Ukrop’s update
I wrote a story in today’s newspaper about Ukrop’s Super Market’s performance more than six months after the grocer disclosed its troubles building sales and customers at its Roanoke store.
You may have noticed that this Richmond grocer is waving triple coupon offers on Saturdays at its Roanoke location on Franklin Road. Starting next month, you also can receive these triple coupon deals on Wednesdays. This is one example of the grocer’s new efforts to pull in more customers in Roanoke.
June 27 marks this Roanoke store’s two-year anniversary.
Also, you may be interested in this story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about Ukrop’s battle for market share in the Richmond area. Ukrop’s dropped to No. 2 behind Food Lion in the latest market share report.
June 19, 2009 - 10:04 AM
Open on sundays or forget it.
Ukrops is going to fail here in Roanoke it is only a matter of time. First of all, they are not open on Sundays when I would say the majority of people do their shopping. Secondly, they do not sale alcohol, maybe if this was 1920 they would succeed, but it is not. They simply have failed to change with the times since they were established. Lastly, the overall service at Ukrops is terrible when compared to Kroger. They will not scan their little Ukrops Saver Card if you do not have one, even if it is to save 10 cents on some soda.
Love the deli and prepared foods. Items in bakery are way too dry (especially the pastries) and overpriced. I bought a decorated birthday cake right after they opened and ended up throwing it away. I was embarassed as no one would eat it because it was so dry and had a stale taste. I did try shopping there for groceries one time, but ended up buying only a few things and then going to Kroger to finish my shopping. Not a huge selection or variety, and prices were high. No one wants to go to multiple sites to do basic grocery shopping. I may go there now on Triple Coupon days, but only to buy items for which I have a coupon. Getting in and out of that shopping area is difficult coming from all directions, and I suspect Walgreen’s customer traffic will be less than anticipated when it opens.
Not living in Roanoke or even within an hour of the store, we don’t shop there. If we did live in the area, we likely still wouldn’t shop there because of how our schedules work. We usually can’t shop until late in the evening or on Sundays, and Kroger/Food Lion/Wal-Mart are all open when we are actually able to shop. We do the bulk of our shopping with Kroger, but still use FL & WM for some things. We also get specialty items from Eats Natural Foods. I have no problem with a chain not selling alcohol or being open on Sundays…it’s certainly their choice to do so. But, it seems as though some additional market research into the Roanoke area, shopping patterns, and the particular site they located to was needed, because it does not appear that the market was right for them to come here.
Ukrops is a beautiful store, but it remains too expensive. There are a number of items that I would buy but they are 20-30% higher than the same products at Fresh Market and Kroger. Do they not do any type of local marketing intelligence? I want them to succeed because Roanoke cannot afford to have another large business go under, but I still beleive that Ukrops needs to align its prices with its competition – or at least get alot closer.
The problem is that people are treating them as a second Fresh Market. And the pattern established with Fresh Market is to go there for your high-end specialty items and prepared food, then hop over to the nearby Kroger for everyday items. If Ukrop’s wanted to be everyone’s full-service, one-stop supermarket, they should have picked a location that wasn’t so close to other similar (and often cheaper) options.
Also, I hate their layout for the “normal” half of the store. Not sure what it is, but I don’t really feel comfortable in those aisles. And things aren’t laid out as logically as I’d like, either; I always have trouble finding things there.
Of course the Sunday thing doesn’t help when you’re trying to establish yourself as a person’s #1 go-to spot for groceries and supplies. Convenience is a big factor when you’re going out for last-minute ingredients, etc., and having to think about whether they’ll be open or not is annoying. And once you’ve had to go to Kroger a few times as your backup, you start learning their layout and it becomes easier to just go there every time.
I respect the fact that they do not sell out their values. Thats enough reason for me to find time to shop there.
A store at Keagy Village or other trendy areas would be an ideal location. The location is really affecting the performance of this Ukrop’s. I sadly, would cut my losses there….but not leave the Roanoke market entirely.
With more homework, Ukrop’s can make it and thrive in Roanoke. The developer chosen was a mistake right out of the gate. Clearly, the Ukrops’s chose to ignore some obvious warning signs in that regard.
Bottom line, if you are putting a single store in a city dominated by Kroger you had best choose a location only after doing an immense amount of studying the area.
well put Greg…their current location is abysmal
It may sound counterintuitive, but I think they need to open a second store somewhere else in the area. The expense of shipping all of the material from Richmond has to be affecting the overall bottom line. A second store would help with the cost and would provide another location if Franklin Road isn’t convenient. Being in a standalone location also hurt. Most Kroger’s and other grocery stores are part of a larger shopping center. Just having a Walgreen’s probably won’t cut it.
I love ukrops for there meat, I love how you can buy meatloaf already seasoned for me that cuts alot down on my time when I have a busy day ahead. They are a little high but they give a little more variety.
I almost never go grocery shopping without wine on the list. Kroger is my chief store, but I will go to Fresh Market also if necessary for upscale items. Why would I go to Ukrops?
Wow. I just don’t understand all the negative comments about Ukrops. The store is 100% cleaner then Kroger and food lion. The service has always been excellant. The fruit, vegetable and meat products are of a much higher quality than at Kroger. Next time you get any lunch meat at Kroger take a look at the slicer and then compare to Ukrops. We do almost all our shopping there and our costs have remained the same if not lower than compared to Kroger.
I would agree that perhaps the location and the economic downfall may have contributed to the slow sales. However, the Sunday and non alcohol excuses seem like a weak reason for not to frequent a quality store. A few posters comment that Ukrops should have done more market research or needs to change their ways to succeed here. Maybe we need to be open to change so stores like Ukrops will decide to open in our area.
From the start I have applauded Ukrops policy of not being open on Sundays. For that same reason I will frequent Chik-Fil-A when I can. I also find their location convenient for me as I live just about a mile from the store. I do find it easy to get in and out of their parking lot and I suppose for the slow business usually I can park fairly close to the door which is great for my bad knee! I do check the specials there and take advantage of that whenever I can. Some of their sales are pretty good in value. As far as Beer sales go that I don’t see why that should be a problem. Beer is sold on almost every street corner of this town. Maybe that is a factor if beer is your number one item on your grocery shopping list.
That is the positive things I can say about Ukrops.
On the down side, I find thier selection limited on many products compared to Super Walmarts, Kroger and even Food Lion. Their selection of bread products is also very limited. They also need to do something about their bakery. The quality of the products offered there is mediocre at best. The prices of certain pastries are way out of line compared to other stores. I can purchase similar items of better quality at Walmart for 32c each compared to 89c and a $1.19 at Ukrops. That is a huge difference and the Walmart baked products are much superior in freshness and flavor. Maybe my mature years is setting in on me but for some reason as many times as I have been to Ukrops I have trouble navigating through that store unlike Kroger, Food Lion or even Wal-marts Super Centers. I would hate to see Ukrops fold in Roanoke but as much as I have tried I still can not “warm up” to this store.
How exactly is Keagy Village supposed to be considered “trendy?” Kind of confused on that one. Ivy market was a great idea but Ukrops has simply fallen victim to a bad economy and a lack of being open on Sundays. I certainly admire them for sticking to their values by not selling alcohol and not being open on Sundays, but don’t expect to survive in a very competitive market for grocery business if thats the case.
You’re right Greg…South Roanoke isn’t trendy at all…
I grew up in Richmond and loved Ukrops. I was excited to see one open in Roanoke. What I really loved was watching Krogers at least Hollins and Crossroads start scrambling to improve customer service. I personally don’t like Krogers and because of price savings I go to Walmart at 6am on Sunday get everything with one stop save money at the same time.
I hate to see Ukrops go but, I think it is inevitable in this economic climate. As far as alcohol have you ever noticed there is always a store right next door that does sell – in Roanoke it’s the Wine Gourmet. I always said it must be one of the blacksheep Ukrop brothers that opens the package stores next door.
they have been good about ordering specialty items for me.
I don’t understand how you can open one store in Roanoke and hope to compete with Kroger. Ukrop’s is a nice store, but it is not convenient for the majority of the valley’s residents. Most people are not going to drive miles out of their way for groceries.
UKrops is great. I do not understand what all the fuss is about. Everytime I gi in there they are busy and their sale people have said busuness is good. Be patient with us Bobby Ukrops!! We are not Richmond! As far as the bakery it is great. The lady who made the comment about the cake is nuts!. Bake your own if you think you can do better! Keep up the good work and hang in there!!!
I live in Franklin county work in Salem, so driving to try different things are not a problem, my wife and I have been to Ukrops I liked it but my wife did not, still I go think like a lot of you it is not the norm, how many times have we all said I wish a certain retailer would come to this area, then when they do, you complain, sorry it was not built in your back yard remember you would still complain “too much traffic, property value going down”. remember when a large retailer closes shop I suspect these executives will talk to their executive friends who may want to bring in other types of potential jobs, it would be a shame if they said this area does not embrace change. Mr. Painter I have seen 8 Walgreen built in the time it has taken you to build one at that site, Henry county built 2 in one year, I think the slow development in that area doomed this great idea.
I do over half of my shopping at Ukops. I like the underground parking. Don’t have to get back into a roasting hot car this time of year and I don’t get wet with all the rain we have had. I love their chicken and they do have some great sales. Their prices are fair on most things and sometimes their normal price is cheaper than Kroger’s so called sale price. I finally tried their meat and I must say they were the best burgers I have ever made. Walmart meat I have yet to make taste good. Kroger meat is OK but almost always high priced and too often I see many packages of spoiled meats. Some really nasty looking!! No other place even Walmart do I see this so often.
As far as their bakery I have only purchased one thing. I have to agree to a point with most as it was just OK and most things look over priced. But I do know that items to make bakery food have sky rocketed.
Yes they don’t carry a huge selection. But I do like a smaller store verses Walmart or the “get lost, need a map, send up a rescue flare to find me” Kroger’s. Has to be one or the other. Can’t have both.
Finally unlike Walmart and Kroger the people are helpful and friendly.
Please stay Ukrop’s.
I don’t use a particular grocer in the Roanoke valley. Ukrops has some unique items and better produce than the rest. The limited hours, especially Sunday closing and no wine sales mean I don’t shop there as much. Forget trying to tell Ukrops of their failure in Roanoke, they do not care and they will not accept the reality of the 21st century shopper.
Their marketing plan does not work here. We need another chain to take it over and gear it toward the Roanoke market, with an emphasis on prepared foods, Sunday hours, wine & alcohol sales.
There is a reason that spot on Franklin Road has been vacant for 100 years. A Ukrops on Brambleton near Hidden Valley would have been a home run. But the location just isnt convenient. People are willing to pay Ukrops’ prices if the store is convenient, but they are not willing to go out of their way to do so.
They need to understand that the intangibles which draw Richmond shoppers to Ukrops do not work in Roanoke. They need to compete like every other grocery store – on price and convenience.
I absolutely love Ukrop’s. It is way cleaner than any other store in town, and I really don’t understand the negative comments about parking and prices. Really, people, what is so daggone difficult about the location? For goodness sakes, I can get in and out of there in far less time than I can Tanglewood or Towers Kroger, and forget about Walmart. On the prices, I will say I do shop their sale items- but I have actually cut my grocery bill by shopping there. They do fabulous markdowns at night- especially Saturday. I can buy almost everything I need for a week’s worth of dinners with a 33% discount late Saturday afternoon. If corn is on sale, I buy corn instead of potatoes. Duh- it’s really not that hard. Come on, people, quit complaining!
Love their prepared foods, beautiful flowers ready anytime you need a quick bouquet (especially from the incredibly talented Michael.) Love their rainbow cookies, and check out the fried chicken special on Tuesday nights- my kids love it. The salad bar is the best around- always fresh and with tons of options not found anywhere else. My neighborhood Kroger (I don’t know about other Krogers) has shut down their salad bar.
I am a Roanoke native and will never figure this place out. We bitch and moan that we don’t have this or that, then we get it and complain that it’s not how we do things in Roanoke. Make up your minds, people, and get out there and show companies with some backbone (like Ukrop’s) that we want them to come here, and more importantly, STAY here. Losing Ukrop’s would be a tremendous black eye to Roanoke in terms of other companies coming in here in the future.
Keep your chin up, Ukrop’s. I love your store!
Ukrop’s! Dont go! Dont go! I love Ukrop’s! I shop at Ukrop’s once a week for the bulk of my groceries and love the awesome customer service I get everytime I’m in the store. I especially love their chefs & produce departments. I have noticed that they lack various organic veggies that are avail. at Kroger which isnt a problem to me but I can understand why it could be to some folks. I agree that some of their prices are higher especially in the produce,meat,bakery and deli/kitchen departments but there is a big difference in quality and size (speaking of produce items such as melons, and apples). I do have a question for the store manager and I have been meaning to ask. What is the difference between a department manager and a lead? One time I asked a department manager a question and he acted as if he didnt know what I was talking about so the lead jumped in on the discussion and helped me out. Is the lead higher than the manager? Anyway Ukrop’s do go! I love your store.
Actually, the location is prime. Right on South Roanoke’s doorstep, and a straight shot down Franklin Road from Hunting Hills. (arguably Roanoke’s two most affluent neighborhoods}. The uncompleted look of the block with Walgreens and the older businesses to the right of the store are very damaging. If the rest of that block could be brought up to a par with Ivy Market, I believe it would be a jewel.
Adam..I agree. No wine/beer/Sundays usually ends up meaning if I want to splurge on some expensive meat, cheese or specialty item, I go to Fresh Market. It’s unfortunate that the two are so close to one another, but as I live near both of them I can’t speak to their inconvenience.
Their produce and fresh items are beautiful and clean looking, and appealingly displayed, but sad to say if you have wine and toilet paper on your list too…you’re making at least 2 stops and maybe 3. The every day grocery items – detergent,Windex – at Ukrops just cost a lot more than the other places, and throw that in with their schedule limitations and no wine…..people aren’t generally going to pay more to be inconvenienced.
Following up on my earlier post,and I have a bit of credibilty on the grocery subject. I know the management team well, work with them closely, and our employees spend quite a bit of company money (ShopFoodEx)in the store.
I share the companies frustration as our online grocery delivery company offered our service locally for three years to no avail. We finally gave up and focused on a larger market, shipping groceries nationwide, and our business has never been better. Could we have made better decisions to succeed here…no question….and so could Ukrop’s. Doing business in Roanoke is a learning process, especially as an outsider. Although we were local, the concept of online grocery shopping was so vague to Roanokers we just as well were considered to be an “upstart outsider”.
My very first impression of Ukrops in Roanoke, and I study grocery stores like most study for exams was the following. The concentration was clearly on the perimeter of the store rather than the “center aisles”. A fair bit of real estate within the 57,000 square foot store is dedicated to prepared foods, bakery, dairy, and frozen foods. The center aisles, which typically account for %60 or more of a stores dollars was noticably short on SKU’s (total amount of products). My first thought was “we could not fill a customer’s order from this store….there’s just not enough product to fill their specific needs”.
Going forward, from what I am hearing the biggest complaint of upper management is that customers are not shopping “the aisles”….rather they are staying around the perimeter. Well, I hate to throw water on this claim but that was the focus of this store….so don’t fault Roanokers for this….fault them for their short-sightedness, as I have done, but not for this.
If this particlular store were comparable to the Richmond area stores there were be fewer issues to be discussed. Simply put, this new layout for Ukrop’s does not work….it is not a “traditional” grocery store with regards to the design or the offerings. And yes, you can be both….Harris Teeter has proven this. As part of my job, I was in a Harris Teeter a couple of weeks ago in Va. Beach and I was amazed, actually to be honest,I was stunned at the beauty of the store and the selection.
It had the vastness of a Target (just imagine groceries instead of all the other “clutter”), the beauty of a Wegmans, the selection of Kroger, Ukrops,Fresh Market and Walmart….all in one. From “new to shelf” items to hard to find, and I mean really hard to find groceries,they had it all.
I will not ramble or muse any further for now….but again, Ukrop’s could be successful locally….with a bit more homework.
We shop primarily at Ukrop’s for regular groceries and Fresh Market for prepared food. The bakery at Fresh Market is much better. We like the salad bar at Ukrop’s though it is often poorly maintained (some containers empty, out of a dressing). I like being able to scan my card to order lunch meat, but at least three times this has not worked (was told when I went up to get my meat the system was out of order). Also the counter where you order beef, seafoods, etc. is often vacant or takes too long to get their attention even though there’s no line. Many times I’ve waited to order and left the counter frustrated that no one was there. Primarily, I’m happy Ukrop’s is available, especially since I don’t have to go to the cramped Kroger in towers that has long lines and rude employees. Overall, Ukrop’s has features similar to both Kroger and Fresh Market, has friendlier service than Kroger, but is not open Sundays and could used improvements like any grocery stores. I would advice the marketing director who was quoted in the article to stop talking about what customers need to do and think more about what they need to do to get more customers.
I certainly hope that Ukrop’s will stay in Roanoke. I do
most of my shopping there now, but I know its hard to change
people’s habits. I use their online ads to find specials and
enjoy the quality of the merchandise offered. No grocer in
this area has a cleaner store or offers such personal service
from its employees. If you have a problem or a concern, they
are happy to listen and resolve it.
During recent visits, I have been encouraged since it seemed that
shopper traffic was increasd.
I think the current economy has had a great impact on their
success. The closed on Sundays, no alcohol practice is some-
thing I can adjust to, but seems to bother other shoppers. I
Regardless of what happens, they have improved grocery shopping
in Roanoke. I notice other grocers stocking items that I first
saw at Ukrop’s. As long Ukrop’s is here, that’s where I’ll do
my grocery shopping.
If you’re “going green” (or for whatever other reason don’t have a car) Ukrop’s is just about impossible to get to by bus. There are no crosswalks to the store, and the bus stop is across four very busy intersections.
My roommate and I rented a car this spring and went to Ukrop’s on the way home from a trip, but it was Sunday and the place was closed.
I don’t think their vegetables are as fresh as Fresh Market’s are, but that’s just hearsay from a man who used to sell his produce to Ukrop’s and stopped doing so because he saw it on the shelves up to two weeks later, and tht’s not “fresh.”
If Ukrop’s fails, the Walgreen’s will never make it as a stand-alone–that’s two birds with one stone! And bad bank financing is the reason Walgreen’s is so late in opening–it could have been open a long time ago if the bank hadn’t screwed up.
I was glad to see UKrop come to town, but was disappointed in the slow start it got from the very first. It took too long to build, just as it has taken too long for the Evergreen Drug Store to open. I was also disappointed in the requirement to have a “Shopping Card” to buy sale items. This card requirement has hurt Foodlion, but doesn’t seem to have bothered Kroger. Keeping track of your buying habits seems to be more important than the fact that you are there and want to buy. For example,if you are a teacher, this card keeps a record of what magazines you read and how much alcohol you drink and many other things that is none of their business. Walmart does this by scanning your check or asking you to enter contest for chances to win prizes. This information goes into computers and you never really knows where it goes in the future. This card encourages cherry picking in the stores, but Kroger is a master at never running out and getting paid from companies for ads and shelf space. Ukrops has a beautiful, clean store and friendly employees (except for the pharmacy), but but never seemed to understand the Roanoke market. Roanoke has a low cost of living, because of low wages and most people can not afford to shop at Ukrop’s. Fresh Market fills a need for up scale shoppers, but is smaller, beautifully run, with beautiful produce, meats, and bakery products, not to mention, very friendly and helpful employees, which are well trained. They are a national chain and just moved into a mall and did not waste time building a store front for 2 years… or seemed like 2 years. Now Ukrop’s is in a failing mode, you can feel it in the store. Items are not stocked as full, the baked chickens seem smaller, their are fewer customers, and the baskets are not filled for the lines that are backed up because of few cashiers, much like Walmart does to cut cost. I don’t know if closing on Sunday has hurt Ukrop’s, but it does hurt sales at most stores for the first of the week. As far as not selling alcohol, Kroger always seems to have an ABC store near by, plenty of beer, and a great wine section. But the main reason Kroger will kill you, is having one ad and 11 stores, making advertising cheap. I suspect that one bad store is hurting Ukrop’s other stores and it will close the Roanoke location very soon.
I LOVE Ukrops! Admittedly, I do not shop for staples there. One reason is because I find the selection/variety of generics better at Kroger or Walmart. The food club line doesn’t seem to be very extensive. I do appreciate the store’s effort to get people in by offering the new Monday – Thursday specials. Here’s one question – how is the store marketing these promotions? If I didn’t go in the store on a regular basis, I would have never heard about them! Since they need to reach a wider market, perhaps some TV/Radio, etc wouldn’t hurt them.
I bypass Kroger every time when I am not doing a “full load” shopping day and go to Ukrops. Living in Mount Pleasant, and going by the hospital every day – I agree that it is MUCH easier to get in/out of than Kroger at Towers! Ya’ll – if you visit the store on a semi-regular basis, you will find some smoking deals on common products!
Here’s what I love:
-Salad Bar!
-Local/Virginia produce featured – execs. please keep this up/promote it more! Many of us working folks can’t get downtown to the farmer’s market Monday-Friday but I love the option of getting it from your store during the week/after hours!
-Cakes – I ordered one for my grandmother’s birthday last summer. Yeah, it was a little more expensive than other stores – but my family is STILL raving about this cake!
You couldn’t have said it better MtoB&D! I also do not understand why people say it is difficult to get in and out of. I think it is easier than they Kroger around the corner. Other than the new traffic light intersection it is a bigger pain to get out of. Let’s not forget the “cheat death” entrance and exits closest to the store.
Kroger prices are just as high if not higher on most things. I will compare no one to Walmart as I see that as apples to oranges.
Thanks for your comments. We appreciate all of your feedback. If you haven’t been in our store in a while, I hope that you’ll come back in and check us out. We’ve lowered prices on many items across the store and have several new progams going on. There are one day deals throughout the week and triple coupons on Saturdays. We’ll also be introducing triple coupon Wednesdays starting on July 1. While your in the store why not get some dinner with friends or family before you shop. I hope to meet you on your next visit.
Ukrop’s is to be commended for their “closed on Sundays” policy.
I have to agree with Mark’s comment on 6/19 that the store layout is a negative. Most customers enter the store on the right side (deli, coffee shop, produce, florist, etc.). I just never find a reason to wander over to the other side (frozen foods, bakery, etc.) To me that side feels cold, uninhibited and dark. The aisles also are “discombodulated”….that is, hard to figure out what’s where!
Otherwise, I have found the store personnel very helpful and personable. I do hope that Ukrop’s survives here. I will continue to shop there.
I live in Martinsville and I stop at Ukrops every time I am in Roanoke, which is once or twice a month. I wish I could shop their more often.
My family LOVES their deli Chicken Salad, yes, a little pricy, but well worth it.
As far as the bakery…the chocolate fudge pie is to die for. The Coconut Cake is great and Ukrops dinner rolls are the best I’ve ever eaten
“by far”. I always by extras of the pies and rolls to freeze to last me until I can get back.
They have great specials and if you scan your Ukrops card when you enter, you get even more specials.
I can’t believe that a grocery store with underground parking (so wonderful in the rain), employees “ALWAYS” taking your groceries to the car (without you asking, I might add) and “asking” you if you want paper or plastic is about to fail in a place like Roanoke.
I can’t say enough good things about Ukrops. To me, this is the grocery store of the future. Customer service at it’s best.
Not being open on Sundays prevents me from going in, as that is when many of us go out to eat, shop bookstores, etc after church. Having said that, their prerogative and God bless ‘em for sticking to their values.
One of several problems with closing on Sunday is that Ukrops stops stocking the shelves after mid-day on Saturday. I was there around 5 p.m. on Saturday and the meat was brown and marked down, the produce was scarce, and the fish was down to leftovers. Essentially, a working person has to shop early Saturday morning if they want fresh items of any quality. If you close on Sunday, you have to continue to sell all day Saturday. I left and made my purchases elsewhere.
Some small things I’ve noticed lately at Ukrops make me think the handwriting may be already on the wall for that location. 1. The cart escalators, they never seem to be working anymore, and the special carts that need to be used with them seem to be hidden. What good is underground parking, when you can’t get your carts there? 2. The upstairs food court area. Lately, it’s been sloppy looking, mops lying in the corner, trash etc., fountain drink machines out of syrup. I also noticed some electrical panels hanging open in the underground parking area. Looks like an invitation to vandalism to me.
i certainly cant complain. i have had several items that i would like to see stocked, and lo and behold, they appear on the shelves. go ukrops! i have made these requests at other stores and have always been disappointed when the items were never stocked.
living appx a mile away, i plan to begin walking more often. and like a few comments above, i absolutely applaud and respect the company for appreciating family values and/or just downtime for its employees. retail and grocery industries are tougher than one might think. it is wonderful that this company values its employees and allows them a known break each week.
Location, location, location. Oh, and open on Sunday, this isn’t the 1800′s.
The deli traffic on Sundays at Kroger and WallyWorld is unreal! Hint? Your sushi is not so good but Fresh Market has really good sushi.The meats at Ukrops are wonderful and the produce lasts much longer.If anybody likes a great tasting diet drink the NorthernNeck gingerale is the best this well-traveled Yankee ever had.All in all probably the only store that doesn’t make me question the quality or cleanliness.Good Luck.
When I used to visit the Richmond area, I loved to visit Ukrops there. I also learned a lot about the Ukrops community philosophy when I served on the Virginia Rehabilitation Council for the Blind.
I respect Ukrops decision to remain closed on Sundays as well as their stance on selling alcoholic beverages. I remember as a youngster when ALL stores were closed on Sundays. You know what, we survived! I buried both a husband and a father because of alcoholism, so their decision not to sell alcoholic beverages gained a positive vote from me. As one who is legally blind, I also respect the fact that Ukrops hires more disabled individuals than anyone else in the Commonwealth.
Sadly, however, I am possibly one of the reasons that Ukrops is struggling in this area. We live in Northwest Roanoke, in the Peters Creek area, and the store is way off our beaten path. Needless to say, I cannot drive, and depend on my husband for grocery shopping chores. We visited the store when it first opened, because my husband had noticed the advertised sale prices in the newspaper. We spent a good deal of time shopping and mentally comparing their prices to Kroger’s, which is about 2 miles from our home. When we arrived at checkout, my husband was informed that the sale prices did not apply unless he had a Ukrops card. He did not want to get out of line to apply for one, and decided not to make any purchases. We walked out of the store without buying anything. As far as I know, he hasn’t returned since. He does not like Wal-Mart, but does shop for bargains at both Kroger’s and Food Lion, both nearby our home.
I think Ukrops did much to “beef up” the other stores in the area. Their employees are much friendlier now.
I hope Ukrops makes a go of it in Roanoke. It’s a good orginization. Their take-out and catering is excellent. I hope those customers who do appreciate and shop at Ukrops with do some personal PR to their friends and family.
“My Two Cents Worth” Roanoke, VA
Since Ukrop’s started the triple coupon deal, I’ve been doing my shopping there. I was previously a Kroger shopper because of the double coupons and I am closer to Kroger than Ukrop’s. For triple coupons up to $1 I am willing to drive across town. Saving $3 off my box of Pampers is a draw!
On my trip there this past Saturday, my decision to shop there was reaffirmed by all of the friendly faces, and the associates who were very kind and helpful to me and my son, who fell asleep in the cart.
I’d rather shop Ukrop’s now, as the store is much more navigable than going to Wal-Mart or Kroger at Bonsack, which are the stores closest to me. I like the friendly service, the cleanliness and the choices. I may not find everything on my list at Ukrop’s but that’s ok.
I really hope that they stay and perhaps the triple coupon deals will entice more shoppers like me, who make the list according to the coupons. Besides, the last thing Roanoke needs is another empty building on a prominent corner.
I think Ukrops has done an admirable job, considering the circumstances.
The selection is a little limited and if they want us to buy the “everyday” items, a wider selection would be necessary. Service is great, convienence is great for me. Their salad bar is good, except they close it an hour early on Saturdays. (Some people finish their jobs at 9pm and if they want to grab a salad from the salad bar, they are out of luck).
Supporting local establishments is my goal! Giving constructive critisim is helpful to any business.
I shop for fish, meats, fruits and vegetables at Ukrops. I am now working in some of the everyday items.
BTW, Wine Gourmet is next door and has a great selection of wines and beers for those who indulge!
“My thoughts” Roanoke, VA
I agree, I love Ukrops! I really like that they are willing to stick to their values (ex: not opening on Sunday’s and selling beer/wine). I was enjoying the tripple coupons up to a dollar, however they have changed their policy. Now, they will tripple a coupon up to $.50. It’s not going to stop me from shopping at Ukrop’s, however, I feel that many people will return to their “closer” grocery stores. I wonder, how long it will be before they start trippling coupons up to a dollar again?
It takes a village to keep a good, local business afloat.
Ukrops is an awesome store and my family shops there weekly. They also do a lot for the community and area non-profits. If you’re downtown on some weekends you’ll hear bands playing as part of the Ukrops role in the community.
It’s a nice, family-owned grocery store with local (Virginian) roots. I’d much rather support them than any Wal-Mart on a weekly basis. If you believe in supporting local businesses, local farmers and a local community, then you will also put your money on the table and drive a few extra minutes out of your way to Ukrops.
By the way, our family plans to move from Roanoke to Salem in the next few years and are already planning to drive across town to Ukrops, past a multitude of Krogers, etc. I just hope that Ukrops will stick around for that time to come. Better yet, Ukrops, please open a store in Roanoke County and/or Salem!!
Help us keep them here by shopping at Ukrops regularly. Come on, church-goers. Let’s put our money where our mouth is.
I just dont understand Roanokers sometimes. Many towns would love to see a store like Ukrop’s located in it. For years Roanoke has had nothing but Krogers, and Food Lion then Ukrop’s comes in and sets a whole new example for what a grocery store should be and Roanokers let it fail. Many people will blame it on the company or the developer I blame it on the people of this town. It makes me sick to see all of the comments relating to the fact that they are closed on Sunday or dont sell beer/wine. Why dont you take into consideration that their associates get to spend their Sunday with their loved ones, afterall most people have Sundays off why should they? And for the beer/wine thing.. How is it so hard to stop at another store and grab it. Is your 5 min. to do so that important? I love what Ukrop’s has to offer: Wonderful employees, I cannot say enough about them, Always have a smile on their face and willing to walk you to an item. , Excellent produce department (their misted salad section is always fresh and lovely), Great prepared food area, and awesome bakery (love their fresh artistan bread selection). The Only area I would work on would the fresh seafood/meat section (appears to be poorly managed). Overall Ukrop’s is my favortie grocer in the Roanoke Valley too bad others dont get their head out from under them and see that as well. Mr.Woodcock thank you for being so passionate about your job it definatly shows (love how you take the time to respond to comments on here). Debbie South Roanoke.
I agree with Sharon’s comments. People beg to get a store like Ukrop’s and then once it is here, it’s not good enough. Or they don’t want to see it leave but choose to shop elsewhere?
Shouldn’t we embrace Ukrop’s for what new things it offers our community – a beautiful store and shopping environment, new and different products, underground parking when it rains, associates that load your groceries in your car, and more importantly, a company that stands by its core values.
The last thing we need is another Wal-mart or Food Lion. We need to bring the joy back to grocery shopping and that’s what Ukrop’s offers – a pleasurable and unique shopping experience.
I LOVE Ukrops. I’ve shopped there since it opened and will continue to do so. (I would love to shop on Sundays, but I just adjust my schedule accordingly. No big deal.) The service is terrrible at Kroger (every location I’ve ever been to) and I refuse to shop there now. I love that Ukrops helps me with my groceries and everyone is very courteous. (Kroger workers are NOT friendly and not helpful and not willing to assist in anyway unless asked.)
It’s not Ukrops fault about the state of the shopping area they are stuck in.. I’m sure when they were wooed to set up shop there with lots promised that hasn’t been delivered. But it’s better than the empty Holdrens building that sat there for many many years.
I drive past multiple grocery stores that are on my drive to Ukrops and I gladly drive past them all to get to Ukrops.
Prices are NOT higher than Krogers, most people just assume they are because it’s a nicer building… and shame on you all that do your shopping at Walmart. (you should be helping “local” economy..at least money spent at Ukrops is staying in the state.. Kroger isn’t local, Walmart definately isn’t and neither is Fresh Market or any of the other choices.)
Proudly at Ukrops at least once a week.
I just want to chime in and say that I too love Ukrop’s! Love the brownie bites and other signature items, but most of all I love the store! It is such a refreshing place to shop for everyday items. And by the way, IT IS NOT MORE EXPENSIVE. In fact, my groceries were less expensive at Ukrop’s than at Kroger.
So please give it a try if you haven’t already. And for you beer/wine shoppers, Wine Gourmet is right next door. That’s pretty convenient!
Thanks Debbie and to so many others for being ambassadors to our store right here on these blogs. It is my hope that you will continue to share your experiences with friends and neighbors. Thank you!!!
Have they quit advertising? There used to be an ad every Monday- I don’t see that anymore. I didn’t know about the triple coupons until this story.
Jason keep up the good work and don’t listen to the closed mined people. The only complaint I can see that holds water is the closed on Sundays. Which I’m glad that Ukrops sticks to it morals and cars for it’s employee’s. The no whine/beer thing I say get over it. There are plenty of places that sell it so what is the big deal. I shop at Ukrops every chance I get and have not trouble getting it when I need it.
Jaqueline I have never seen the things you mentioned and the escalators are always working. Only thing I did notice in the lower parking is there are many lights out. I would think that would be of importance for underground.
Oh I forgot this on my last post. Jason I like that you are keeping track of the comments here. Most people like/love your store. I just would have liked more of a personal comment rather than a standard sales pitch. I been wondering the status of the store. Have things improved? Is the store doing better and more likely to stay now? I love the store and do 90% of my shopping there and am glad that the is real competition now since Harris Teeter left. You do what you are here to do very well. You don’t have the need to sell furniture like Kroger.
I won’t restate all of the opinions I agree with, but I am definitely PRO-Ukrop’s!
One thing that I love about Ukrop’s is the atmosphere. I love shopping the fresh produce and exotic (relative to what everyone else carries) offerings. And I like that the aisles are wide and halved, like at Whole Foods. Also, right now the flowers outside are gorgeous.
Conversely, I HATE walking into Kroger and passing the employees who are outside on their smoke break. Something about that grosses me out. Blech.
One comment, if a store aims to be your one stop shopping place, then should it not offer all of the things that people tend to get when they go shopping, i.e beer/wine. Why go to one store and then have to go to another place to finish out part of your list. It would be like going to Lowe’s to buy your lawnmower and then having to go to Home Depot to buy the oil for the lawnmower because Lowe’s doesnt carry it…simply wouldnt and will not work…
I shop at Ukrop’s almost everyday…such a clean store with friendly employees. Can’t say the same about Kroger/Food Lion. We love to eat dinner there occasionally too. The panini sandwiches in the grill area are delicious! Has anyone noticed that the bakery frequently gives away free cupcakes? Always a sweet ending to a great shopping experience. Good job, Jason!
Folks, get a grip on reality. Read the article from the Richmond paper. Ukrop’s can not even hold on to their home town. They are now number 2 in Richmond. Quickly falling to number 4!. Only stores gaining share in Richmond is Kroger.
A word to Bobby Ukrops. Be patient and stick with us. You knew the economy was poor when you opened in 2007! It is unfair that you keep reporting how poorly the store is doing. Everyone is having a touch time and Ukrops has only been in this area less then two years!! Hang in there and give our store a fighting chance! Your stores in Richmond make plenty of money to support this one!!
Jay do you work for Kroger? Kroger isnt the one Ukrop’s lost market share from in Richmond it was Food Lion. In fact Kroger has the lowest amount of market share behind Walmart and only gained one point of share over last year due to the fact that they opened a new store in the area. Food Lion keeps building stores in Richmond there are so many there now its unreal. Food Lion now has twice the number of stores and then some than Ukrop’s. Yeah I would say with twice as many stores you get more revenue in the door. One thing you also have to take into account is the fact that Ukrop’s is only open 6 days out of the week, has shorter hours and does not sell beer/wine. Food Lion has beer/wine, is open on Sundays and has many 24 hour stores. Many people hear about Ukrop’s being number 2 in Richmond when in reality in many Richmonders eyes its number 1. Market share isnt everything you have to look at it more closely to understand. I think its shameful to bash a company with such awesome ties to the community and one that is so greatful to its associates. It’s too bad people like you; Jay, havent been so fortunate to work for a company like Ukrop’s.
Regarding Ukrop’s number 2 postion in market share in Richmond……this should be of little if any concern.
They are vastly outnumbered by Food Lion and still have managed to come in a close second. Ukrop’s staff in Roanoke is top-notch and sadly many decisions are beyond their control. These employees love Roanoke and it must be gut-wrenching when the home office puts out these doubtful comments with regards to the viability of the store surviving in Roanoke.
My heart goes out to Jason and all the others who have young children in school here….make a decision so that these families can put their minds at rest and start planning appropiately.
I personally find it a bit off-setting when the constant talk is about Roanokers needing to change their shopping habits…..it is not going to happen unless a consistent change of strategy is implemented for this store in Roanoke.
I guess folks need to read the article, because what Jay said is right. Kroger is the only company mentioned that increased its sales and market share, while the other major companies saw declines, even Food Lion who gets the most revenue in the Richmond Market. Kroger is gaining, though still far behind FL and Ukrops, but only a small margin behind Wal-Mart. If you were to calculate sales on the basis of total square footage or number of store-hours a company is open, Ukrops may actually be the highest in those ranks. But for total sales, FL wins because of their makret saturation. If you have a handful of high-performing stores like Ukrops…your total sales will be on par with Food Lion who has a ton of slower-volume stores. Operationally, Ukrops is probably performing better because of less overhead by virtue of having fewer stores and still raking in nearly equivalent revenues to FL.
Other John-
Well put.
As an associate of Ukrop’s Roanoke who transferred here with the company back in 2007 I am humbled by some of the kind words and support Roanokers are giving us on this board. I am speaking from my heart when I say that Roanoke truly means a lot to me. There are many hard working Ukrop’s associates that put their heart and soul in their work and we truly want it to pay off. Greg, thank you for caring about Ukrop’s associates it is wonderful knowing that there are people like you who think about us and our personal lives. What you say is true we love Roanoke and this is a very hard time for us. I believe that anything is possible in life and though we do have our ups and downs things will work out in the end. Please continue to support our store, trust me we want to stay here.
Ukrop’s Associate-
You know we will fervently continue to support the Roanoke store….our frustration is geared towards the uncertainty of the Ukrop family to make a decision. If you are going to play…then by gosh play hard and give it everything you have.
Again, for those such as yourself, who have transferred and settled your families here…my heart goes out to you. Best of luck and continue to keep your head up and do your best!
Ukrop’s Associate,
I wish you good luck and I always find the service at your store to be well above the norm. I urge you to stress the importance of being open on Sundays to your senior management. We live in a diversified world and to many people Sunday is just another day. My experience shows that organizations can normaly meet staffing needs on Sundays and other holidays by requesting volunteers and they rarely have to force people to work on a day that holds religious meaning to them.
When I worked in retail, Sunday was the biggest day of the week from a sales by hour measurement. Significant sales increases are available for your organization if they wake up and understand that customers should dictate store hours, not a religious calendar.
My fear is that UKROPs management may decide that Roanoke is just not worth the effort and they need all hands on deck to stop the bleeding that is going on in their hometown.
Roanoke Resident I do not work for Kroger. I do shop at their stores. I do so because I feel they are the best in town. Next time you fire back please read and know the facts of what your are saying.
keep up the good work Ukrops and hang in there!!
It is unfortunate that Ukrops will only be tripling coupons up to $.50. I would much rather save myself a trip and go to Kroger, where they double coupons up to $.50 any day of the week.
Tc, You must be super cheap! Do you really think Ukrop’s can afford to triple coupons up to $1.00 every single Saturday? I think it’s great they are offering it on Wednesdays and Saturdays now at .50 cents. Tc it is people like yourself that will cause Ukrop’s to leave this cheap arrogant town.
TC-
It is precisely that mentality that drives Roanokers and yet pummels retailers. I know that price is important, especially today, and this is not a personal criticism….it is simply the mind-set of the avergae Roanoker.
Where are all the south roanoke people!! Help us support Ukrops and the city and get out of Roanoke being a one horse town!! Come on people. There is a lot of money here so where are you people. Put your shopping where your money is! Start supporting upscale shopping!! We will never get anything better then Wal-Mart if you dont!!
FIRST… TO RESPOND TO SOME OF THE VARIOUS COMMENTS. THE BUS STOP IS RIGHT IN FRONT OR THE STORE, THERE ARE STOPS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE STREET.
ESCALATORS… YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GET A CART THAT GOES DOWNSTAIRS THE COURTESY CLERKS DO THAT AT CHECKOUT. SO GET ANY CART YOU WANT, AND IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE ESCALATOR THERE IS AN ELEVATOR.
PARKING… GIVE ME A BREAK, THERE IS A LIGHT ON FRANKLIN ROAD AND A QUICK ACCESS BACK TO THE INTERSTATE ON WONJU. ANYONE WHO THINKS GETTING INTO KROGER OR ANY WALMART MUCH LESS FINDING A PLACE TO PARK IS ANY EASIER IS CRAZY.
UVC CARDS(UKROPS VALUE CARD)… THE CASHIERS CAN HAVE CUSTOMER SERVICE LOOK UP YOUR NUMBER HOWEVER HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A CASHIER WITH A (COURTESY CARD)…NO BECAUSE THEY DON’T ALLOW IT. YES IT IS AGGRAVATING AND TIME CONSUMING TO CALL A MANAGER FOR THAT(HEAR THAT UKROPS MANAGEMENT?)
YES THEY ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAY…ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT YOU WOULD RATHER SPEND TIME SHOPPING THAN SPENDING IT WITH YOUR FAMILY. THERE ARE 6 OTHER DAYS DURING THE WEEK…PICK ONE.
ALCOHOL…YOU CAN BUY IT ANYWHERE AND IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH YOU CAN GET IT. PEOPLE HAVE TO TRAVEL TO MULTIPLE STORES FOR HARDWARE, AUTOMOTIVE, CLOTHING, YOU DON’T HEAR THEM COMPLAINING ABOUT THAT.
SCOTT ARONSON… PLEASE PICK ANOTHER SPOKESPERSON, EVERYONE I HAVE SPOKEN TO SAYS HE COMES OFF AROGANT AND PREACHY. YOU CAN’T TELL CURRENT CUSTOMERS AND PERSPECTIVE ONES THAT THEY NEED TO CHANGE THEIR SHOPPING.
(OR WHATEVER HE SAID) EITHER WAY ELECT SOMEONE ELSE TO THE SPEAKERS PODIUM.
LACK OF OTHER STORES IN THE SUPPOSED SHOPPING CENTER..LETS ASK BLAND PAINTER. SHOULD’NT HE HAVE LINED UP OTHER BUSINESSES AHEAD OF TIME? WELL FIRST YOU HAVE TO BUILD SPACE TO LET THEM LEASE. IT’S ABOUT TIME HE HAS A COMMENT ABOUT THIS MESS. NO IT IS NOT (ALL) HIS FAULT UKROPS DID CHOOSE THAT LOCATION(BUYERS REMORSE I GUESS). HOWEVER IT HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME TO FINISH SOME CONSTRUCTION AND THERE IS STILL ALOT TO DO.
THE STORE HAS FANTASTIC EMPLOYEES WITH WONDERFUL ATTITUDES. THAT IS VERY REFRESHING COMPARED TO OTHER RETAILERS. I PERSONALLY HAVE NEVER SEEN A CLEANER STORE AND THAT MEANS ALOT TO ME ESPECIALLY WHERE I AM BUYING FOOD. IF YOU FIND SOMETHING THAT BOTHERS YOU EX.MESSY BATHROOM, TRASH OVERFLOWING, SPILL IN THE FLOOR JUST GO TELL SOMEONE. IF THERE IS’NT AN HOURLY ASSOCIATE AVAILABLE TO TAKE CARE OF IT A MANAGER WILL, I’VE SEEN IT FIRST HAND. I DOUBT YOU WOULD GET A RESPONSE LIKE THAT AT WAL-MART OR KROGER. IF YOU CANNOT FIND AN ITEM..LET ANY EMPLOYEE KNOW, WHENEVER I COULD’NT FIND A ITEM I WAS PERSONALLY SHOWN WHERE IT WAS. THAT WAY I DID’NT FEEL LIKE I WAS ON A SCAVENGER HUNT.
FOOD PRICES… WHAT KROGER HAS FOR ONE PRICE UKROPS MAY HAVE CHEAPER AND VICE VERSA. YOU ARE GOING TO FIND THAT AT ANY RETAILER(NO ONE STORE CAN HAVE THE MONOPOLY ON THE CHEAPEST EVERYTHING. WHEN YOU FIND THAT STORE PLEASE POST IT’S LOCATION HERE.
I TEND TO GO WHERE I AM TREATED WELL, A CLEAN STORE, GOOD FRESH PRODUCTS AND A NICE VARIETY(REMEMBER ONE STORE CAN’T CARRY IT ALL) IF YOU DON’T SEE YOUR FAVORITE YOGURT OR SPARKLING H20 THEN ASK THEM, MAYBE THEY CAN FIND IT OR ORDER IT.
FINALLY IN CLOSING…NOTHING IS EVER GOING TO BE PERFECT FOR EVERYONE, BUT MAYBE THE MAJORITY WILL FIND SOMETHING AT UKROPS THEY LIKE BEST, I KNOW I HAVE AND THAT IS WHAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK. DRIVE ACROSS TOWN, GIVE THEM A CHANCE OR ANOTHER CHANCE YOU MAY JUST LIKE WHAT YOU SEE!!IF YOU LIKE IT THEN LEAVE A COMMENT HERE I AM SURE THAT JASON(MANAGER)WOULD LIKE TO READ IT.
THE ONLY THING TO ADD IS THE ADVERTISING(IT’S EXPENSIVE)AND IF THEY NEED TO CUT SOME OF IT OUT TO KEEP THE DOORS OPEN AND EMPLOYEES WORKING THEN I WILL GET MY AD OFF THEIR WEBSITE (UKROPS.COM) THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS TAKEN TIME TO READ THIS.
In response to Chris, Ukrop’s is an upscale store. But the problem is, people assume because it is nicer or has an upscale feel that they have to pay more for it. This feeds the perception that Ukrop’s is more expensive when it has been proven to even be lower than Kroger AND Food Lion.
With Ukrop’s you get both, a nice shopping experience AND competitive, low prices. That’s a great business model and I wish more people would appreciate it.
Carolyn keep drinking the KoolAid. The typical shopper will always spend more at UKROPs then Kroger or Foodlion. We will not even mention Wall Mart.
Shopping at UKROPs has a lot of positive sides, low prices is not one of them.
I have recently started buying most of my groceries at Ukrops. I think the perception of higher prices is due to their inventory of unusual (for the Roanoke Valley) items that can be pricier than our usual purchases. I price compared, brand for brand, with my usual Food Lion purchases and found that those products were less expensive at Ukrops. Ukrops offers pricey items, especially prepared foods, that are not available at Food Lion and Kroger. If one buys the same foods at Ukrops as they normally get at the other stores, I don’t believe the total bill will be any higher. I find I have to force myself not to buy a lot of unique and interesting items! I am trying to ration myself from getting all those goodies at the same time…only one or two per week! I really have to be careful in the produce and deli departments as it all looks SO GOOD!
I heard an ad on the radio today that Ukrop’s will be closed on Saturday, July 4. I would think that a grocery store would be busy on July 4 and typically on any Saturday. Is this a sound decision for a store that is already suffering? They are also in direct proximity of the big 4th of July celebration in town….don’t they think that would bring in some business. I could understand closing early….but closing for the whole day? I think that’s insane!
UKROP’s management is totally out of touch with the customer. Closing on the 4th of July makes about as much sense as an underground parking lot for a grocery store.
Patti Jo and others,
While all our stores are closed on Saturday July 4, to allow our associates time to spend with their families and friends, we are open late tomorrow, and have some extra hot deals for you! These prices are good on Friday, July 3 only.
Pepsi 2 liters 2/$1
Food Club Mac & Cheese 4/$1
Campbell’s Pork & Beans 4/$1
Food Club Bread 2/$1
Turkey Hill Lemonade or Tea 64 oz .88
Food Club Cheese Slices 3/$2
Pet Ice Cream Sandwiches .88
Corn .10/ear
Oscar Meyer Meat Franks 5/$5
Holten Frozen Beef Patties 32 oz $3.98
Ukrop’s Chocolate Fudge Pie $4.99
Pattijo: Don’t most other businesses close on July 4th? Why can’t Ukrops? Don’t their employees deserve a nice long holiday weekend as well? Cant you and others shop early on Friday? Afterall most of us are off or getting off early Friday anyway. I think it is wonderful a business closes on Holidays for their employees. This just goes to show that Ukrop’s cares so much for them. I feel bad for those Kroger employees!! And no I don’t work for Ukrop’s but if I did I would feel very fortunate.
Most retail businesses will be open on the 4th of July and they will be staffed will people excited to be working because they get paid overtime or in some cases double time.
A grocery store that is closed on the 4th of July, late evenings and all Sundays is not a place I plan to shop. Apparently others agree, otherwise they would not be trying to play the sympathy card by annoucing to the world business is not meeting expectations.
Who came up with that business plan?
Joe, To answer your question on who came up with this business plan.. The Ukrop family.. People who care about and value their associates and their families. Wouldnt you love to work for a company that chooses to allow their associates to spend vauable time with their friends and families over making a few extra bucks being open on a Holiday? The people of this town make no sense to me.
So what you are telling me is that not only will Ukrop’s be closed on 4th of July, but one of their sale items for the July 3rd, is Turkey Hill Tea? Isn’t Turkey Hill owned and operated by Kroger?
Ukrop’s business model makes a whole lot better sense than a furniture department in a Kroger Store (Their new business model). I am from Roanoke (Still have a second home in Roanoke) but now live in Richmond. I love shopping at Ukrop, better meats, veggies, deli and the prices are not higher. For wine and beer I shop wine stores and the Internet. I am fortunate to be able to shop Ukrop’s in both Roanoke and Richmond.
“Turkey Hill Lemonade or Tea 64 oz .88″
I always chuckle when I see a store hawking their competitor’s products.
Snicker Snicker.
Jerry, the durable home goods at the Vinton Kroger are not a ‘new business model’. Its something they learned from their divisions out West, (ie- Frys Marketplace, Fred Myer) and are simply testing it here.
Out west, many of the Fred Meyer stores offer home repair goods, hardware, indoor and outdoor furniture…some used to offer lumber yards and drywall.
With razor thin margins in food retail, the money is made in general merchandise. With the economy progressing as it is, we’ll probably see more of this model. Kroger even tested a dollar store concept in its Houston area. I’m not sure how that one ended up.
The Ukrop stores in Richmond have a complete different vibe than the one here. Its the hometown store there. Go the flagship Hyde Park Kroger in Cincinnati, and you see a store like no other…fully staffed departments 24/7, impeccable customer service, never out of anything, etc.
I suppose it’s nice for the Ukrops employees to be off on July 4. But I would think they would rather work a few hours than to add to the risk of their store not being able to sustain itself in Roanoke. As for doing shopping early (Friday), many will do that….but we all know that many will be looking to pick up items on Saturday. If you don’t believe me, just hang out in front of Fresh Market on Saturday and see how much of Ukrops’ business shows up there.
I have a novel and serious idea; everyone agrees that Ukrop’s is a place that values its employees….hands down it’s a great place to work within the grocery genre.
When faced with a situation such as the one in Roanoke, where the employees face uprooting (again) and potential job losses, why not let them take “ownership” of the store. Let these folks have a say in their future by allowing them to vote on some basic non-corporate ethic issues. The sale of alcohol is not an option….not up for a vote or debate…..but let them decide if they would like to open up on Sundays and Holidays.
A sense of ownership in this way would lift their “can do” mind set and allow them to have a voice in this decision. Drastic ideas, outside of the box, are sometimes the perfect solution to such issues and can create a win-win for everyone involved.
Jenny, Have you heard anything about Harris Teeter buying out the Ukrop’s chain? I would love to see Harris Teeter back in Roanoke.
Guest,
Yes, this is a rumor that I also have heard, but I’m don’t know of its validity. No news of a purchase has been confirmed.
Greg – I think one of us needs to use a different name on these blogs. I’ve been posting for quit awhile but if you are partial to Greg I will use “The Original Greg” from now on. Jenny you can call me The OG if you want!
Signed “The Original Greg”
I would hate to see Ukrops go but if it does Harris Teeter would be great!!!They are on the same par as Ukrops- upscale! They were great in this area until Kroger bought them out for some unknown reason. Just please not another Kroger!! Jenny keep us posted!!
Original Greg-
I will keep Greg if that is okay. Regarding the Harris Teeter rumor….that has been floating around for at least 10 years and is considered to be “old news”. Albeit….now is certainly a perfect time for that rumor to become a fact and bear fruit if it were to ever happen.
It is certainly not a rumor anymore, yes it has been in the past but this time is real. There is a huge upper mgmnt meeting this Friday. My take is Harris Teeter will begin to run things by August.
Wegmans would be a better match for Ukrop’s than Harris Teeter. The corporate histories, cultures, and retail offerings are a close match. And, purchasing Ukrop’s would make for a logical and quick way for Wegmans to expand its reach into Virginia.
The Harris Teeter thing is not true. The noise on that rumor gets turned up every year after the Food World Market Share ratings come out. Greg is correct, that rumor has been floating around forever.
I moved to Va three years ago and on the second day I was here went to Ukrops. A 3.25 lb bottom round roast was $18.00 and change. In NJ where I moved from it’s $2.29 per lb.
This weekend I stopped at Wegmans in Fredricksburg and bought a 2 lb box of blueberries. At Ukrops the same brand and same size was $7.79 yesterday. I’ve shopped at Wegmans for years both in NJ and Rochester, NY where they started. It has the finest quality at great prices of all food stores.
Oh Ukrop’s Associate.. it is so true just wait til the end of this week!
Turkey Hill products are found in many different grocery chains as part of an expansion plan. I found this information on the AllBusiness.com web site:
Turkey Hill’s traditional market stretched south from Maine to North Carolina but not farther west than Buffalo, N.Y. That changed in 2005, when the dairy began partnering with several retailers in the Pittsburgh area, including Foodland, Shop ‘n Save and Wal-Mart.
The expansion into eastern Ohio came because of the area’s close connections to Pittsburgh. The dairy started selling its products at Tops Markets locations in Cleveland last year. It broke into the Columbus market in March, working with the Kroger supermarket chain. Turkey Hill is owned by a Kroger Co. subsidiary.
So, it’s not strange to see Ukrops carrying and promoting Turkey Hill products!
Personally, I like to shop at Ukrops and would not drive from Salem to shop there if I didn’t find overall prices comparable to Kroger, Food Lion, and WalMart. I wish there was another Ukrops closer to home.
I like underground parking because I don’t like getting wet hauling groceries to the car! I’m usually alone, so the security of having a store employee assist me is an extra bonus.
Ukrops has lots of choices – from different varieties of cooking stock, to CF Sauer (Richmond, VA) seasonings and condiments, to ingredients used in foods from other countries and cultures. You can buy store brands, national brands, or niche brands – just name your price point.
So what if they’re closed on Sundays, and also close on holidays so their employees can have this important time with their families. The Ukrops owners exhibit the courage of their convictions. This is a good thing, people!
To all of you negative nannys! If you have a real job that allows you to be off on lets say weekends and holidays do you not enjoy that we employees do as well. Roanoke is so far behind the times it is pathetic. The Ukrop’s family has started and maintained a wonderful foundation for their employees. Yes maybe they do lose some money on the hoidays but seriously most people are partying, spending time with family, or out of town. I know unless it was something last minute I am not going to be at the store on a holiday, way to much other stuff to do, so we know that comment came from a man most def. If you would rather shop at the nasty grocery stores around here more power to you. If it is prices you are worried about than Walmart must be your choice store. That store is degusting! Ukrop’s is the best grocery store to work for, Kroger only pays there employees about $8 an hour and you all wonder why we try to always be in a good mood and help our customers with whatever they need. We have more to offer than any other store around. To all of you faithful Ukrop’s shoppers Thank You! Please if you ever have a problem please address it our managers got out of their way to please our customers as long as it is with in reason. Hopefully the rumors are not true I know I do not want to work for anyone else, this is the best job I have ever had.
the kind of attitude i see displayed in these comments by “ukrop’s associates” stops me from shopping at ukrops. i don’t care if the store is open 24 hours a day and giving out free booze; i’m not interested in a supporting a store whose employees call roanoke “pathetic” and otherwise talk smack about the people in places in my hometown. ukrop’s wasn’t complaining abour roanoke when they took tax incentives to build teir store.
i’ll take my business elsewhere.
I live in Richmond where we have the same chain grocery stores you have, plus Tom Leonard’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and of course, Ukrop’s. Even with the myriad choices we have here, Ukrop’s would be a huge loss to us. I am not Christian, so I am not crazy about the store be closed on Sunday (I thought it was ridiculous when I first moved to Richmond from Roanoke 11 years ago), and many people here feel like the Ukrops push their values on the community, but they don’t bother me at all. When they say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays, I say it right back to them. I can’t fathom why anyone would prefer to get in that traffic mess at Towers just to go to Kroger when you can go to Ukrop’s. I lived in North Carolina for a year and had to shop at Harris Teeter and Food Lion. The Harris Teeter was nice, but not the same as Ukrops. I definitely missed Ukrops! I wonder what businesses will take a chance on Roanoke in the future.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Giant (owned by Ahold, the other mentioned names)
A major chain up in DC area, and I can see them wanting to take part of the Richmond Market.
Rumor a year or two ago was a Martins (sister store to Giant) was to go in Roanoke somewhere when Ukrops was building too..
I wouldn’t want to see a Harris Teeter, i wasn’t that impressed when they were here last.. and there MAY be something with the old Kroger deal to keep them out of the area? (just guessing.. not basing on any fact….)
Jennifer,
You have not heard anything yet….huuuuuuuuuuuuge news coming soon about another Roanoke failure. This one will be huge but quite predictable.
Seth, not all Ukrop’s associates talk “smack” about the people of your hometown afterall this is our hometown too.. you must understand the frustration we may have. We arnt downing the locals it has just been a huge dissapointment not to have the support we wished we would have had around here.
Seth keep in mind they only human and may not say things that everyone likes. I’m sure there feeling have gotten hurt here just like yours did. These people have tried their da… sorry, hardest and people have turned their backs on them. This “I don’t shop there because they don’t sell beer” is about the lamest excuse I have ever heard. People come on. You mean to tell me that in a weeks time you do not stop anywhere else? The Sunday thing I can see to a point. I shop there all the time and still manage to buy my beer. This works because at some point I have to stop at Walmart or another store for something. I guess I can make it work because a case will last me longer than a night or two. Several weeks in fact.
I do not see UA2 comment being any worse than what some people who do not work for Ukrops have said here.
These days we have to worry so much about being PC it’s getting insane.
Jenny I tried vary hard not to be nasty here. So if I have I’m sorry. Yep I worry about being PC too. It’s a no win.
I’m not from Roanoke but to me the ideal setup would be if Wegmans and Harris Teeter combined to take over all of the Ukrop sites. Wegs could handle the larger, newer sites and HT could run the average stores no problem.
I went by the Wegmans grand opening in Fredericksburg on June 21. I was worried at first when I saw the “Wal-Mart” stereotype (wife-beater, flip-flops, nascar hat, beer belly) leaving the store in masses with carts full of coke 12 packs…(opening day special of coke brand 12 packs for $2)… but it got better.
The store was very busy and hectic…but to have a sit down seafood/raw bar that seats 15 serving food they sell in the store was amazing. I had fresh, grilled calamari to start then a crab cake entrée and enjoyed it with a couple of locally brewed Fred Red Ale draughts. I hadn’t seen this much attention to customer satisfaction since living near London and shopping at either Asda (now Wal-Mart owned) or Marks and Spencer’s.
As for Ukrop’s continuing not to selling alcohol something is amiss. Ukrop money has backed the Market at Tobacco Row in Shockoe Bottom which had a walk in beer cooler that was kept at what felt like 40 degrees…pure ecstasy. And I heard a secondary site of theirs (Joe’s maybe) sells wine. But I don’t shop there enough to miss not picking up a cheap 12 pack when I do visit.
That said I will get a salad from Ukrop every week or so and gladly spend the $10 or more as they’re the only grocery store that puts man food on its salad bar. By man food I mean real bacon chopped up, fresh chicken and tuna salad, perfect Caesar setups, etc. To compare Whole Foods opened up recently in Richmond and besides a cool wine/beer bar and excellent BBQ Togo I was disappointed at their 3 section Salad/Cold/Hot bar. It’s mostly Tofu junk and what I might enjoy was a flat $7.50 a lb.
In the end between my 3 club memberships (Costco, Sams and BJ’s) I get 95% of my groceries from them and will now travel the 20 miles to Wegmans for their excellent service, prices and massive beer selection!!!
First of all, let me say that I love many things about Ukrop’s. I live in South Roanoke so it is very convenient for me. I love the salad bar and frequent it many times per week. The store is so easy to get in and out of no matter which direction you are coming from or heading toward. Michael in flowers is incredible. The prepared foods are a blessing to me as my husband and I both work full time. I have found the sales and third off stickers to really help me stay well within my budget. I really think if you shop smart, Ukrop’s is a bargain. I often find incredible deals in the meat department and in produce. I love the Ukrops rolls and cookies. I could go on and on.
But at the same time…
I do not feel that Ukrop’s corporate has ever really supported Roanoke. Financially, yes, there have been donations made, that sort of thing. But they have never really made a commitment to this location. Just look around! All of the bags are printed with ads for the Ukrop’s 5K or other out-of-town (to a Roanoker) event. It irritates me to no end that every time I check out, I get this extra slip of paper about winning a free tank of gas. Well, go online to do what they ask and you’ll see that we don’t qualify because they do not have a Roanoke partner for this program. Quit printing the ad, then! Scan your card when you walk in the front door and you’ll find things like “$5.00 off your admission to the Lewis Ginter Gardens” which, obviously, is not in Roanoke. What do they not understand about this? I once got a coupon printed from the scanner out front with my UVC card for a free Odwalla bar with a 1 lb. purchase from the salad bar. I thought great- I’ll see if my kids would like those. But after looking around and finding no Odwalla bars, I asked the nearest associate and she just shook her head and said she’d been asked that all day long. For goodness sakes, don’t print a coupon advertising merchandise you don’t have in stock! (For the record, Ukrop’s now carries this item.) I also find it incredibly arrogant that their marketing plan is to tell Roanoke what it’s doing wrong and expect us to change. That should have been their job up front to do the research and see if their model would fit here, or how they could alter their model to fit here.
I love the store, the cleanliness, the whole shopping atmosphere- EXCEPT the feeling from the Ukrop’s corporate that Roanoke is the stepchild. I am so sad to hear the likely result is the Ukrop family selling to Harris Teeter, but am hopeful that the property will continue to be operated instead of having a blank retail storefront. I have done everything I personally can to help Ukrop’s stay, but after months and months of going out of my way to support them, I feel as though the commitment on their end was less than mine and many other shoppers in town.
Here’s a thought- why didn’t your marketing guy from Richmond ever bother to tell anyone in Roanoke what special offers you had? It took a year to do that! Finally, signage about store specials and offers appeared and Jason utilized it well- placing those items at the front of the store, etc. As much as I shop at the store, you’ve never (until just recently) told me about your coupon policy- either everyday or on sale days. The day of the first triple coupon offer, there was no indication on what value coupon would be accepted- .50, $1.00, none? These things should have been done in the very beginning. I’m fine with whatever the answer is, but just post it somewhere and let me know.
Just a few thoughts from a shopper who really supported you from the very beginning. I’m sorry to see what’s coming and think it could have been prevented in a number of ways.
I failed to mention above that I have really valued seeing Jason and others in leadership positions around the store on a regular basis doing whatever needed to be done, assisting customers, etc. I’ve lived here most of my life and couldn’t tell you the names of the Kroger Tanglewood or Kroger Towers managers. I am sorry for the employees that have relocated here and will likely have to relocate again, especially those like Jason with young children. Ukrop’s should know you’ve worked very hard to succeed.
Wow….well said by moms to boys and dogs. I too applaud the efforts of Jason, Chris, Bill, Kristin, Jade and all the others….job well done. Simply put…..you never had a fair shot with the lackluster support coming from Richmond.
To touch on the comment above a bit further…..the online ad was solely to the benefit of the Richmond stores and did not apply to the Roanoke store….different prmotions, coupon savings etc….
This store was clearly second fiddle; die hard customers are perceptive and the perception was clear….we were an afterthought.
Harris Teeter is a great grocery store and I look forward to their re-entry into the area if it indeed does happen. I sincerely hope that with the sale, again, if it comes to fruition, that we will continue to see the managemant team and other Ukrop employees at the new store since their will be no Ukrop’s per se.
Great comments “mom to boys and dads.” I didn’t realize that about the Richmond promotions in Roanoke. Seems like that would have been a no-brainer.
Well Roanoke, here we go again. Everyone wants it their way & nothing else is acceptable.
Roanoke is a small town that wants to think it’s big, but is hung up on it’s petty ways. By the way, Roanoke is no different than other towns throughout this country! Yes, we’re not unique to the Sundays, and beer & wine scenario.
What makes you think that a town that can’t compromise with it’s bordering towns on anything (civic centers, ball fields, utilities) would be any different when it comes to a retail business.
The ongoing argument of lower level parking, parallels the no downtown parking, when in reality parking garages fill the needs very well. It’s just not what you want!
Me, me, me.
Never worked retail??? Try it sometime. The rewards are the appreciative folks who in many instances also deal with the public. The rest of the time it’s people belly aching that whatever is not the way they want it. Price, 24 hour / 7 days a week, beer, etc. And then there are those who write responses right here, saying they don’t care about what it takes to keep a business viable! Spoiled rotten me, me, me’s.
Then there’s the issue of being “2nd”. Guess what! Everything / everyone can’t be first !!! When they plow the streets from snow they leave my street till last. Guess what! There has to be a first and a last. Roanoke is not second fiddle to Richmond Ukrops. It’s based totally on priorities.
When individuals start caring about others, opening doors, deferring parking places, and so much more, THEN you’ll see some changes. Till that day, count on the incessant belly aching.
30+ years in Roanoke, but there’s a whole other world out there.
I understand that they’re human. So am I. That doesn’t give me carte blanche to express my frustrations, especially with my employer’s name attached to my comments. When these “Ukrops Associates” choose their usernames, they choose to represent Ukrops. If their comments call Roanoke and Roanokers “pathetic” and continually come across as smug and condescending, I associate those things with the store. I choose to shop somewhere else, at stores that actually seem to value the city they’re in.
Seth how do you know these people are really Ukrop’s associates? shoot it was probably you that wrote those comments. How do we know?
Poor Roanoke… I feel bad for Roanoke. I still have relatives back in Roanoke. I want them to be able to have decent jobs and for their children to grow up and get good jobs w/out having to leave like I did. I want to one day come back… not just for retirement, but before that!
This just in…
http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2009/072009/07162009/480055
Love the store, shopped there alot. Have become familar with many associates, ( Jt , Chris and Allison) If only one thing i can wish for would be for their owner Bobby TO NOT say: Im not going to comment on the rumors! Well if they are just rumors come out and say point blank We are not selling our company!Dont say Im not going to comment, please stop sugar coating this. Let your employees know ( before the media) so they can be at rest with this headache! As a single mother who has been laid off in the last 2 months, I know how much it would mean to them. I can only hope god provides a miracle to keep the store open as i have not been there as often latley as i am still unemployed at ther time!