Already one of the best of any in the Albertson's chain Treasure Valley locations, it is now even better since a store wide re-vamp. I had not been here in nearly nine months and popped in to pick up 'one quick thing' because I am not an "Albertson's shopper.". But finding all the great improvements I browsed around the aisles for a hour or better. I sipped a tall dark roast from the in-store Starbuck's and 'shopped as entertainment'. No kidding. In Albertson's. And instead of 'one quick thing', I filled up a cart with many treasures. My status may change from "once in a blue moon when I'm desperate" shopper to semi-regular if the GOOD CHANGES hold up. As follows...
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Service has always been friendly when people were tracked down and asked. But this time service was proactive: "are you finding what you need?...any questions I can answer?" and still friendly. Everyone working there seemed proud of the new improvements and eager to help.
CHEESE: The deli section has been rearranged for better space planning and to allow expansion of the cheese section to include artisan cheese case and counter staffed by a super friendly cheesemonger (in training) who is really helpful and can recommend options, let you sample, and custom cut and wrap your choice. This is a work in progress for what they stock but I think they'll get there if enough customers ask. This area is light and bright and spacious and the service sparkles too
DELI - SALAD BAR: We don't buy prepared deli products or deli meats, but looking at the sparkling clean and well stocked case that included brands like Boar's Head, if you're a deli case shopper, this could be just the ticket. And there is a hot bar and salad bar for take out at the deli too. None of the items on it would be our thing, but I can think of a friend who eschews anything leafy green and appreciates all other salad items and I think it would be his thing. (Yes, CY...I'm talkin' to you.)
PRODUCE: The produce section has been rearranged and expanded. It was well stocked and "presented"...that takes human beings having pride in display of the product and we thanked the guy doing the work for making it so. The organic produce, which is our 'jam' has been expanded too. It's still far behind Whole Foods, the Co-Op and Fred Meyer for organic produce options, but it is light years better than any other Albertsons.
BINS: They've added a bulk bin section, or expanded it perhaps, with some good options of all kinds of grains, beans, nuts, candies, dried fruit and so on.
VINO & BREW: You can still find Apothic and other "I'm only using this stuff to braise" brands here but the wine section seems much expanded for both shelves of options and in the refrigerator case with varietals and country or state of origin easy to id if you're shopping that way. (Note: There is a Kuna Idaho winery making Pinot Noir. No kidding. No. I was not brave enough to buy it.) I sure didn't expect to find Far Niente Cabs at Albertsons, but so I did here. There was also a yuuuuuugggge walk in for beer if that's your thing.
PRODUCT: We buy very little in the way of processed foods but brands we use like California Ranch for olive oils, Stonewall for jams, Bob's Red Mill and Lundberg for rice and ancient grains, King Arthur for flour, Mezzetta for olives and roasted peppers are all present and accounted for as well as lots and lots of other higher end packaged goods. They still have the abundance of processed stuff like commercially canned soups and cereals if that's your 'jam', but now with options beyond that.
FLORIST SECTION: Already OK, it is now much improved for fresh product variety and service both.
GOOD SPACE PLANNING & STOCKING: The aisles are well laid out and everything was well stocked and logically arranged.
PS - They do the "order for delivery" out of this store. Also, there is a drive through window on the side where you can "pre-order for pick up". I shop for entertainment. But if you don't, there are options for you! read more