Ukrop's Ivy Market (Richmond, Roanoke, Franklin: sale, leasing, coop)

[VALover]

Teebyrd,

I hope I don't hurt your feelings but I just wanted to let you know my thoughts about Ukrop's. I read your post yesterday and didn't reply but I have decided that maybe I should in case other people feel the same way I do. Maybe if it could be passed on to management it could be something that helps.

I have tried shopping at Ukrop's on several occasions. The first, back in the summer, I kind of liked it. I was just buying sandwich making stuff and chips. I did feel that the selection in the chip isle left a little to be desired though.

After we got moved in to our place in Roanoke my husband and I went shopping there to fill our pantry. There was something about the setup of the store that I didn't care for that day. We didn't like it that we were forced to have help to our car either. Actually, I felt like the guy taking our stuff out was a little rude when I told him that we didn't need help out.

There have been a few more occasions when I went in and ended up only getting a few things. Then, I was in there on Monday. I wanted to give it another chance so I made my list and set out to shop. I made it through the bakery, and frozen stuff. When I got to the coffee and tea eisle I realized that I would have to go elsewhere to get what I wanted in that area as well as going elsewhere for the free range eggs that are a must have for my family. I ended up returning all of the items I had in my basket to their shelves.

To sum it up, I guess the main things that bug me there are the set up of the produce area and the fact that I can't load my own car. I guess the loading my own car up thing sounds kind of silly but I am not great about cleaning my car out and am a little embarassed to have someone else go out and see it, I think others may feel the same.

Teebyrd, I am not posting this to be mean because I like you on this board. I hope for the best for Ukrop's and the Ivy Market, honest. I just wanted to let you know about my shopping experience and what bothered me. I hope that you won't have to leave Roanoke because it is obvious that you really like it here.

[Teebyrd86]

I appreciate your post and you havent hurt my feelings. Your so very right I do love the Valley and it will break my heart if I have to leave it behind. I am not giving up hope just yet. But do admit things arnt looking great. I can see your conerns and what not but our store is set up like other Ukrop's stores in the Richmond area. The carry out service is something that sets us apart from others. I doubt they would get mad if you declined it. The chip isle seems rather large to me (spans two sides of an isle) Did you look at both sides? If we dont have a product in house that you want it can be special ordered and carried. I am also not sure of your concerns over the produce dept. What about its set up do you not like? A comment board is in the front of the store for you to post all of your concerns and suggestions on.. next time you are in the store please fill one out. As I said earlier our services and store set up are exactly like those in Richmond. We do very well in Richmond and it seems folks here are set on the other store.. (if you know who I mean). I hope that Roanokers give us a chance and see what a great company we are and how different we are. I am so very proud to be an associate of Ukrop's.

Originally Posted by VALover

Teebyrd,

I hope I don't hurt your feelings but I just wanted to let you know my thoughts about Ukrop's. I read your post yesterday and didn't reply but I have decided that maybe I should in case other people feel the same way I do. Maybe if it could be passed on to management it could be something that helps.

I have tried shopping at Ukrop's on several occasions. The first, back in the summer, I kind of liked it. I was just buying sandwich making stuff and chips. I did feel that the selection in the chip isle left a little to be desired though.

After we got moved in to our place in Roanoke my husband and I went shopping there to fill our pantry. There was something about the setup of the store that I didn't care for that day. We didn't like it that we were forced to have help to our car either. Actually, I felt like the guy taking our stuff out was a little rude when I told him that we didn't need help out.

There have been a few more occasions when I went in and ended up only getting a few things. Then, I was in there on Monday. I wanted to give it another chance so I made my list and set out to shop. I made it through the bakery, and frozen stuff. When I got to the coffee and tea eisle I realized that I would have to go elsewhere to get what I wanted in that area as well as going elsewhere for the free range eggs that are a must have for my family. I ended up returning all of the items I had in my basket to their shelves.

To sum it up, I guess the main things that bug me there are the set up of the produce area and the fact that I can't load my own car. I guess the loading my own car up thing sounds kind of silly but I am not great about cleaning my car out and am a little embarassed to have someone else go out and see it, I think others may feel the same.

Teebyrd, I am not posting this to be mean because I like you on this board. I hope for the best for Ukrop's and the Ivy Market, honest. I just wanted to let you know about my shopping experience and what bothered me. I hope that you won't have to leave Roanoke because it is obvious that you really like it here.

[Diamond Dave]

Big spread on Ukrops in the Roanoke Times today.

Price comparison btw Kroger and Ukrops done 18 months ago:

Ukrop’s vs. Kroger | Fridge Magnet

I hope Ukrops succeeds. Teebyrd, tell Mr. Ukrops to advertise more. The internet is full of evidence that companies that advertise the most during recessions not only fare better during the recession, they fare better long after too.

[badger74]

Actually they expanded the Boonsboro Kroger adding a nice higher end meat dept., deli and bakery. Food lion stinks. WalMart also has an expansive food dept.

http://services.kroger.com/mapquest/...ordId=02900408

Kroger, Lynchburg, VA : Reviews and maps - Yahoo! Local

Now what L really needs is a good meat and fresh fish store.

[headnsouth]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

it seems folks here are set on the other store.. (if you know who I mean).

I think it's great that you are so genuinely supportive of your employer. I shop at Kroger, at the co-op, at Fresh Market (which actually has great prices on organic produce), at Food Lion, and at the Asian market on Peters Creek Road, all depending on what I am purchasing. There just isn't anything on my regular shopping list for which Ukrop's is the best choice.

I'm probably in the minority 'round these parts, but I'm not all that keen on shopping at religious stores. (Although I do get some of my vegetarian staples from the Seventh Day Adventists, so it's not a firm rule or anything.)

Times are tough, and they're going to be tough for a while. Ukrop's might have to close its Roanoke store but otherwise the company appears to be doing well. That's a lot better than some other companies, these days.

[Teebyrd86]

Thank you to those who are supporting our store here in the valley. I am hopeing and praying that we make it through this time. I hope the media and newspaper artical will help us a little. Time will tell our fate in Roanoke.

[sregorat3]

Originally Posted by badger74

Actually they expanded the Boonsboro Kroger adding a nice higher end meat dept., deli and bakery. Food lion stinks. WalMart also has an expansive food dept.

http://services.kroger.com/mapquest/...ordId=02900408

Kroger, Lynchburg, VA : Reviews and maps - Yahoo! Local

Now what L really needs is a good meat and fresh fish store.

Well badger, maybe you've found the job in the Burg that wasn't there last time you all were here. Open a meat/fish market! Little store front right by the college B&N on Rivermont. You'd get my business; my wife spends some bucks down at the Blue Marlin on Bedford Ave., so another venue for fresh food would make her happy. With the number of Northerners that have come to Lynchburg, I'm surprised that we don't have a good butcher, other than the Boonsboro Kroger, of course!

[badger74]

Oh, I have given it some thought but I had to tour a large meatpacking plant once for my work and let's just same I'm not so good with meat in big pieces.

[j1n]

I hope Ukrop's does manage to survive here in Roanoke. Like the opening of the art museum, I see places like Ukrop's to be indicative of forward progress being made here...in a place where, frankly, some folks have almost given up hope of it ever progressing.
But there does have to be some give-and-take. Many (most?) folks live here due to the general affordability of the area. If I was a betting man, I'd bet that most of the middle-of-the-road folks here know where they will shop for what. My wife tells me that "At "X" store, "X" products are cheaper, so I get them there".
But when all is said and done, I appreciate Ukrops' concept, and it's great to have that available to the people of Roanoke.

[kitkatjmu]

I hope Ukrops survives too! I'm planning on getting my wedding flowers and cake from there in April!