I like this store I really do!
Location - easy on and off the Turnpike, currently Exit 53. VERY EASY to find.
Parking - well, the parking lot can be very crowded and a bit chaotic at 5pm - so much so that I won't go around that time if I have a choice. It's well lit and there aren't usually roaming carts. The customers are usually really good about using the cart racks or even bringing them back inside! I love the residents in this area. There are always carts and baskets available for use. They have CLYNK!! The entrance isn't noisy with bottle return noise and it doesn't smell like a frat house - stale beer/soda and it doesn't get too jammed up with people.
The store is very clean, neat and organized. With that being said, some of the aisles are arranged in a confusing manner.
Aisle 3 = Canned Soup, Canned Vegetables, Gravy, Skin Care, Hair Care, Body Soap.?? I know planograms can be difficult. And I guess if I had to rationalize it....if you ate a lot of gravy, you probably need some acne skin care?? maybe?
The produce area transitions nicely to the local products and organic "healthy" aisles. I don't find that I have to back track, unless I forget something.
I LOVE the pre-made to-go items, from the cheese and fruit containers to the sandwiches and soups near the deli. Healthy and seem fresh.
I can usually find most of what I am looking for...EXCEPT - Bolthouse C-Boost. In the produce/juice section. It is random. What's frustrating for me, is that they try to fill in the space that is supposed to be for C-Boost and they aren't fooling anyone. It is inconsistent and disorganized in that section...hence why I am dropping one star at this time.
The Deli team is very nice and friendly. Although they tried really hard, they were unable to find me a chicken salad option without celery :( They don't sell Willow Tree Chicken Salad.
But they make up for it with all of the LOCAL products...here are a few of my favorites (but please don't buy them all, save some for me): Fox Chips - Simple, Natural Potato Chips, no others like them, Pineland Farm products - Cheese, Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Giffords, BEER...so many to name, baked goods - Marvelous Maple Sticks from Knowlton Corner Farm!! TRY THEM soo very good.
The staff is energetic, sometimes friendly, but they are there to do there job not make friends, right? :) They are very efficient at the registers. At first I was dreading a store that didn't have self-check out or scan wands (like at Stop N Shop), but it doesn't matter because the experience isn't that bad. They are usually pleasant and bag things they way I would :) I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes in a line. WIN!
I will continue to use this store when I am in the area. It really is a great store. read more