Most Americans live within a few miles of multiple grocery store chains, but will do most of their shopping at one location. How do we decide which grocery store is the right one for us? Here are the key factors I consider when deciding which of the grocery stores near my location will become my home store:
- Freshness of Produce, Meat, and Dairy
A grocery stores produce quality is my number one concern when deciding where to shop. A store with rotting fruits and veggies out on the shelves or even drastically under-ripe fruit are big deterrents for shopping with them on a weekly basis. Look for a store that offers produce that is just ripe or will be in the next day or two. I also prefer stores that offer a wide selection of produce options year round, so look around at the varieties offered in a store you’re considering as your home base.
The same ideas go for the meat and dairy departments. Avoid stores with gray meat on the shelves, or milk for sale past the expiration date. Consider asking store employees about the practices and polices they use to ensure you’re being offer top quality, fresh products.
- Cleanliness of the Store
Are the floors shinny or dirty? Does the air smell fresh or stagnant? Be wary of grocery stores with visible dirt and grime on their shelves. Either they’re severely understaffed, or just don’t care about your shopping experience or general health. Either way, I’d be careful buying anything, especially perishables like meat, dairy, and produce, from stores that display their low quality of cleanliness for their customers.
- Friendliness of the Staff
If you’re like me, you’ll be stopping in at your fresh produce grocery store scranton pa several times a week. That’s a lot of contact with the employees, and you’ll want to consider shopping at a store that can improve your experience by creating a pleasant atmosphere. Maybe even get to know some of the staff a bit! Grocery stores can get busy and sometimes stressful during peak times, so look for a store that offers some friendly, welcoming faces and attitudes.
- Customer Reward Opportunities
Feeding a family today is expensive, and if you’re doing most of your shopping at one grocery store they should be rewarding you. When I consider grocery stores near my location, I look for weekly promotions and offers, club cards for additional discounts, and online shopping with home delivery options. You want a grocery store that gives back!
Keep these factors in mind when choosing a grocery store near you and enjoy a fruitful relationship for years to come!