I only go grocery shopping a few times a year, and I'm not generally loyal to any particular store -- I just go wherever is closest. Today, though, I went to the local Vons and was really surprised by how nice it was.
First off, they were having an amazing sale on lots of products that I buy, such as soup, crackers, and frozen vegetables. Instead of the regular $2.99+ per item they were $1 each, and labeled as "10 for $10!" Now, you didn't have to buy 10 to get the special price, but I took it as a challenge and bought 10 of all sorts of things. Nifty.
Secondly, the employees were very courteous and helpful. They all called me "sir", which is as it should be, considering that I'm a Vons Club member! Word. Plus, there was a girl stationed at the front of the checkout aisles who directed me towards the shortest line; I only waited about 30 seconds before the manager opened a new lane just for me and let me get out in a hurry. Sweet.
In the end, I got $175 worth of groceries for $100, so I feel pretty satisfied.
First off, how do you survive only going grocery shopping a few times a year? (I worry you subsist on the meat from the people you kill along with a few choice spices to season them.) Then I thought...maybe you just go out to dinner with different bloggers all the time, and even though Daniel and I think we're special, we're just part of your regularly scheduled dinners that keep you fed when you don't actually cook for yourself.
Megan: I eat out too much and buy frozen stuff. I'm a bachelor!
Isn't it a sad fact that we get excited at even the smallest amount of good customer service. I would bet by your description that you were at the Vons at Inglewood and the 405. (Only in L.A.) I know this because I travel past several other stores to go there because I like the way I am treated. The simplest things in life (like saying hello) are usually the best.
I miss Vons!
Michael, my advice to you is to start cooking real (not frozen) meals for yourself as soon as possible. Number one, they're healthier. Number two, it will impress your future wife if you cook for her every once in a while. Daniel doesn't cook at all and I would be absoluately flabergasted and impressed if he would cook me something one weekend. So, earn points with your future spouse by learning to cook from scratch.
If my former life as a single man serves me correct $100 should have been able to purchase approx: 300 packages of Top Ramen @ 15 cents a-piece 10 frozen pizzas @ 3.99 some chips, cookies, salsa and sodas. Not only are you set for the year you could throw a great party!
Eric: That's the store! I don't buy Ramen anymore though, too many bad memories.
Megan: I can cook, I just don't have the time of inclination to do it for myself. It can be fun, but I'm just too busy with looking for a job and school.