My Little Picasso's

My Little Picasso's

Friday, July 6, 2012

These are tough economic times ... Walmart vs. Wegmans

I have always loved Wegmans, ever since I went into the Wegmans in State College, PA with my      in-laws.  You just walk in and hear the foodie gods calling to you.  The aisles of pre-made dinners; chinese, sushi, pizza, soups, hot entrees and sides ... AAAAHHHHHHHH!  The beer aisles are even better; every Sam Adams available each season(this blogger's biere preferee).  The organic groceries, the local farm's produce, the gadgets ... the yogurt.  Did I mention the meat?  Tenderloins ... to die for.  Don't get me started on the British food. 
Many people have such a misconception about Wegmans.  They believe with all the choice and excellent quality they must be expensive.
X.  (Think the Family Feud buzzer)
Of course, wholesale clubs are the best for many household items, produce, and meat, but if Costco is not your weekly shopping place, a grocery market must suffice.
I decided to do a little investigating, so I wrote down some very common weekly items for me at the time, loaded up the kids and hubbie(He was only slightly mortified as I walked around with my pad and paper.  Hey, he should be thanking me!), and off we went to Walmart.  Please see below:

(please assume on most items unless noted that this is the Wegman's brand vs. the Great Value brand)

Item
Wegman’s
Walmart
bananas
0.47 lb.
0.52
bag o’ baby carrots
0.99
1.44
blueberries
4.99 (2 lbs.)
3.88
strawberries
3.49 (2 lbs.)
3.56
raspberries
3.49  (1 lb.)
3.48
pasta (spaghetti)
0.99 
1.08
cereal
2.89  (Reese’s Puffs)
2.88
½ gallon of milk
1.87 
1.98
canned green beans
0.49
0.68
shredded cheese
1.99  (2 cups)
2.18
yogurt (4pack Stonyfield)
2.25
2.28
can of coffee
2.49
2.68
Gazebo Room Greek Dressing
3.39
3.88
broccoli(fresh)
1.67  (1 lb.)
1.68
turkey(deli)
7.49  (1 lb.)
6.98
Chef Boyardee
1.00
0.98
baby bella mushrooms 
2.00  (8 oz.)
2.48
Velveeta
3.59
3.83
rice (Steamable packs)
1.59
1.84
juice 
2.69
2.89


I was quite shocked to say the least.  What happened to the lowest price guaranteed?  Am I ready to haggle with a cashier at Walmart instead of just going to Wegmans?  Hell to the No.  I'll be honest and no offense to any, my local Walmart scares me.  At Wegmans, the managers know who I am.  They have seen me go through two pregnancies, watched my two boys devour their freshly made bagels every Friday morning while I down some coffee.  They know my order by heart at the coffee stand; three bagels, one medium coffee, and a refill $4.07(although it might become four bagels; the boys eat a lot).  I appreciate the care they take when I ask where something is.  The atmosphere is friendly and inviting.

So, I think I'll stick with Wegmans.

July 6th, 2012

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