is not worth it…MB will always have the better prices overall…in my opinion.  Whatever weight you want to give to “my opinion”!!!!

Thanks to Dave for creating such a great comparision chart I am sharing this with everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

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