Super Target vs. Corner Store: Which do you prefer?
My co-editor asks an interesting question from the New York Times: http://chewonthatblog.com/2008/09/10/super-target-vs-corner-store-which-do-you-prefer/
Super-Target vs. Corner Store: Which Do You Prefer?
I have a hunch I know what you Serious Eaters are going to say...
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15 Comments:
Local stores are nice if I'm in a rush or making something with ingredients they might specially have there, but I have no problem with larger stores either, it's a lot more convenient because they tend to have everything I need in one trip, and a ton of varieties.
msalixandrea at 6:07PM on 09/12/08
"corner store" here means gas station, so that's out of the question. But I like the small scale of the Asian market down the street, although it has obvious limitations. Unfortunately I don't have a small market or bodega to pop into, it's all overcrowded supermarkets or Whole Foods -- an ordeal any way you look at it.
renzata at 7:43PM on 09/12/08
Corner store! We have a nice, clean Save Mart here where the produce is beautiful and fresh (and mostly local) and the employees know the customers and treat them well. We don't have a Super Target. We do, however, have a Super Wal-Mart, where I'm told (out of principle I have never set foot in it as it would be the equivalent of going to the Dark Side) the selection is no better and the prices are actually higher. And you can forget decent service. Of course, that's all if you can find a parking spot first.
buffy at 7:57PM on 09/12/08
With six big box supermarkets within a few miles of my house - a "corner" convenience store simply could not survive. I have actually drive farther out to hit a Supertarget because it has more of the staples I buy in one place than any other store. I then hit one of the closer stores if I am cooking that night for fresh produce or meats. I also have access to 'specialty' stores which I hit on occasion (such as a butcher and a baker within blocks)
@buffy
*rolls eyes* Get over yourself - Super WalMart and Targets do more to bring cheap produce to lower income people than 'corner' or 'convenience' store has ever been able to do.
bravian at 8:30PM on 09/12/08
The corner stores you speak of do not exist where I live, they are gas stations. I'm doing just fine with my big-boxes (Target) and not so big boxes (Sprouts).
**I do wish stores would carry more local produce.**
AliNC at 3:57PM on 09/13/08
all the walmarts and super targets did was run off the little independent grocers......they suck
onepercent99 at 4:56PM on 09/13/08
Amen to that, onepercent... in our area they started out cheaper than everyone else, and once several of the other smaller groceries closed down, they raised their prices so they are now more expensive than the smaller store where I regularly shop.
I did forget about the FoodsCo, though--a Ralph's-owned big box store that is really good. It's just so far out of my way I don't actually save any money by shopping there.
buffy at 5:22PM on 09/13/08
Our large chain grocery, Giant Eagle, turned into a mega Market District store touting the freshest produce, great organics, etc., even cooking classes and book-signings. But you now need to budget 45 minutes to go, park at your own risk, get bread and milk (on opposite sides of the store) and check-out. Their prices are ridiculously high. In addition, they feature their own brands (crappy), and Valu-Time brands (even crappier). There's a limited selection of national brands. Many, myself included, have migrated to the local mom and pop market. It's literally a mom and pop spot, formerly known as Ruth and Fred's, now Ruthfred's Market. Although very small, they stock locally-grown produce and all the popular national brands, just in limited quantity. When I buy meat, I call to the butcher who is always in sight, and ask him to cut me whatever I need. He's great and the meat is very reasonably priced and fresh as can be.
Ironically, when the big super store opened, sales at mom and pops increased. Many still go to the biggie for large volume shopping, especially to get specialty items, organics, etc. But I won't buy meat there anymore. Long live Ruthfred's!
Josdean at 4:33PM on 09/14/08
@Josdean: Are you in PGH? where is this Ruthfred's you speak of? I totally agree with the budgeting extra grocery time to go there. Not to mention the weird way to exit the store (at least the Shadyside one).
There is a locally owned chain store near me, that I don't buy from because it smells bad. It doesn't look dirty, but it just doesn't smell right. I shop a the giant eagle, but try my best to supplement with going to a great farmer's market.
Geeka at 6:53PM on 09/14/08
My "corner store" is one of the smaller of a locally owned chain. I shop there on a weekly (sometimes daily) basis, shop the farmer's market for most fresh produce, and hit the big box stores once every month or two to stock up on some items.
IndyGal at 7:36PM on 09/14/08
@ Geeka - I'm PGH. My Market District is the other one in the South Hills. I've had more close calls mowing down old ladies and kids with tunnel vision than I care to count in the ridiculously-designed parking lot. Ruthfred's Market is in Bethel Park (pretty much a haul for you). Smells fine, but you have to check the dates on certain items like yeast that don't move very well. Still, it's my go-to when I'm in the middle of a recipe and I ran out of ?????. I do get my veggies and fruits at a farm stand 20 minutes away past Trax during the growing season. I enjoy the drive into the country and the nice grandmotherly lady always tells me what's "good" that day.
Josdean at 10:39AM on 09/15/08
We have no Super Target, but even if we did I think I would have to say our corner stores. Within 3 or so miles we have Trader Joes, Fresh and Easy, Ranch 99 (Asian Market), Vallarta (Mexican Market), Jons (Armenian/Mexican), Cambridge Farms (Israeli), Ralphs (Kroger) and Pavillions (Safeway), Whole Foods and Gelson's (upscale supermarket). Produce is generally cheap at the ethnic markets and most spices are readily available.
LearP at 7:35PM on 09/15/08
Oh, to have a corner market! My choice is Dillons (Kroger) or Walmart.
I avoid WM whenever possible so have to use one of the 4 Dillons in my area. I was in Greensburg, KS recently (small town flattened by an F-5 tornado). The ONLY store they have is a Kwikshop and have to drive 30 miles to the nearest Dillons so I'm glad for what is available. That said, I just spent a few days at my daughter's home near Dallas and really enjoyed shopping at Central Market. I told her it was pretty pathetic when I have to get my highs by cruising the supermarket aisles. It's probably a good thing it's 400 miles away.
dutchgal at 9:47PM on 09/15/08
Thanks everyone for the responses. I could see now where corner store would sound like gas station! Haha. But you know what we meant :)
Chew on That at 2:37PM on 09/17/08
Corner stores I use for beer, cigs, emergency itiems, I'm too lazy to go to mega market stuff. Target, I go twice a year but not for food, other household crap I need. As for Walmart, never been to one in my life.
pjracz10 at 10:19AM on 09/19/08