I have been a winco shopper for a long time. I always told people to go there that moved to Tacoma or lived around a winco. I am now unfortunately going to say that I have fully moved over to a trader joes customer. Its not that winco is bad, but Trader Joes is so much better for me personally.
First I should say that Winco has stayed open, stocked up, and ready to serve during the entire covid which is always commendable. Without them many people would be in a bad situation, both staff and customer.
Second, when it comes to price you would be hard pressed to find better. They are just cheaper across the board. Meat, produce, cereal, cleaning supplies etc. Additionally they have a killer bulk section with some great snacks worth grabbing.
Third, the store is huge and you should be able find what you are looking for. It is truly a one stop shop.
With all those positive I do have a few negatives. Unfortunately it wasnt until I got to a different store that I noticed some of these issues, but they still need to be state.
First, the lighting is just general warehouse lighting and is pretty bleak. Its not as bad as every big lots that always has a light flickering, but its just florescent hell. You leave during a sunny day and you realize how bad it is. Along with that while I think overall the staff does a decent job, I do feel like there personalities and demeanor could be better. I dont mean that as a dig, but I think more that Winco is probably a place that isnt terrible to work at, but also isnt great so you get a bit of that beat up by the world demeanor going. This could very easily be because of the customers, but I dont know. Still they are faster than every safeway ever, but not as good as most other stores
Second the customers are kind of the worst. If you are curious where to find people who dont where masks or dont where them properly just go to winco. You will typically see many customers fighting the man and the power by keeping their mask just under their nose.
Third quality of produce. Overall I have had great experience with most of their food. I mean I am still planning on buying a couple pork shoulders there in a couple weeks, but when it comes to their fruit and veggies its a complete crap shoot. I have purchased stuff that lasts for weeks and i have purchased stuff that lasts a couple of days. Its just a roll of the dice. You end up paying less than anywhere but its a gamble.
Overall its a decent store. i dont have any real qualms with it, I just prefer going to trader joes more now. I would 100% suggest winco to people still and I dont think its a bad store, just during the covid I want to go to places that make me happy and Trader Joes does that for now. read more