Today, we are truly living in a golden age of grocery shopping. There are stores for those who want local, for those who prefer cheap, for those who want quality, and for those who want quick. So, what are the real pros and cons of each – and in comparing them, how can you figure out what you are really looking for?
In the Beginning
Many years ago, most towns simply had a general store. There, patrons could pick up just about anything from a ten-pound sack of flour to live chickens. And, in most cases, shoppers could even ask the store owner to put their purchase “on their tab.”
Over the decades, though, things have changed. In most regards, the personal service aspect has been lost over time, and exchanged with large, bright, stores that feature walk-in wine coolers, custom sushi departments, in-house banks, full-service restaurants, florists, urgent care centers, and salad bars the length of a football field.
Yet, while our grocery shopping options have changed, there are still customers who have individualized wants and needs. So, what are the best choices for all of these differing food store desires?
Grocery Chains with the Midas Touch
While most cities and towns today possess at least one local grocer, there are some national food chains that are making headlines from coast to coast – not just for their uniqueness and appeal, but also because they carry some delicious items!
These merchants have compiled a great deal of research on their target customer, and they go out of their way to ensure that those patrons are being served – over and over again, with each repeat visit.
Trader Joes
The story of Trader Joe’s beginning starts back in the 1950s when the retailer began operations as a convenience store that went by the name of Pronto Markets. It wasn’t actually until 1967 that the original founder, Trader Joe himself, changed the name – as well as the way that the company does business.
For anyone who has had the experience of shopping at a Trader Joe’s, they are quick to notice that all of the employees are dressed in Hawaiian shirts. This is to present the fact that they are “traders on the culinary seas, and are searching the world for items to bring back to their customers” – and customers truly do take a front seat at Trader Joes.
Overall, these stores are a great fit for those who are seeking a small store feel, along with a good, yet unique variety, and fantastic personal service. In fact, at Trader Joes, there are not a lot of branded items, but rather more of what is considered to be unconventional and interesting products.
If you happen to see something that looks appealing, though, don’t wait to buy it, because oftentimes this grocery chain will only keep items in stock as long as they sell well – and sometimes they buy products that are in limited supply overall – so you may or may not find the item again. This, however, is just part of the shopping adventure at Trader Joes.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is another grocer that offers a unique shopping experience. But this one is not necessarily on personal service and local tradition, but more so along the lines of healthy food items.
This history of Whole Foods goes back only to 1980, when the company started out with just one small store in Austin, Texas. Today, however, Whole Foods Market boasts over 300 stores in the U.S. and United Kingdom.
This grocer is very well known for seeking out the finest of natural and organic foods, allowing them to stick to their strict quality standards. This includes offering food items that contain the least amount of processing, yet the most flavorful and natural taste possible.
At Whole Foods, customers tend to be those who enjoy foods that are unaltered by additives, colorings, sweeteners, and preservatives – as well as those who simply enjoy good taste. In addition to the groceries that are offered at Whole Foods, this grocer also offers a superb salad and food bar where customers can pick up lunch or dinner on the go.
Costco / Sam’s Club
Those who prefer to shop on price – especially if it means getting a quantity discount – will likely lean towards the big warehouse stores like Sam’s Club and Costco. These stores typically offer numerous name brand items in bulk.
Anything from meat and bakery, to candy and wine, can be found in these warehouse stores. With this shopping experience, you will likely get a lot for your dollar – just be sure that you have a vehicle that is large enough to get everything home!
This was a guest post by Jennifer. Through her work Jennifer Ricci helps students find their way through the complicated world of studentloandebtrelief. She is also a mother and blogger who likes to write about personal finance and shopping for a few popular blogs.
