I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
grocery shopping and how to save.

They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.

They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
of 100, and the lowest being 64.

The top ten~

1. Wegmans
2. Trader Joe's
3. Publix
4. Raley's
5. Harris-Teeter
6. Fareway
7. Costco
8. Whole Foods
9. Market Basket

The bottom ten~

49. Pick 'n Save
50. Dominick's
51. Tops Markets
52. Pathmark
53. Food Lion
54. Giant
55. Winn-Dixie
56. Walmart Supercenter
57. Shaw's
58. A&P
59. Waldbaum's

I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
there even though they hate it!

Libby

On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:

> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> The top ten~
>
> 1. Wegmans
> 2. Trader Joe's
> 3. Publix
> 4. Raley's
> 5. Harris-Teeter
> 6. Fareway
> 7. Costco
> 8. Whole Foods
> 9. Market Basket
>
> The bottom ten~
>
> 49. Pick 'n Save
> 50. Dominick's
> 51. Tops Markets
> 52. Pathmark
> 53. Food Lion
> 54. Giant
> 55. Winn-Dixie
> 56. Walmart Supercenter
> 57. Shaw's
> 58. A&P
> 59. Waldbaum's
>
> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
> there even though they hate it!
>
> Libby

either that or they don't have the money to go anywhere else.

your pal,
blake

Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87
> out of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> The top ten~
>
> 1. Wegmans

That's a nice supermarket chain, that's for sure.

> 2. Trader Joe's
> 3. Publix
> 4. Raley's
> 5. Harris-Teeter
> 6. Fareway
> 7. Costco
> 8. Whole Foods
> 9. Market Basket
>
> The bottom ten~
>
> 49. Pick 'n Save
> 50. Dominick's
> 51. Tops Markets
> 52. Pathmark
> 53. Food Lion
> 54. Giant
> 55. Winn-Dixie
> 56. Walmart Supercenter
> 57. Shaw's
> 58. A&P
> 59. Waldbaum's
>
> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
> there even though they hate it!

From what I've seen and heard, there are a lot of people living
where there isn't any choice than shop there.

nancy

On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, (Fred/Libby
Barclay) wrote:

>I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
>there even though they hate it!

I don't buy Walmart meats, Libby for the obvious reasons. Their
produce is no cheaper than other groceries. But I do by all my
canned goods. Del Monte, Dole, Bush, Stokley brands are always 25 to
30 cents cheaper than any near by grocery. Old El Paso brands are
particularly cheaper since you would think you were in Tijuana on a
Saturday morning.

On Sat 04 Apr 2009 06:29:49a, Fred/Libby Barclay told us...

>
> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
> there even though they hate it!
>
> Libby

Only three of the top ten are in my area; Trader Joes, Costco, and Whole
Foods. I don't consider Trader Joes and Whole foods for general shopping,
and Costco sells almost everything in quantities too large to be practical
for two people.

Walmart Supercenter is the only one of the bottom ten in our area. We do
shop there once a month or so for certain staples where the prices are
better and the quantity is reasonable. However, we also have WalMart
Neighborhood Markets, which are structured more like a regular supermarket
and seem to have higher quality items in produce, etc.

In our area, Fry's, Safeway, and Albertson's are the major national chains,
as well as a local chain called Basha's. We shop mostly at Basha's, Fry's,
or Safeway, in that order.

--
Wayne Boatwright

"One man's meat is another man's poison"
- Oswald Dykes, English writer, 1709.

blake murphy > wrote in
:

> On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
>
>> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People
>> must shop there even though they hate it!

> either that or they don't have the money to go anywhere else.

well, Market Basket was in the top 10, & in NH you can't get better
food deals than at Market Basket (some of the stores are weak on
produce however).
people around here that shop for groceries at Wal-Mart either don't
bother to comparison shop or they buy because they're already there
(now i'll shup up about that...).
i have been doing much of my shopping at Shaw's, because they have
decent produce. not wonderful like Wegman's, but better than average
for this area. however, due to the downturn in my personal economy,
i'll be doing a lot more shopping at Market Basket.
i'd love having a Wegman's closer than 300 miles away though
lee

On Apr 4, 8:41*am, blake murphy > wrote:
> On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
> > I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> > grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> > They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> > perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> > They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> > of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> > The top ten~
>
> > 1. Wegmans
> > 2. Trader Joe's
> > 3. Publix

Of the Tampa grocery stores, it was the most expensive.

> > 4. Raley's
> > 5. Harris-Teeter
> > 6. Fareway
> > 7. Costco
> > 8. Whole Foods

They must not have given much weight to the "price" factor.

> > 9. Market Basket
>
> > The bottom ten~
>
> > 49. Pick 'n Save
> > 50. Dominick's
> > 51. Tops Markets
> > 52. Pathmark
> > 53. Food Lion

Their stores at least used to be dirty and smelled bad.

> > 54. Giant
> > 55. Winn-Dixie

Even worse that Food Lion? Wow. That takes some doin'.

> > 56. Walmart Supercenter
> > 57. Shaw's
> > 58. A&P
> > 59. Waldbaum's
>
> > I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. *People must shop
> > there even though they hate it!
>
> > Libby
>
> either that or they don't have the money to go anywhere else.

Or in many small towns, Wal Mart has driven the small grocers out of
business. Plus, you can get all the Wal Mart type stuff in the same
trip, i.e. a quart of oil. I run up to Wal Mart for milk and
half&half, when Aldi isn't open. They're closer and cheaper than the
supermarkets.
One really awful thing is their brined beef (enhanced with a
solution).
>
> your pal,
> blake

--Bryan

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
>> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
>> grocery shopping and how to save.
>>
>> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
>> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>>
>> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87
>> out of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>>
>> The top ten~
>>
>> 1. Wegmans
>
> That's a nice supermarket chain, that's for sure.
>> 2. Trader Joe's
>> 3. Publix
>> 4. Raley's
>> 5. Harris-Teeter
>> 6. Fareway
>> 7. Costco
>> 8. Whole Foods
>> 9. Market Basket
>>
>> The bottom ten~
>>
>> 49. Pick 'n Save
>> 50. Dominick's
>> 51. Tops Markets
>> 52. Pathmark
>> 53. Food Lion
>> 54. Giant
>> 55. Winn-Dixie
>> 56. Walmart Supercenter
>> 57. Shaw's
>> 58. A&P
>> 59. Waldbaum's
>>
>> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
>> there even though they hate it!
>
> From what I've seen and heard, there are a lot of people living
> where there isn't any choice than shop there.
>
> nancy

That's always been a problem I've had with CR. A majority if their "top
choices" of products they review are frequently not available to the average
consumer.

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Sat 04 Apr 2009 06:29:49a, Fred/Libby Barclay told us...
>
>> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
>> grocery shopping and how to save.
>>
>> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
>> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>>
>> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
>> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>>
>> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
>> there even though they hate it!
>>
>> Libby
>
> Only three of the top ten are in my area; Trader Joes, Costco, and Whole
> Foods. I don't consider Trader Joes and Whole foods for general shopping,
> and Costco sells almost everything in quantities too large to be practical
> for two people.
>
> Walmart Supercenter is the only one of the bottom ten in our area. We do
> shop there once a month or so for certain staples where the prices are
> better and the quantity is reasonable. However, we also have WalMart
> Neighborhood Markets, which are structured more like a regular supermarket
> and seem to have higher quality items in produce, etc.
>
> In our area, Fry's, Safeway, and Albertson's are the major national chains,
> as well as a local chain called Basha's. We shop mostly at Basha's, Fry's,
> or Safeway, in that order.
>
We have Shaw's too. I would be curious to know the rating of Stop
& Shop. That and Shaw's are the usual grocery stores here.
Market Basket, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods too. The MB that is
near here is just awful, so I have an irrational prejudice against
it. A pity because it is cheaper. Therefore, I do find myself
going there more these days.

--
Jean B.

enigma wrote:
> blake murphy > wrote in
> :
>
>> On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
>>
>>> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People
>>> must shop there even though they hate it!
>
>> either that or they don't have the money to go anywhere else.
>
> well, Market Basket was in the top 10, & in NH you can't get better
> food deals than at Market Basket (some of the stores are weak on
> produce however).
> people around here that shop for groceries at Wal-Mart either don't
> bother to comparison shop or they buy because they're already there
> (now i'll shup up about that...).
> i have been doing much of my shopping at Shaw's, because they have
> decent produce. not wonderful like Wegman's, but better than average
> for this area. however, due to the downturn in my personal economy,
> i'll be doing a lot more shopping at Market Basket.
> i'd love having a Wegman's closer than 300 miles away though
> lee

I totally agree re the MB. Shaw's, here in Massachusetts anyway,
is very expensive compared to Stop & Shop, which, in turn, is more
expensive than Market Basket. In spite of the nasty MB near here,
I find myself shopping there more.

--
Jean B.

"Fred/Libby Barclay" > wrote in message
> 7. Costco
> 8. Whole Foods
> 9. Market Basket

> 56. Walmart Supercenter

Interesting groupings. The first three listed here do not compete with each
other head to head but each has a purpose. Much of what is available at
one store is not available at the others. We don't have a Costco, but BJ's
is close to it in concept. They get the majority of our grocery money for
chicken parts, whole pork loins, cleaning supplies, paper goods. Whole
Foods gets a portion, mostly for their selection of cheeses that the other
two don't carry, the special cuts of meat or fish, the selection of oils,
vinegars and the like. Market Basket gets the every day loaf of bread, the
jar of mayo that lasts a long time so we don't buy the 5 gallon pail at the
warehouse store. Wal Mart is OK for canned stuff but I won't buy meats there
as they are adulterated. They are my last choice for anything.

Jean B. wrote:
> enigma wrote:
>> blake murphy > wrote in
>> :
>>> On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
>>>
>>>> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People
>>>> must shop there even though they hate it!
>>
>>> either that or they don't have the money to go anywhere else.
>>
>> well, Market Basket was in the top 10, & in NH you can't get better
>> food deals than at Market Basket (some of the stores are weak on
>> produce however).
>> people around here that shop for groceries at Wal-Mart either don't
>> bother to comparison shop or they buy because they're already there
>> (now i'll shup up about that...).
>> i have been doing much of my shopping at Shaw's, because they have
>> decent produce. not wonderful like Wegman's, but better than average
>> for this area. however, due to the downturn in my personal economy,
>> i'll be doing a lot more shopping at Market Basket. i'd love having a
>> Wegman's closer than 300 miles away though
>> lee
>
> I totally agree re the MB. Shaw's, here in Massachusetts anyway, is
> very expensive compared to Stop & Shop, which, in turn, is more
> expensive than Market Basket. In spite of the nasty MB near here, I
> find myself shopping there more.
>

I also agree about Market Basket, but don't tell my husband. He'd go
every week if he could. We don't go often because it is not very close
to home but their prices are worth it. Usually we tie a trip to New
Hampshire (to the State Store) with a trip to Market Basket.

As for Shaw's, I really really dislike going there. It's not just
prices, it's the layout of the store that bugs me. Maybe it's because I
tend to prefer Stop and Shop and feel more comfortable there...I dunno.
Shaw's tend to be smaller and more cramped too.

I heard a rumor not too long ago that a Wegman's was coming to Westwood.
Westwood would still be a drive for me, but I would definitely check it
out.

Tracy

On Apr 4, 9:29*am, (Fred/Libby Barclay) wrote:
> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> The top ten~
>
> 1. Wegmans
> 2. Trader Joe's
> 3. Publix
> 4. Raley's
> 5. Harris-Teeter
> 6. Fareway
> 7. Costco
> 8. Whole Foods
> 9. Market Basket
>
> The bottom ten~
>
> 49. Pick 'n Save
> 50. Dominick's
> 51. Tops Markets
> 52. Pathmark
> 53. Food Lion
> 54. Giant
> 55. Winn-Dixie
> 56. Walmart Supercenter
> 57. Shaw's
> 58. A&P
> 59. Waldbaum's
>
> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. *People must shop
> there even though they hate it!
>
> Libby

I would LOVE to have a Wegmans, a Trader Joes, a Whole Paycheck,
whoops, I meant Whole Foods, and Costco.
It galls me that we're in the capitol of Delaware and have none of
these. I wouldn't even mind if we only had to go 30 miles for them,
but they're all at least 50 miles away.
We have many of the lowest on the totem pole. It's a shame!!

Jean B. wrote:
> We have Shaw's too. I would be curious to know the rating of Stop &
> Shop. That and Shaw's are the usual grocery stores here. Market Basket,
> Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods too. The MB that is near here is just
> awful, so I have an irrational prejudice against it. A pity because it
> is cheaper. Therefore, I do find myself going there more these days.
>

Which one is that Jean? Just curious - so I know to avoid it. We usually
shop at one in Nashua.

-Tracy

"Bobo Bonobo®" wrote

> > They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> > perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.

They must have been in limited areas. Thats a very small sample when you
think about it.

> > The top ten~
> > 1. Wegmans
> > 2. Trader Joe's
> > 3. Publix
> > 4. Raley's

None of those here, but a TJ's is slated to open?

> > 5. Harris-Teeter

Decent but easily 1/3 more for many if not most things. Quality not that
notably different but can find some of the more unusual things there. Most
notable differences is it is 24/7 and has a small selection of wider spots
for 'parking with kids' (I believe about 4 out of 100, with 12 or so
handicap ones). Enough room to roll those bigger 2 toddler carts up to the
door of your car.

> > 6. Fareway
> > 7. Costco
> > 8. Whole Foods
> > 9. Market Basket

None of those here either

>They must not have given much weight to the "price" factor.

I'd say off hand, they did not.

> > The bottom ten~
>
> > 49. Pick 'n Save
> > 50. Dominick's
> > 51. Tops Markets
> > 52. Pathmark
> > 54. Giant
> > 55. Winn-Dixie

None of those here but I do recall a Winn Dixie some time back.

> > 53. Food Lion
>Their stores at least used to be dirty and smelled bad.

It's all in the local management. The ones here are decent and i would
expect an area specific rating to place them in the top 10 along with
Krogers (not mentioned).

> > 56. Walmart Supercenter

We have those. I found out fast there is something wrong with their fresh
produce. It's not obvious but it always molds or something else fast. I'll
get a few canned things there or a known brand of dog biscuits, but little
else. I did check them out at the start though when we came back stateside
and they seemed good. Then, they changed produce managers and it went
downhill fast.

"l, not -l" wrote>
>"cshenk" > wrote:
>
>> > > 56. Walmart Supercenter
>>
>> We have those. I found out fast there is something wrong with their
>> fresh
>>
>> produce. It's not obvious but it always molds or something else fast.

> I have found that to be true at Sam's Club also; it's like the items have
> been in transit to the store long enough that much of their shelf-life is
> gone before the consumer gets their hands on it.

Yes, same problem with BJ's on *some things* so we learned to be careful. I
get the impression if you are on a major access for food transport, this
isnt as well noticed but if you are an off laying area of the highways
(google for Norfolk VA and you'll see we arent a major route for much, more
an outbound one for seafoods etc and sea shipping), you tend to have more
notable problems with fresh veggies.

It's pretty much like a truck has to divert from Richmond VA to us. Oh we
are big enough that that happens, but the low end scale places get the stuff
that is almost dead by that spot and wouldnt last til NY city etc. The
higher end spots use either local produce or pay to get the same level as
what NY/CT etc get diverted over to here.

Less than 40,000 people were surveyed. This tells me, probably not one
person in my area since only 3 of the stores they mention are local and one
of the bottom ones is actually very good here.

> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.


How ridiculous is that, that they couldn't come up with 32,600 people. Stupid
price tag mentality BS!!!

My east coast ACME (Albertsons) probably ranks 200 on the Bottom 10 scale!

Andy

On Apr 4, 9:29*am, (Fred/Libby Barclay) wrote:
> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> The top ten~
>
> 1. Wegmans
> 2. Trader Joe's
> 3. Publix
> 4. Raley's
> 5. Harris-Teeter
> 6. Fareway
> 7. Costco
> 8. Whole Foods
> 9. Market Basket
>
> The bottom ten~
>
> 49. Pick 'n Save
> 50. Dominick's
> 51. Tops Markets
> 52. Pathmark
> 53. Food Lion
> 54. Giant
> 55. Winn-Dixie
> 56. Walmart Supercenter
> 57. Shaw's
> 58. A&P
> 59. Waldbaum's
>
> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. *People must shop
> there even though they hate it!
>
> Libby

Hi Libby,

Does it say where Meijer's ranks?

Thanks,
Kris

I'm going to list the other stores in the nationwide survey when I get
enough time this afternoon or tonight. I should have realized that
everyone would want to know where their local market is ranked.

Libby

On Apr 4, 9:29*am, (Fred/Libby Barclay) wrote:
> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> The top ten~
>
> 1. Wegmans
> 2. Trader Joe's
> 3. Publix
> 4. Raley's
> 5. Harris-Teeter
> 6. Fareway
> 7. Costco
> 8. Whole Foods
> 9. Market Basket
>
> The bottom ten~
>
> 49. Pick 'n Save
> 50. Dominick's
> 51. Tops Markets
> 52. Pathmark
> 53. Food Lion
> 54. Giant
> 55. Winn-Dixie
> 56. Walmart Supercenter
> 57. Shaw's
> 58. A&P
> 59. Waldbaum's
>
> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. *People must shop
> there even though they hate it!
>
> Libby

Where are these Wegmans?

I was recently in a Winn Dixie - was surprised at the overall
atmosphere, prices, and a guy actually went in back to find me some
fresh spinach.

Regardless of price differences, I still tend to go to the market
nearest me. Time and gas are still a factor for me.

I laughed at CR's tips for saving money - maybe I read ti wrong, but
at no point did they simply say to cook as close to scratch as
possible.
My grocery expenses so far this year are LOWER than it was same time
last year.

"blake murphy" > wrote in message
.. .
> On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
>
>>
>> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
>> there even though they hate it!
>>
>> Libby
>
> either that or they don't have the money to go anywhere else.
>
> your pal,
> blake

But is it cheaper? My d-i-l bought some grocery items there thinking that
they would be cheaper and my regular SM was significantly cheaper.
They *advertise* that they have the lowest prices but does anyone check them
out? I strikes me that the vast majority of shoppers (J.B. Priestley's
"Admass") accept everything that they are told as truth.

"Fred/Libby Barclay" > wrote in message
...
>
> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> The top ten~
>
> 1. Wegmans
> 2. Trader Joe's
> 3. Publix
> 4. Raley's
> 5. Harris-Teeter
> 6. Fareway
> 7. Costco
> 8. Whole Foods
> 9. Market Basket
>
> The bottom ten~
>
> 49. Pick 'n Save
> 50. Dominick's
> 51. Tops Markets
> 52. Pathmark
> 53. Food Lion
> 54. Giant
> 55. Winn-Dixie
> 56. Walmart Supercenter
> 57. Shaw's
> 58. A&P
> 59. Waldbaum's
>
> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
> there even though they hate it!
>
> Libby

Makes me wonder where this study was done. As with most here, we only have
Whole Foods, Costco from the top and WalMart from the bottom. Our main
groceries are Safeway, King Soopers (Kroger), Albertson's for middle and
WalMart for lower and Whole Foods for upper end.

My problem is I really like the produce at King Soopers, but the meat is
much better at Safeway. Albertson's has great prices on staples, but is not
convenient to me. WalMart is avoided completely.

We have a small chain called Sunflower Market that has great meat, bulk
foods, a lot of organics, etc. The problem with them is that the produce
has been unpredictable in the past. If I want an eggplant for that evening,
they may have beautiful ones or they may be old and bruised. I usually have
to stop at the King Soopers after stopping at Sunflower. At least they are
across the street from each other.

I would love to be able to shop more at Whole Foods, but it is not
conviently located to me and of course the prices can be sky high.

Dale P
>

Tracy > wrote in
:

> I also agree about Market Basket, but don't tell my husband.
> He'd go every week if he could. We don't go often because it is
> not very close to home but their prices are worth it. Usually we
> tie a trip to New Hampshire (to the State Store) with a trip to
> Market Basket.

the one in South Nashua is better than the one in Hudson (or it was
when i lived down that way)... the thing i find odd about all the
Market Baskets is they all look a bit run down, even the newer
ones.

> As for Shaw's, I really really dislike going there. It's not
> just prices, it's the layout of the store that bugs me. Maybe
> it's because I tend to prefer Stop and Shop and feel more
> comfortable there...I dunno. Shaw's tend to be smaller and more
> cramped too.

there's a Super Shaws in Machester that's really nice, but it's in
Manchester... i like the Shaws in Concord Heights. it has a
sensible layout, unlike the ones at Fort Eddy plaza & Hooksett.

> I heard a rumor not too long ago that a Wegman's was coming to
> Westwood. Westwood would still be a drive for me, but I would
> definitely check it out.

Wegmans is planning two MA stores, Westwood & Northborough, but
dates are TBD still.
lee

Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> The top ten~
>
> 1. Wegmans
> 2. Trader Joe's

For some reason i have started to get Trader Joe's catalogues in the
mail, up until that happened i was curious about the stores that so many
people here find fascinating.

Having seen the catalogue im no longer interested. Im pretentious
enough on my own, i don't need a grocery store to provide me with a
patina of sophistication at inflated prices
--
JL

l, not -l said...

> There were 32,600 respondents; as with CDC and "patient zero", CR starts
> counting with "respondent zero" ;-). Fifty-thousand respondents were
> scheduled to participate; however, the rest hung up in frustration of
being
> unable to understand the questions asked by the Call Center CR used.
>
> Coming up next month; "Best Off-shore Call Centers" , India, Phillipines,
> Latvia, Iceland or ?????? Available May 12 at newstands and your
mailbox.
> 8-0


l, not -l

OH!, So you're a Saturday STOOGE!!! eh?? Why I oughtta!...

;D

Best,

Andy

Tracy wrote:
> Jean B. wrote:
>> enigma wrote:
>>> blake murphy > wrote in
>>> :
>>>> On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People
>>>>> must shop there even though they hate it!
>>>
>>>> either that or they don't have the money to go anywhere else.
>>>
>>> well, Market Basket was in the top 10, & in NH you can't get better
>>> food deals than at Market Basket (some of the stores are weak on
>>> produce however).
>>> people around here that shop for groceries at Wal-Mart either don't
>>> bother to comparison shop or they buy because they're already there
>>> (now i'll shup up about that...).
>>> i have been doing much of my shopping at Shaw's, because they have
>>> decent produce. not wonderful like Wegman's, but better than average
>>> for this area. however, due to the downturn in my personal economy,
>>> i'll be doing a lot more shopping at Market Basket. i'd love having
>>> a Wegman's closer than 300 miles away though
>>> lee
>>
>> I totally agree re the MB. Shaw's, here in Massachusetts anyway, is
>> very expensive compared to Stop & Shop, which, in turn, is more
>> expensive than Market Basket. In spite of the nasty MB near here, I
>> find myself shopping there more.
>>
>
> I also agree about Market Basket, but don't tell my husband. He'd go
> every week if he could. We don't go often because it is not very close
> to home but their prices are worth it. Usually we tie a trip to New
> Hampshire (to the State Store) with a trip to Market Basket.
>
> As for Shaw's, I really really dislike going there. It's not just
> prices, it's the layout of the store that bugs me. Maybe it's because I
> tend to prefer Stop and Shop and feel more comfortable there...I dunno.
> Shaw's tend to be smaller and more cramped too.
>
> I heard a rumor not too long ago that a Wegman's was coming to Westwood.
> Westwood would still be a drive for me, but I would definitely check it
> out.
>
> Tracy

Yes, I'd like to see a Wegman's--not in Westwood though. Shaw's
seem to vary a lot. I was in one a week or so ago in Sudbury (for
those not from this area, it is a pretty upscale town), and it was
just a horrible store. Stop & Shop is pretty good. I was just in
the Watertown one, and it seems to be a phase 2 of reorganization.
That may have been the least desirable one I knew of.

My Market Basket experience is strange, skewed by the one in
Burlington. (Take a peek if you venture out to H-Mart after it
opens.) It is dingy, with very cramped aisles. Very crowded. I
knew they varied a lot, and yet I was stunned when I went to one
in Billerica recently. It was spacious, bright, and not too
crowded even on a Saturday afternoon. (This one was in a strip
mall near Bob's--not the one up the street near K-Mart.) I could
shop there with no pain.

It was nice to see that MB even has some things I generally have
gotten at Whole Foods. Obviously, the price is considerably lower
at MB--and I can use the savings now.

--
Jean B.

Nan wrote:
> On Apr 4, 9:29 am, (Fred/Libby Barclay) wrote:
>> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
>> grocery shopping and how to save.
>>
>> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
>> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>>
>> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
>> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>>
>> The top ten~
>>
>> 1. Wegmans
>> 2. Trader Joe's
>> 3. Publix
>> 4. Raley's
>> 5. Harris-Teeter
>> 6. Fareway
>> 7. Costco
>> 8. Whole Foods
>> 9. Market Basket
>>
>> The bottom ten~
>>
>> 49. Pick 'n Save
>> 50. Dominick's
>> 51. Tops Markets
>> 52. Pathmark
>> 53. Food Lion
>> 54. Giant
>> 55. Winn-Dixie
>> 56. Walmart Supercenter
>> 57. Shaw's
>> 58. A&P
>> 59. Waldbaum's
>>
>> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
>> there even though they hate it!
>>
>> Libby
>
> I would LOVE to have a Wegmans, a Trader Joes, a Whole Paycheck,
> whoops, I meant Whole Foods, and Costco.
> It galls me that we're in the capitol of Delaware and have none of
> these. I wouldn't even mind if we only had to go 30 miles for them,
> but they're all at least 50 miles away.
> We have many of the lowest on the totem pole. It's a shame!!

Wow! I would have thought you'd have these stores there.

--
Jean B.

Tracy wrote:
> Jean B. wrote:
>> We have Shaw's too. I would be curious to know the rating of Stop &
>> Shop. That and Shaw's are the usual grocery stores here. Market
>> Basket, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods too. The MB that is near here
>> is just awful, so I have an irrational prejudice against it. A pity
>> because it is cheaper. Therefore, I do find myself going there more
>> these days.
>>
>
> Which one is that Jean? Just curious - so I know to avoid it. We usually
> shop at one in Nashua.
>
> -Tracy

This one is in Burlington, Mass. Near the almost-closed Expo, and
the closed Linens n Things, if you are at all familiar with the
area. If you are not, perhaps you will venture out after H-Mart
opens. It will have a food court like our favorite Super 88. Now
I read it will also have nonfood stalls!!!!! I am glad I am still
close enough to avail myself of this!

--
Jean B.

Joseph Littleshoes wrote:
>
>
> Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
>> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
>> grocery shopping and how to save.
>>
>> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
>> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>>
>> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
>> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>>
>> The top ten~
>>
>> 1. Wegmans
>> 2. Trader Joe's
>
> For some reason i have started to get Trader Joe's catalogues in the
> mail, up until that happened i was curious about the stores that so many
> people here find fascinating.
>
> Having seen the catalogue im no longer interested. Im pretentious
> enough on my own, i don't need a grocery store to provide me with a
> patina of sophistication at inflated prices
> --
> JL
>
Inflated prices? Compared to what other stores? TJs seems pretty
reasonable to me for many things.

--
Jean B.

Jean B. wrote:
> Tracy wrote:
>> Jean B. wrote:
>>> We have Shaw's too. I would be curious to know the rating of Stop &
>>> Shop. That and Shaw's are the usual grocery stores here. Market
>>> Basket, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods too. The MB that is near here
>>> is just awful, so I have an irrational prejudice against it. A pity
>>> because it is cheaper. Therefore, I do find myself going there more
>>> these days.
>>>
>>
>> Which one is that Jean? Just curious - so I know to avoid it. We
>> usually shop at one in Nashua.
>>
>> -Tracy
>
> This one is in Burlington, Mass. Near the almost-closed Expo, and the
> closed Linens n Things, if you are at all familiar with the area. If
> you are not, perhaps you will venture out after H-Mart opens. It will
> have a food court like our favorite Super 88. Now I read it will also
> have nonfood stalls!!!!! I am glad I am still close enough to avail
> myself of this!
>

Ahh, Burlington. I think that is the one the DH dislikes the most. I
don't go to Burlington much except for the mall.

If H-Mart ever opens, I will definitely be visiting more often. The
Super 88 is such a downer these days...

-Tracy

On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, (Fred/Libby
Barclay) wrote:

>
>I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
>grocery shopping and how to save.
>
>They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
>perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
>They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
>of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
>The top ten~
>
>1. Wegmans
>2. Trader Joe's
>3. Publix
>4. Raley's
>5. Harris-Teeter
>6. Fareway
>7. Costco
>8. Whole Foods
>9. Market Basket
>
>The bottom ten~
>
>49. Pick 'n Save
>50. Dominick's
>51. Tops Markets
>52. Pathmark
>53. Food Lion
>54. Giant
>55. Winn-Dixie
>56. Walmart Supercenter
>57. Shaw's
>58. A&P
>59. Waldbaum's
>
>I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
>there even though they hate it!
>
>Libby

I agree with Winn-Dixie and Walmart supercenters being so low in the
rankings! I went to Walmart for groceries once and it sucked bigtime.
But if you have one of the Walmart 'neighbourhood markets' around it's
a much better shopping environment.

blake murphy wrote:
> On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
>
>> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
>> grocery shopping and how to save.
>>
>> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
>> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>>
>> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
>> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>>
>> The top ten~
>>
>> 1. Wegmans
>> 2. Trader Joe's
>> 3. Publix
>> 4. Raley's
>> 5. Harris-Teeter
>> 6. Fareway
>> 7. Costco
>> 8. Whole Foods
>> 9. Market Basket
>>
>> The bottom ten~
>>
>> 49. Pick 'n Save
>> 50. Dominick's
>> 51. Tops Markets
>> 52. Pathmark
>> 53. Food Lion
>> 54. Giant
>> 55. Winn-Dixie
>> 56. Walmart Supercenter
>> 57. Shaw's
>> 58. A&P
>> 59. Waldbaum's
>>
>> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
>> there even though they hate it!
>>
>> Libby
>
> either that or they don't have the money to go anywhere else.
>
> your pal,
> blake

No, just folks responding to big box marketing. I have been dragged into
walmart supercenters a couple times and know that it would definitely
cost more to buy the same stuff there.

On Apr 4, 9:29*am, (Fred/Libby Barclay) wrote:
> I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> The top ten~
>
> 1. Wegmans
> 2. Trader Joe's
> 3. Publix
> 4. Raley's
> 5. Harris-Teeter
> 6. Fareway
> 7. Costco
> 8. Whole Foods
> 9. Market Basket
>
> The bottom ten~
>
> 49. Pick 'n Save
> 50. Dominick's
> 51. Tops Markets
> 52. Pathmark
> 53. Food Lion
> 54. Giant
> 55. Winn-Dixie
> 56. Walmart Supercenter
> 57. Shaw's
> 58. A&P
> 59. Waldbaum's
>
> I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. *People must shop
> there even though they hate it!
>
> Libby

It's cheap. Period. We have Shaw's in our area, and they have the
longest checkout lines, and generally the least helpful staff, altho
at 9 last night I found one who was good enough to go in back and find
something for me that was on sale and not on the shelf. I wrote him
up, but it took three people to find me the form to do so.

maxine in ri

gilb wrote:

> That's always been a problem I've had with CR. A majority if their "top
> choices" of products they review are frequently not available to the
> average consumer.

Such as? I've never experienced that problem (if it is one?) I'm pretty
darn average.... lol.<wonders if that is something to aspire to?>

Interesting!

Here in South Florida, we have Publix, Walmart, Winn Dixie and Whole
Foods.

We find Publix to be the best across the board but their produce
prices are outrageous.

Walmart is good for national brands, especially canned goods.
Produce is high (red potatos at $1.19/pound recently.) The meat is
awful, probably because most of their meat is Select grade. I suspect
some of it is even Standard grade. Generally lesser-grade foods.

Winn Dixie generally poorly stocked and many foods are not carried.
Procuce very high except for the occasional sale. Meats are not bad,
mostly choice and resonably priced. Lots of "buy one, get one free"
sales.

BJ's club is pretty good and you don't have to buy huge quantities.

Costco is, well, COSTCO. Very nice meat department with good
selections of choice grade beef at good prices. You can't buy just one
steak but you can buy 4 at a nice price.

We also have a number of small, independent produce shops which are
usually lower priced than the chain stores.

DaveinFLL






On Sat, 4 Apr 2009 09:29:49 -0400, (Fred/Libby
Barclay) wrote:

>
>I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
>grocery shopping and how to save.
>
>They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
>perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
>They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
>of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
>The top ten~
>
>1. Wegmans
>2. Trader Joe's
>3. Publix
>4. Raley's
>5. Harris-Teeter
>6. Fareway
>7. Costco
>8. Whole Foods
>9. Market Basket
>
>The bottom ten~
>
>49. Pick 'n Save
>50. Dominick's
>51. Tops Markets
>52. Pathmark
>53. Food Lion
>54. Giant
>55. Winn-Dixie
>56. Walmart Supercenter
>57. Shaw's
>58. A&P
>59. Waldbaum's
>
>I thought it was interesting how low Walmart scored. People must shop
>there even though they hate it!
>
>Libby

Okay.......here are the rest of the stores in the consumer survey. For
some reason I left off #10, so I'll start with that . . .

10. WinCo Foods
11. Stater Bros.
12. Hy-Vee
13. Piggly Wiggly (pertain only to stores
in Wisconsin, Iowa and Ilinois)
14. Aldi
15. Fry's Food Stores
16. Fred Myer
17. Save Mart
18. King Soopers
19. H-E-B
20. SuperTarget
21. Hannaford
22. ShopRite
23. Ingles Markets
24. Schnucks
25. County Market
26. Dillons
27. Price Chopper
28. Cub Foods
29. Sav-a-Lot
30. Big-Y
31. Bashas'
32. Meijer
33. Giant Food Stores
34. Smith's Food & Drug
35. Bi-Lo
36. Vons
37. Kroger
38. Sam's Club
39. Ralphs
40. Weis Markets
41. IGA
42. BJ's Wholesale Club
43. Albertsons
44. Safeway
45. Jewel-Osco
46. Giant Eagle
47. Acme
48. Stop & Sop
49. Pick 'n Save

This survey was held between April 2007 and April 2008. The survey
covers a total of 48, 831 visits; and findings reflect the experiences
of their readers, not necessarily those of the general population.

On Apr 4, 12:25*pm, Andy > wrote:
> > They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> > perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> How ridiculous is that, that they couldn't come up with 32,600 people. Stupid
> price tag mentality BS!!!
>
> My east coast ACME (Albertsons) probably ranks 200 on the Bottom 10 scale!
>
> Andy

The survey is their annual one from last year, so that's how many
folks answered the questions on that part of the survey.

Price is important if you are trying to save. I do shop at a number
of stores, simply because I pass them on my way home. I don't go out
of my way more than half a mile, but then, with so many good produce
and fish stores in the area, why would I? S&S and Shaws are generally
pricier than PriceRite, which has a better selection of the things I
buy than Aldi's which has the good prices on dairy and eggs. I try to
avoid buying wrapped veggies, since the extra packaging is, to me,
wasteful.

maxine in ri

On Apr 4, 2:34*pm, enigma > wrote:
> Tracy > wrote :
>
> > I also agree about Market Basket, but don't tell my husband.
> > He'd go every week if he could. We don't go often because it is
> > not very close to home but their prices are worth it. Usually we
> > tie a trip to New Hampshire (to the State Store) with a trip to
> > Market Basket.
>
> the one in South Nashua is better than the one in Hudson (or it was
> when i lived down that way)... the thing i find odd about all the
> Market Baskets is they all look a bit run down, even the newer
> ones.
>
> > As for Shaw's, I really really dislike going there. It's not
> > just prices, it's the layout of the store that bugs me. Maybe
> > it's because I tend to prefer Stop and Shop and feel more
> > comfortable there...I dunno. Shaw's tend to be smaller and more
> > cramped too.
>
> *there's a Super Shaws in Machester that's really nice, but it's in
> Manchester... i like the Shaws in Concord Heights. it has a
> sensible layout, unlike the ones at Fort Eddy plaza & Hooksett.
>
> > I heard a rumor not too long ago that a Wegman's was coming to
> > Westwood. Westwood would still be a drive for me, but I would
> > definitely check it out.
>
> Wegmans is planning two MA stores, Westwood & Northborough, but
> dates are TBD still.
> lee

Dang them! Neither of those is near anyplace I go regularly!

maxine in ri

On Apr 4, 2:50*pm, Joseph Littleshoes > wrote:
> Fred/Libby Barclay wrote:
> > I received my Consumer Reports magazine yesterday, and it's all about
> > grocery shopping and how to save.
>
> > They surveyed 32,599 people and the rankings are based on service,
> > perishables (quality of meat and produce), price and cleanliness.
>
> > They have 59 stores listed, with the highest overall score being 87 out
> > of 100, and the lowest being 64.
>
> > The top ten~
>
> > 1. Wegmans
> > 2. Trader Joe's
>
> For some reason i have started to get Trader Joe's catalogues in the
> mail, up until that happened i was curious about the stores that so many
> people here find fascinating.
>
> Having seen the catalogue im no longer interested. *Im pretentious
> enough on my own, i don't need a grocery store to provide me with a
> patina of sophistication at inflated prices


Oddly, TJ's prices are not all that bad, on the store brands. And
those are comparable if not better than the sorts of things you'll
find in the mass markets.
maxine in ri

enigma wrote:
> Tracy > wrote in
> :
>
>> I also agree about Market Basket, but don't tell my husband.
>> He'd go every week if he could. We don't go often because it is
>> not very close to home but their prices are worth it. Usually we
>> tie a trip to New Hampshire (to the State Store) with a trip to
>> Market Basket.
>
> the one in South Nashua is better than the one in Hudson (or it was
> when i lived down that way)... the thing i find odd about all the
> Market Baskets is they all look a bit run down, even the newer
> ones.


I feel that way about Safeways, too. Does anyone have any
idea why they keep the produce section very
dark? There are almost no overhead lights although the
produce cases are lit individually. I know bright
lights are bad for potatoes (our Albertson's covers all the
potatoes with burlap bags overnight.)

It always makes me think crawly things will come out of the
vegetables at Safeway and I won't see them.

gloria p