A lot of you men could care less, but some of you do...LOL!
I had a chance to visit Super 1 today in Longview. I hate going and learning new grocery stores, because I feel like I can't find anything, and felt even worse when I couldn't help a guy find a bunch of stuff his wife sent him to the store for...LOL!
However, this is what I found:
1) Produce looked excellent
2) And plenty of it, lots to choose from
3) Romaine lettuce looked a little under par, but doable.
4) Cheese and fresh meat section was immaculate, nicely arranged, very friendly people at the counter. I asked a couple of questions, very friendly, said I might try so and so. When I said it was my first time there, they asked if I would like to taste anything... told 'em nope, knew exactly what I wanted, but thank you - and slicked my meat perfectly first time.
5) Every time I passed an employee, I was greeted.
6) Store was super clean (a big thing with me)
7) Noticed a lot of different type people there - which is good.
8) Didn't see a bunch of screaming kids running around like banshees
9) Didn't meet any rude people trying to run you down with their carts, in fact, everyone I met, said excuse me, etc. while going around in the aisles - (man, that was sure nice to see)
10) Frozen section was overhwelming... tons and tons of stuff
11) Noticed prices with cleaning items - not bad, not bad... as compared to Dollar Store, was pretty much right in sync, maybe 10-20 cents higher, but doable in a one-stop shop type of atmosphere.
12) Toilet paper, etc. was a good buy.
13) Fresh fish, etc. looked good
14) Store was laid out pretty well, made sense, just took some getting used to.
15) Had LARGE items of things I buy; i.e., sugar, flour, etc. with a very good price.
16) Good prices on cat and dog food - in fact, REAL GOOD!
It took longer than usual, just because I didn't know the store, and I have a habit of standing back like I'm looking at a darned Piccasso or something, and eyeballing how much each item is and how much it weighs, etc., etc.
Was doing fine... till I got up to the check-out counter. It sorta took me a minute to get my bearings on exactly how all this was being done.
If you haven't been, I'll explain... you get there, you take everything out, and there's 2 sides to each check-out, where your groceries go...now, as you're unloading your groceries, you've got to run down and start sacking your own groceries...I DID NOT like that AT ALL! Then while you're on one side of it sacking your groceries, the cashier just keeps a pumping customers through... good business idea, but criminey...LOL!
That sorta freaked me out a bit, and I'm thinking I should've brought a young'un with me...so if you've got a lot in your cart, bring someone to let them sack... LOL!
All in all, good trip... and had I gone to Wal-Mart instead of Super 1, my grocery bill would have BEEN HIGHER... I figured I saved around $50 going to Super 1 than Brookshire's, and saved even more instead of going to Wal-Mart (which that ain't happening anymore).
The only problem with me is, is I live in Gilmer, and having to drive to Longview to get groceries every 2 weeks ain't happening; however, I will go there once a month to get my big items, like flour, sugar, etc., and pick up everything else I need then, also, and then run by the bread store and pick up a month's worth of bread. It's also on oldest's way home from work, so he could stop by if I needed something (grin!)
The one thing that I'd really like to see is fresh bacon back at the meat counter, and I'll make accommodations to bring somebody with me next time to sack...
And p.s.: As of this next Saturday, my youngest will be working for Brookshire's...life is good....