...Advertisement...

...Advertisement...

September 10, 2008

Shrinking grocery stores

Nationwide, some grocery stores are getting smaller. We've discussed the pros and cons of big box stores versus smaller storefronts. Here is a story about how some grocery chains are squeezing their product selections into shorter aisles and slimmer buildings.

In the Roanoke Valley, it seems that our newest grocery stores are only getting larger. Kroger’s new store in the Bonsack area measures 84,000 square feet, its largest store in the Roanoke Valley. Ukrop’s Super Market’s store is 58,000 square feet.

Next to these giants, there’s Fresh Market, sporting a 25,000 square foot location, inside a retail center.

There are times that I don’t mind shopping at large grocers. But I find the food items that I want so much faster when the store is smaller.

What’s your ideal grocery store size?

Comments

# 1

[September 10, 2008 6:26 PM]

jamie

I enjoy the smaller stores. I went to the new Kroger at Bonsack and do not understand why they feel the need to chop up the aisles. Now I need to use a map just to figure out what section of aisle "12" my cereal is on.

# 2

[September 10, 2008 7:21 PM]

Other John

It really depends. I like the Kroger in Blacksburg that is now around 50,000 SF and expanding to around 80,000. I know where things are and they have the selection I want. However, I also like places like Fresh Market or Whole Foods, where it's more of a small grocery section with larger fresh food market areas, because the quality of the fresh selections cannot be beat. I generally avoid the SuperCenter type grocery areas though, because I've gotten too many out of date items, and I've never been impressed with prices or variety offered.

# 3

[September 11, 2008 2:19 AM]

Debi

I like the Food Lion store size. It also seems like the parking lots are easier for me to get in and out. Their layouts are very similar at all stores so I don't have to search forever in a different store.
Kroger stores are all different and some are so big and the layout is so strange that I avoid them altogether.
Don't like shopping for groceries at Wal-Mart since the parking is horrible.
I really like the small store size at Sav-A-Lot but they don't have a lot of the name brands items that I prefer. I do shop there frequently for basic items.

I guess that makes me a small store shopper.

# 4

[September 11, 2008 1:29 PM]

Di

I like the larger stores like the Bonsack Kroger for most of my grocery needs, but their layout needs re-vamping... it's chopped up. Fresh produce is expensive there though so I shop the Country Market in Bonsack for my veggies and really enjoy that it has an old fashioned feel to the place. Guess it's 50/50 with me.

# 5

[September 11, 2008 1:30 PM]

Greg

Jamie I am in the Bonsack Kroger right now and I've been lost in here for days. Can you tell me where the maps are or at least tell me how to get out?

:-)

# 6

[September 11, 2008 3:51 PM]

jamie

Customer Service *did* have them last I checked. I think I'll laminate mine for future trips. :)

# 7

[September 11, 2008 10:02 PM]

Jenny

Di,
Where is the Country Market in Bonsack? I'm sure there are many people who, like you, prefer market settings, such as farmers markets, for produce. And you don't have to take time to find the produce section in a mega store.

# 8

[September 12, 2008 12:38 AM]

Adowntownbusiness

They must be thinking of the garden center-produce-gift store on 460 on the right, out of Roanoke near Bonsack. It seems like it's gone to more of a gift store than produce place.

Speaking of the new Bonsack Kroger, I like it much better than the tiny one down the street (heard Big Lots is moving there). My only complaint is that the aisle markers only tell you what is in the front or back half of the aisle, and with the lighting, unless I've gone blind, makes it hard to read the signs as to what is in the other half of the aisle without going down it. Hmmm, maybe that's the plan!

# 9

[September 15, 2008 11:18 AM]

Dennis

I like smaller stores. We love to go to Christiansburg and shop at Wade's Supermarket and Dollar General Market. I also like Big Lots and the regular Dollar General for grocery items they have that I use. Save a lot of money in there, too! Kroger for meat and produce, (Salem Farmer's Market for produce during the summer!) and, as seldom as possible, Wal-Mart when I need a lot of "basic" items. Blah! Half a day just to park, walk a mile to the store, walk 2 more miles through the "big box," and then wait in line 30 minutes once I'm through shopping! What am I thinking!!!???

# 10

[September 17, 2008 10:09 PM]

Jenny

Adowntownbusiness,
Thanks for the tip about Big Lots and the former Kroger space. I'll check into it.

Post a comment





.....Advertisement.....