I dropped other half at the station today (he is in London working) and decided to pop into ASDA (UK equivalent of Walmart, and now owned by them) for a bit of shopping. Nothing unusual in that you might think.
Except there is. I rarely shop there. It is a shop which has always depressed me. It is better since Walmart got hold of it I think, but not hugely. I just don't know what it is. I decided to give it some thought sitting in the cafe having a cup of tea.
Is it the lurid green decor? Is it ASDA fm, their own in house radio? Was it the signs for the £2 value breakfast ( if they are making a profit, and the food supplier is making a profit, what is the quality of the original produce. Worrying). The staff are very friendly and helpful, there is always plenty of stock, so what is it? Why don't I enjoy the experience at all
Now- when I shopped at Wholefoods Market in Seattle (I think we have one in London) I thought it was fabulous. I loved it. I could have spent hours in there. I thought- if ever I move to Seattle (not going to happen- US immigration would never allow it!) I will shop here always.
Yes I know its rather pricey, but I would work extra hours just so I could indulge and partake. The displays were wonderful, the variety was mind blowing, the ranges interesting. The food was very appealing- I wanted to try everything.
I also hate Morrisons. Stock levels are awful- they are usually out of what I want and they often don't stock what I like. Prefer Sainsbury but there are none near us. I like Waitrose but we don't have one anywhere near us at all. Tesco is ok. I use their delivery service most weeks- very handy, very convenient. We have a Tesco Express in the village: very convenient. Not mad on their stores mind you... but don't mind them.
Booths (only in the North I think) is good. Interesting ranges. We have one a mile away. They are are very pricey, and our local one struggles to keep stocked up (all the tourists self catering!). I shop there quite a lot, mostly because it is convenient and has handy parking (and a coffee shop where mums can chat after school drop off).
Off course, I love M and S. But it's not for everyday food shopping and I think they have got stuck in a bit of rut in the last few years. Still up there in the favourites for me mind.....
So, how about you? Where do you like to shop and why?
