Today I feel the need to go off the beaten path and rate a grocery store. I know. What?! Well, if you live around me or in the Metro Richmond Area, you are more than well aware of the recent “Ukropalypse.” For those of you out-of-towners, that means that our beloved, local grocery store, Ukrop’s, sold to a big chain store, Martin’s. Lots of you have already been in Martin’s and still go there. Many of you went once and now shop at Kroger. I went to Martin’s for the FIRST time yesterday afternoon on my way home from a Richmond trip. Since it has been such a controversial topic (read: in Richmond, it’s like bringing up religion or politics at the dinner table…), I felt that my visit was important enough for commentary and to get your read on the situation. I know, you are dying for my evaluation!
1. No Mrs. Myer’s Clean Day cleaning supplies = strike one in my book. I DO love some Mrs. Myers! And, I am almost out of my Basil Dish Soap!
2. Kashi Cereal, four boxes for $8 = Extra Credit! This was awesome! You realize four boxes would normally put me out about twice that amount?!
3. No one takes your groceries out to your car for you…or even offers (or they didn’t at the location I visited on that particular day) = This is a slippery slope. I was totally spoiled by this at Ukrop’s but, where I live now, we don’t have that either. So, I’m calling this a wash. That’s not to say I wouldn’t like to have the “assumed carry out” back! (I’m pregnant, people!)
4. Ukrop’s Cafe is still in-tact = I haven’t tried the food there yet. Anyone know if it’s the same? If so, this equals points for Martin’s.
5. They carry BEER AND WINE. WHAT?!! This never would’ve happened at Ukrop’s (although I truly do respect that this was a part of their corporate culture…but, isn’t it beautiful?). = SERIOUS Extra Credit Points.
6. Martin’s is open on Sunday’s = I do wish Ukrop’s had been open on Sundays. However, it was also a part of their corporate culture and I respect that. I’m calling this a wash, too, because if you were really desperate, you could go somewhere else.
7. Even though I found several positives, Martin’s just does not have the same feel that Ukrop’s did. It would be an interesting study on corporate culture (the “business nerdy” part of me LOVES this stuff)!
Those of you that have been there, what’s your vote? I’m giving Martin’s a B-.
Back to kid’s topics on Monday. Enjoy the weekend!
Adrianne
Thanks for visiting my site for children's artwork. This is the story of a girl who thought she had to be "mainstream" corporate only to figure out that life is much happier for her painting animals on canvas. Look through the entire site: the blog features my daily craziness as I keep up with my own business, help my hubs with his law practice and chase after our two-year-old and Golden Retriever. The Gallery features my most recent works. The Shop is the best; it's where you can buy a little piece of it for yourself! I love painting. I love designing. I love writing. I bring it all together here at Lambchop Designs!
