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I've shopped in Publix and found it to be just a regular grocery store. They recently opened a Wegman's not far from where we are - lots of buzz about it. I'm getting the flyers and coupons in the mail but we haven't gone there yet. Will probably check it out at some point. We also have an Uncle Giuseppe's nearby (saw someone else mention it) and have heard great things about it. We have a Market Basket within a couple miles and it is very expensive. I also find it lacking in selection so rarely go there. My go-to grocery store is within a mile or so and is a bit on the expensive side but the quality of produce and meat as well as the bakery - and the overall selection makes it worthwhile.
I'm a Publix fan of 50+ yrs (grew up in Westwood Lakes in Miami) and wrote many a letter starting in 1986 to get them to come to NC, then once we had computers began my one-woman campaign of emails. Now for Wegmans, which I know from summers in New York. I hope they make it to NC, near me, before I die. I rarely go into a Harris Teeter as I have never found them to be money-saving nor very helpful to anything I need or want. When I first moved to NC, they had a board at the front of the store where people could ask for specialty items and they WOULD get them in stock (saved me my Publix hankerings for a long time). I have often had to look for people to assist me finding items and most look the other way to NOT make eye contact unless I call on them, specifically. I also am not a shopper at Food Lion. I cannot fathom HOW Aldi's even stays open, but they do and I see some here who love them. To each their own, as in most things in life!
With no Publix in Durham, there are only two reasons to shlep to Cary: Publix buttercream is the most heavenly stuff in the world, so when I make decorated cupcakes, I get my fristing there; and they have a reasonable approximation of real rye bread.
Never been to Wegmens but a lot of my friends have said it is similar to Publix (some say it's better), so I cannot really answer in a non-biased way. I grew up in the southeast, Publix was my family's go-to supermarket. The employees are always friendly and helpful, they understand how to properly bag groceries (you'd be surprised how many baggers in CA don't understand bagging), and I've interviewed at their corporate HQ with a quality experience. Their stores have always been well lit, clean, and in good shape. Their slogan isn't, "Where shopping is a pleasure" for no reason. I actually miss getting groceries at Publix, especially their BOGO promotions.
I'm a Publix fan of 50+ yrs (grew up in Westwood Lakes in Miami) and wrote many a letter starting in 1986 to get them to come to NC, then once we had computers began my one-woman campaign of emails. Now for Wegmans, which I know from summers in New York. I hope they make it to NC, near me, before I die. I rarely go into a Harris Teeter as I have never found them to be money-saving nor very helpful to anything I need or want. When I first moved to NC, they had a board at the front of the store where people could ask for specialty items and they WOULD get them in stock (saved me my Publix hankerings for a long time). I have often had to look for people to assist me finding items and most look the other way to NOT make eye contact unless I call on them, specifically. I also am not a shopper at Food Lion. I cannot fathom HOW Aldi's even stays open, but they do and I see some here who love them. To each their own, as in most things in life!
I put my hat off to you for persistence since it took almost 30 years from that point for Publix to open in NC!
As for Aldi, it's good for what it is - a specialty grocery store specializing in low costs and serves that demo well. It's a good store for your most basic needs.
When I lived in the Northeast I shopped at Wegmans, now that I'm living in Florida It's Publix.
Wegmans by far is my choice. Their meat & produce are always nice. Good selections of produce and the stores have a more upscale feel. I have Celiac, so gluten-free options are important to me. When I'm up in NY or PA a trip to Wegmans is amazing to see what's available.
So now that I've lived on the east and west coast of Florida I've shopped at a wide variety of Publix stores. The produce always seems like it's on the verge of bad, which means I'm at the store every day or two. Their selection is miserable. Prices don't match the quality. I hate Publix, but being in Florida there aren't many choices. People that grew up with Publix LOVE Publix. The locals here won't support another chain, so it's tough for them to operate here.
Wegmans for me.
I am a mini snowbird and split between Erie PA and FL so shop at both.
Wegmans is a 30 minute drive from my small town but it is so worth it. Fresh and local produce right as you walk through the door. Then a stop for a lunch at the massive hot bar. Let’s not forget the huge beer and wine selection and ability to have a draft with lunch or dinner! Moving on to the deli,cheese selection and meats I am still wandering and shopping. Last but not least the bakery with the self serve cookie bar! Organic groceries and perishables if you like without the Whole Foods pricing and ambience!! Miss Wegmans during fall and winter. Have yet to try a sub though!
Publix nothing special. Subs I will say are fantastic and if it’s the special of the week it’s a can’t miss on price. Since I live in a tourist area I take advantage of the online ordering for subs and lunch meat. The Publix bakes good are excellent as well and the bakery employees are very nice. Lots of times I will just need two rolls and they will separate a larger pack for me. The key lime pie and chantilly cakes are tasty and reasonably priced.
I still vote for Wegmans. I am from Giant Eagle country originally (PA) and I hope Wegmans moves in on their territory.
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Originally Posted by ylisa7
Aldi's is not a shopping "pleasure/experience" but they have some darned good prices on produce and dairy. For that I don't need customer service
I shop at a remodeled Aldi. Most of their stores will be remodeled by 2020. The selection is greatly expanded at the remodeled stores & it's a less utilitarian look. The best scenario is a remodeled Aldi with a nearby Lidl. You can get a lot of your day to day groceries at the two.
There's a Publix near me. I've been once. It's nice enough. I used to live near a Wegmans but never went. If one comes near where I live in NC I'd go to check it out.
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