Grocery Store Experiences
I just recently into a grocery store (we’ll leave the name unmentioned) after not visiting one for many months. The only reason I went was to pick up something that I needed at the last minute and it was the only store open at the hour. The point of mentioning this story is the fact of how much nicer natural food stores are.
Over the past few years, I have almost exclusively been buying my food and cleaning supplies from both an Organic store in my region called MOMs and Trader Joe’s (Aside from buying local produce). It was not until I went back to an ordinary grocery store that I realize just how much better natural food stores are in comparison.
Environment
The organic market MOMs that I normally shop at not only uses 100% wind energy, but they also buy locally whenever possible, conserve energy, compost, use minimal packing and buying in bulk. Trader Joe’s doesn’t do quite as many things, but they do encourage using reusable bags and support organic products. I do wish trader joe’s would support more sustainable fish, but anything they have is far better than most grocery stores.
All the things I mentioned are not done at many grocery stores across our country. The store I went to did not even allow shoppers to bring in reusable bags, which is pretty disappointing. On top of that, the clerk I had put the item I was buying in a plastic bag before I could even tell her not to. I did not take the bag, but I would imagine that many grocery stores conduct similar practices. On top of that, most of the top brands carried in grocery stores use excessive packaging that is just so unnecessary.
Natural Foods
Other factors are nice about natural food stores, but the biggest draw is the food. The stores I attend almost exclusively sell organic or all natural foods. Many grocery stores are attempting to get into the organic market. The only problem is that many of the products they sell are not as ‘organic’ as advertised. Be sure to always read labels and don’t spend more just because the label says organic.
Prices
There is always the misconception that natural food stores are expensive, much more so than regular grocery store. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
I used to clip coupons to try and get the cheapest price. From my personal experience, clipping coupons and following the sales are grocery stores are not always the cheapest way to go. The typical price on items at both stores I go to are usually comparable, if not cheaper than the sale prices in more stores. The reason is that prices are marked up so much that sale prices make their prices seem cheaper than they actually are.
Some claim coupons can save more. I would have to disagree completely. Cutting coupons can be very time consuming and is it really worth the time to save 50¢ not to mention all the paper it takes to print the coupons on.
Atmosphere
This is something that may not environmental factors, but the atmosphere of any natural goods store I have been in is so inviting. The workers have always been friendly and seem happy to be working there. The stores themselves are always seem more organized and just seem much cleaner. Maybe it’s because of the happier workers or because of better management. Whatever the reason, I have enjoyed my experience shopping for food ever since I switched.
Give natural food stores a chance and you will be surprised that you may spend similar prices to get healthier and more foods.
What are your experiences with both types of grocery stores?
Comments
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March 23rd, 2010Trackback from : Butalbital no prescription.
Trader Joe’s sells farm raised fish from China. I don’t see how they can promote an “organic” appearance with this type of junk on their shelves.
Witty: I agree. I do not buy any of their seafood and it’s a shame that they don’t get with it like MOM’s and other natural foods stores have already done. I do like many of their products though and the fact that they also keep their prices low.
Apparently Trader Joe’s is finally implementing sustainable seafood policies: http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/blogs/trader-joes-to-support-sustainable-seafood
I have the same feeling when I go into conventional/mainstream markets- it’s a bit of a culture shock and I suddenly am reminded of how great people who live the eco and organic foods lifestyle are.
btw- I happen to own MOM’s and blog posts like yours mean a lot to me and people at my company.
And one more “btw”- Witty- you are very observant. I think TJ’s is a fantastic company when it comes to ops, model, and branding. However, frankly they should be ashamed of how low little attention they give to sustainable seafood.
Scott: I love your stores. I used to visit your location near College Park when I was in college. Now I live in Columbia, so I visit the Jessup location very often. You have done a great job with your stores and I love the selection, quality products and such a great atmosphere. I have never met an employee at your stores that not been extremely helpful and friendly. I also enjoy the local foods during the summer months. Keep up the great work and hopefully your company has continued success.
I didn’t realize this was close to home, I will be checking out the MOM’s in Alexandria this weekend. Thanks!
My local grocery store has become more and more “natural”. They encourage the bring-your-own-bag thing and they are offering more organic foods. They are a long way from being a natural market, however. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to a local natural store – I have to travel several miles to get to one.
I think that is the major problem with many people. It’s not that they don’t want to go to natural food stores, but more that there is not one close to their homes. If you do want natural foods, probably your best bet would be to wait for a local natural store to come in your area (which may take some time) or order online, which only goes so far. I would also recommend either signing up for either a local CSA or checking to see if a farmer’s market is in your area.
One more tip for those far from natural food stores is the Eat Well Guide. You just type in your zip code and viola! You can see all of your options close by in terms of farmers, stores, and local artisans. There are a few other online guides like Local Harvest or Slow Food that may help connect you directly with the growers.
And for those of you shopping at large establishments and feeling a bit overwhelmed, I recommend the book “the Paradox of Choice.” It speaks about how having a multitude of choices actually makes us less happy and satisfied with the product we walked away with. At co-ops, natural food stores, and family establishments, its is a nice feeling to know that someone has done the picking for you.
Great topic to highlight Patrick!
I have to say, I respectfully disagree with your opinion of coupons. Coupons have saved us hundreds of dollars on organic food, and I’m not talking about processed food either. I’ve found coupons for organic meat, milk, eggs, yogurt, produce, rice, flour, vinegar, cleaning products, organic shampoo, toothpaste, etc. It’s especially helpful during the winter when local options such as the farmers market are scarce. It’s not time consuming at all if you know where to look. If I can save $10 a week with a half hour of my time, well then that’s a pretty good deal! I’ve gotten many inexpensive or even free organic items this way. I’d suggest giving it another try!
I do agree that using them on natural and organic products are great. I use coupons whenever I can on organic/natural products, but I found it difficult to find them as readily available. I just checked out your blog and you seem to have tons of coupons that you are just describing. Like the blog a lot, I just subscribed
My reference in the article was more to coupons we get with local newspapers. I just always found it tedious when I used to go through coupon books looking for the “national brands” and only find a coupon or two that I actually would use. They also don’t often contain many coupons for eco-friendly or organic products.
Thanks, I subscribed to you too!
I definitely agree with newspaper coupons! It’s pretty rare to get a good coupon from it. The best organic coupons I’ve found are either online printables or mailed to me after contacting the company directly.