Wal Mart Plans to shut down 269 stores

[US71]

There's a Wegman's and Trader Joe's in State College..and a Walmart. However, we did our shopping at Wegman's and Trader Joe's because Wegman's just had so much variety that I prefer it over Walmart. However, the markups are high as a space shuttle.

Try Aldi's

[Pete from Boston]

There's a Wegman's and Trader Joe's in State College..and a Walmart. However, we did our shopping at Wegman's and Trader Joe's because Wegman's just had so much variety that I prefer it over Walmart. However, the markups are high as a space shuttle.

Try Aldi's

Aldi runs roughly on the Trader Joe's model (I believe they share an owner)–small store that carries one or few varieties of most of its products.  But while Trader Joe's aims for a high quality level while maintaining a fairly average price point, Aldi seems to go for a very bargain-basement price point and level of refinement.

We have the luxury of Market Basket here, which means that for very low prices I don't have to go for Aldi generics or Costco volume.  It's a wonderful thing.

If I had a choice between Wegman's and Walmart, I'd split my shopping between can't-screw-it-up staples at Walmart and quality-intensive fresh ingredients at Wegman's.

Wegman's is nice, and really kills it on selection (Taylor ham in Massachusetts!) but the prices are often kind of ridiculous and require some careful shopping.


iPhone

[cl94]

There's a Wegman's and Trader Joe's in State College..and a Walmart. However, we did our shopping at Wegman's and Trader Joe's because Wegman's just had so much variety that I prefer it over Walmart. However, the markups are high as a space shuttle.

Try Aldi's

Aldi runs roughly on the Trader Joe's model (I believe they share an owner)–small store that carries one or few varieties of most of its products.  But while Trader Joe's aims for a high quality level while maintaining a fairly average price point, Aldi seems to go for a very bargain-basement price point and level of refinement.

We have the luxury of Market Basket here, which means that for very low prices I don't have to go for Aldi generics or Costco volume.  It's a wonderful thing.

If I had a choice between Wegman's and Walmart, I'd split my shopping between can't-screw-it-up staples at Walmart and quality-intensive fresh ingredients at Wegman's.

Wegman's is nice, and really kills it on selection (Taylor ham in Massachusetts!) but the prices are often kind of ridiculous and require some careful shopping.


iPhone

They do share an owner. I don't like to shop at either.

Something Wegmans will have to do as they continue to expand is pay careful attention to their prices. In their home market of western Upstate New York, their only real competitor is Tops, whose prices are through the roof. Price Chopper competes along I-81 and their prices are no better. Often, the Wegmans store brand is as good as the national brand, but there are times where the prices are ridiculous compared to other places. You mention the selection and that must be something they do better elsewhere, as the New York stores have quite the limited selection for most products.

[Pete from Boston]

Could be.  The stores I've been to here are around 135,000 square feet.  I know this is a lot larger than some I've seen in New York and Pennsylvania (with the notable exception of the flagship in Pittsford, New York).

Good beer prices, too.  My soft spot for Southern Tier can be satisfied for under $10 a six pack, which is a couple of bucks cheaper than the locals.


iPhone

[cl94]

Could be.  The stores I've been to here are around 135,000 square feet.  I know this is a lot larger than some I've seen in New York and Pennsylvania (with the notable exception of the flagship in Pittsford, New York).

Good beer prices, too.  My soft spot for Southern Tier can be satisfied for under $10 a six pack, which is a couple of bucks cheaper than the locals.


iPhone

The flagship is the only store close to that size in the "traditional" market area. Very few have a sit-down restaurant (there are 3 including the flagship). I've yet to find a store in this part of the state that has the beer selection of Wegmans (or Tops, for that matter), either. The Price Chopper flagship ("Ghetto Bistro") has that selection, but that's only one location. Don't even get me started on Hannaford's miserable beer selection.

[vdeane]

Could be.  The stores I've been to here are around 135,000 square feet.  I know this is a lot larger than some I've seen in New York and Pennsylvania (with the notable exception of the flagship in Pittsford, New York).

Good beer prices, too.  My soft spot for Southern Tier can be satisfied for under $10 a six pack, which is a couple of bucks cheaper than the locals.


iPhone

The flagship is the only store close to that size in the "traditional" market area. Very few have a sit-down restaurant (there are 3 including the flagship). I've yet to find a store in this part of the state that has the beer selection of Wegmans (or Tops, for that matter), either. The Price Chopper flagship ("Ghetto Bistro") has that selection, but that's only one location. Don't even get me started on Hannaford's miserable beer selection.

There are a few larger stores in NY besides Pittsford.  Calkins Rd, DeWitt, and Canandaigua come to mind.

I can only hope that the Market 32 rebranding improves the rest of the Price Choppers to be more like Market Bisto in a way besides the color pallette, but I'm not holding my breath (and if they were going to rebrand them all, why not make Market Bistro part of Market 32 or all the Market 32s Market Bistro?).

[Takumi]

Good beer prices, too.  My soft spot for Southern Tier can be satisfied for under $10 a six pack, which is a couple of bucks cheaper than the locals.

Down here, Kroger serves that purpose for me. Better selection than most other stores, good prices. Most of them have a $9.99 create-your-own 6-pack that I've used to try out different beers. The one across from where I work doesn't have that, but it oddly does have some beers the others don't.

[cl94]

Could be.  The stores I've been to here are around 135,000 square feet.  I know this is a lot larger than some I've seen in New York and Pennsylvania (with the notable exception of the flagship in Pittsford, New York).

Good beer prices, too.  My soft spot for Southern Tier can be satisfied for under $10 a six pack, which is a couple of bucks cheaper than the locals.


iPhone

The flagship is the only store close to that size in the "traditional" market area. Very few have a sit-down restaurant (there are 3 including the flagship). I've yet to find a store in this part of the state that has the beer selection of Wegmans (or Tops, for that matter), either. The Price Chopper flagship ("Ghetto Bistro") has that selection, but that's only one location. Don't even get me started on Hannaford's miserable beer selection.

There are a few larger stores in NY besides Pittsford.  Calkins Rd, DeWitt, and Canandaigua come to mind.

I can only hope that the Market 32 rebranding improves the rest of the Price Choppers to be more like Market Bisto in a way besides the color pallette, but I'm not holding my breath (and if they were going to rebrand them all, why not make Market Bistro part of Market 32 or all the Market 32s Market Bistro?).

I'd rather have the mirrors than the color scheme they chose. It's hideous. I do wonder if they'll make some of their larger locations in wealthier locations not a short drive from Latham Market Bistros as well (Queensbury, Burlington...). I have yet to be in a Market 32, but the Ghetto Choppers certainly need updating. Hell, I'd be fine if they just rebranded Delaware Avenue, Lansingburgh, Dix Avenue (Glens Falls), Lake George, Schenectady, and Menands to "Ghetto Chopper" and leave them unrenovated.

Price Chopper in general is really hit or miss. The ones near me suck, but the Queensbury one is amazing and always has been. I will mention that, while Hannaford has renovated most of their locations, Ghetto Chopper has not and the rebrand might bring them into the 21st Century.

The $9.99 six pack is a common thing. Both Western New York chains (Tops, Wegmans) have it, as does Price Chopper. Beer is one of the only things I buy at Price Chopper because they actually have decent stuff. What's nice about Price Chopper's selection is that they do a really good job of carrying at least one thing from just about all of the breweries within a couple hours (and there are a LOT).

[Pete from Boston]

The make-your-own-six-pack is $11.99 at Wegman's here. 

The Price Choppers I knew in Western Mass 25 years ago were the supermarket of last resort.  They were dingy and harshly lit and felt about as refined as a Costco.

When I returned to them ten or fifteen years later, all much newer stores, they were completely on par with other regional players–Big Y, Star, Hannaford's, etc.  Well laid out, decent selection, and prices on par with others in the mid-market grocery tier (no longer the bargain level).

I would have a better formed opinion, I'm sure, if I shopped there regularly, but the dozen or so times I've been to Price Chopper in the past ten years have been completely acceptable.


iPhone

[Rothman]

Frankly, I find Price Chopper's prices to be ridiculous around here.  If I wanted to pay that much (heh), I'd go to Hannaford's, which I think is better for the prices paid.

I'd go to Walmart/Shop Rite/Aldi before ever considering Price Chopper.

...

Going back to my experience growing up in the Pioneer Valley of MA, Price Chopper was the supermarket of choice in Hadley, MA back in the very early 1980s.  That was before Stop & Shop moved to take over the Zayre space where it is now and became Super Stop & Shop.  Then, Big Y came to town and people really didn't know what to make of it until a couple of years after it opened its doors.  Now, it's quite the mainstay.

I'd bet that the customer base did go from Price Chopper to Super Stop & Shop to Big Y from, say, 1980 to the mid-1990s.

There was a local supermarket called Louis' in Amherst that was located where CVS is now on North Pleasant and then it moved and expanded in a shopping center at Amity and University.  I think Whole Foods really killed it off since its customers were basically yuppies (despite Bread and Circus being there beforehand; something different about Whole Foods must have stepped up the competition). 

Not sure how Aldi is faring there now, either.

[Pete from Boston]

I remember Louis'.  They became part of DeGeronimo Brothers Victory Supermarkets in the 1990s, a chain that was in turn bought out by Hannaford in 2004 or so.  The Amherst store was closed, subdivided, and is now a bar and brewpub after a stint as a gym.

That Price Chopper is now a Big Y.  I never found Big Y such a great deal, but the stores are nice.

Price Chopper bought out Big D in Worcester 20 or so years ago and is now within 30 miles of Boston.  I am sure the heavy competition here keeps them from getting much closer.


iPhone

[Takumi]

The $9.99 six pack is a common thing. Both Western New York chains (Tops, Wegmans) have it, as does Price Chopper. Beer is one of the only things I buy at Price Chopper because they actually have decent stuff. What's nice about Price Chopper's selection is that they do a really good job of carrying at least one thing from just about all of the breweries within a couple hours (and there are a LOT).

Yeah, the Krogers here have a lot of beers from Virginia breweries (and some from other Mid-Atlantic states as well). I've only seen one Food Lion that has a make-your-own 6-pack, and the selection wasn't as good. I don't know if the Martin's (Giant) down the street has it or not.

[Pete from Boston]

Trader Joe's has it at least at one of their three Massachusetts stores that sell beer and wine.  The selection isn't great.

[cl94]

Price Chopper bought out Big D in Worcester 20 or so years ago and is now within 30 miles of Boston.  I am sure the heavy competition here keeps them from getting much closer.

With the push to become more like Wegmans, Price Chopper might be pushing further east. Stop & Shop and Shaw's are crap.

[Pete from Boston]

But Market Basket kills wherever it goes, in already-crowded Eastern Mass./New Hampshire (Stop & Shop and Shaw's make this easy), and is expanding west.

To the south Price Chopper bumps into ShopRite.  ShopRite mostly competes on price, so if Price Chopper sets itself up to be another Wegman's, it will not be able to easily take on both.

[cl94]

But Market Basket kills wherever it goes, in already-crowded Eastern Mass./New Hampshire (Stop & Shop and Shaw's make this easy), and is expanding west.

To the south Price Chopper bumps into ShopRite.  ShopRite mostly competes on price, so if Price Chopper sets itself up to be another Wegman's, it will not be able to easily take on both.

Price Chopper is already expanding south. They've gotten into southern Orange County, NY. They're almost to the northern extent of Wegmans' Mid-Atlantic territory. I know they're getting into New Hampshire as well. Their strategy appears to combine those of Wegmans, ShopRite, and Tops (3 of their major competitors). They have the prepared foods (albeit not as good as Wegmans) with the brand selection, card deals, and gas programs of the latter two.

From what I can tell, ShopRite is only cheap if you have their card and buy stuff on sale, which is the same strategy as Price Chopper. Main thing I get at ShopRite is cold cuts (they have Boar's Head). Would shop there more, but I don't see a point in driving past several Hannafords and Price Choppers to get to the nearest ShopRite.

[Scott5114]

I like how this thread about Walmart, a predominately southern/plains/Midwest chain, has devolved into discussion about a bunch of Northeastern chains that barely compete with Walmart.

[PHLBOS]

Trader Joe's has it at least at one of their three Massachusetts stores that sell beer and wine.  The selection isn't great.

According to Trader Joe's website, Massachusetts has 12 stores; 4 of those sell beer & wine (3 of those 4 sell spirits as well).  The main reason why the selection isn't that great is that those stores weren't originally designed/built with additional salesfloor space for alcoholic beverages in mind (MA being allowed to sell such in conventional grocery stores is only a recent thing).

I like how this thread about Walmart, a predominately southern/plains/Midwest chain, has devolved into discussion about a bunch of Northeastern chains that barely compete with Walmart.

LOL.  It's funny how all that works out.   

[Rothman]

That Price Chopper is now a Big Y.  I never found Big Y such a great deal, but the stores are nice.

iPhone

Right.  That's the Big Y I was referring to in my nostalgic, sloppy writing.

[Pete from Boston]

Trader Joe's has it at least at one of their three Massachusetts stores that sell beer and wine.  The selection isn't great.

According to Trader Joe's website, Massachusetts has 12 stores; 4 of those sell beer & wine (3 of those 4 sell spirits as well).  The main reason why the selection isn't that great is that those stores weren't originally designed/built with additional salesfloor space for alcoholic beverages in mind (MA being allowed to sell such in conventional grocery stores is only a recent thing).

It was three for any chain by statutory limit but apparently that changed in 2012 to five (with increases to seven in 2016 and nine in 2020).  I hadn't noticed the increase.

[froggie]

...a bunch of Northeastern chains that barely compete with Walmart.

Not entirely true in some of the echelons in Northern New England...

[cl94]

...a bunch of Northeastern chains that barely compete with Walmart.

Not entirely true in some of the echelons in Northern New England...

They compete with Walmart around here. Walmart's largest US store is in Albany and one of the very few northeastern Neighborhood Markets is in Schenectady...across the street from a Price Chopper. Just about every location is a Supercenter. In a saturated market that has 3 other "traditional" supermarket chains and 3 "discount" chains, they're certainly a player.

[Pete from Boston]

There are not Walmarts here inside 128, but they are cited as a factor in every business section article about supermarkets here, so they are clearly placing pressure on the market.

A Walmart neighborhood market was planned for Assembly Square in Somerville.  Somerville being a city with a lot of wealthy activists, the locals got the city to refuse to allow it (on what grounds I don't know).  Because, you know, Walmart Evil, Target Saintly.  But it would have been absolutely slammed with folks from the adjoining lower-income neighborhood.  The building has remained empty since 2009.

[cl94]

But it would have been absolutely slammed with folks from the adjoining lower-income neighborhood.

That, my friend, is why. A lot of the anti-Walmart people are anti-poor people. In terms of how employees are paid/treated, Target is no better. For some reason, it just gets a whiter and wealthier crowd (that is often a hell of a lot more annoying than the Walmart crowd). Unless my travels bring me near a Target, I typically avoid them because the shoppers are annoying and the cashiers are slow and chatty.

[Pete from Boston]

I have to correct my statement: the city did not oppose the store, just vocal residents.  I was conflating this with city opposition to Ocean State Job Lot, a Big Lots type of retailer, moving into an empty supermarket space in the same poor but rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.  There the opposition, loaded heavily with vocal new homebuyers, called the store too low-quality for their expectations.  The building remains empty since 2007, presumably waiting for Whole Foods to notice it.