esrosedotblog

Things are shaking in the super market business.

I see some changes at my local.

I am going through some changes myself.

I recently left Stater Brothers, a "local" chain for the closer, bigger and better, Ralphs. Really Kroger masquerading as a local chain. Super super. But not too super.

I made the move because of some vague understanding that things were not up to snuff at the old place. Problems with outdated merchandise and then shortages of critical items. Produce not quite as good as it used to be.

My impression was that they were trying to lower costs and it was showing. Not in good ways.

A huge employee turnover was a symptom as well. New faces, not too smart clerks. Obvious personality conflicts. Not good when the help knocks the store, management or other workers.

The new place is loaded with products. It has a two tier private label line with an upscale set of products that I really like because they are new-ish and very good quality.

There is also a difference with the "privilege card" system. Staters made a thing about their lack of one but I quit believing their story. Ralph's prices can be astonishing. The yellow tag system is not unique but they are moving the deals around all the time. I do not shop on price but there it is in front of me. Irresistible not to get engaged with it. Again, the private label stuff is amazingly less money than the branded.

I have not seen the electronic stuff but they do have the self checking. I don't go for it actually. But it does siphon off the other customers who do use it. The one or two or three item folks, which I rarely am. I am not actually a candidate for self checkout because the space wouldn't hold all my items.

We do have this though. QueVision.

Why Your Grocery Store Is Installing Military Cameras

I have seen those signs and had no idea what they were for. Another thing which does not apply to me normally as I only shop before there is anyone else in the store and there is no waiting. Period.

Oh, the people. Obviously competent. Interested. Friendly. On the job. They know the layout cold.

The checkers are fast, fast, fast and even at my early time the manager who is stationed right in the center of the checkouts helps bag. And s/he talks and banters with the workers and the customers. Very nice energy. They are proud of their store and they show it.

The staff on duty in the morning is enormous. Some are just at the end of their shifts but there are others starting. There are very few aisles without "help".

I don't shop for anything else anywhere any time. I have John to do a lot of this. I use online.

But the groceries? I am the cook. I love to wallow in the store and I grew up in supermarkets. Even worked there. My Dad was a lifer with A&P. I know a good one and I know a not so good one and will go in that good direction every time.

Labels: food, shopping