I don't really like the Coles-Woolies supermarket stranglehold, but still find myself a regular at Coles Blackwood. It's partly good, old fashioned guilt - I often park there when I am going to the gym, and it seems it is the least I can do to give them my business in exchange for that convenience. But it's also the pick of Blackwood's supermarkets with its nice modern, spacious fit out and well designed checkouts, including the self scanning option which is handy at busy times. I was a checkout chick in my former life, so I don't mind a bit of scanning (there do seem to be a few bugs in the system - it seems to get cross at me and demands I seek assistance - or perhaps I am losing my touch!). The fruit and veg is good, and even when you are there close to closing time its pretty well stocked. The bakery section is all too tempting (the multigrain sourdough is addictive) and so the health food section is quite extensive (ie coconut oil, rice malt syrup, lots of organic, alternative grains and quinoa are all there). I get annoyed that I need a coin for most of the smaller trolleys - I wouldn't have picked Blackwood as a hotspot of trolley thievery, but I guess the business has the right to protect its assets as it sees fit. The checkout staff are a friendly, efficient bunch, even at five to nine on weeknights. Best of all, my fellow gym junkies shop here also and noone ever looks twice at my dishevelled, post workout self!
Convenient, with lots of choice - recommended. read more