There are tens of thousands of supermarkets, individual markets, convenience stores, outdoor markets, etc. across the United States. For the all-in-one experience, supermarkets are the best option as they have the widest selection of items under the same roof. With so many choices, how is it possible to choose the best supermarket near me?
Considerations
After I have determined the various options in my local area, I visit each supermarket near me, armed with the following considerations:
Customer Service
Smiling is a very simple and natural action and goes a long way. Also, employees offering to assist you will make the experience so much more enjoyable and efficient. When I am searing for a local supermarket, I look for these traits in the employees. If you are unable to find what you are looking for and cannot get the assistance to do so then what is the point in shopping at that store?
Food Safety
When I first enter a new supermarket, I make an appoint to ask the youngest and newest-looking employee behind the meat counter what the maximum temperature is for cold holding (it’s 41-degrees). I also ask for how long do they wash their hands and about their temperature logging process. If this employee cannot answer these questions, it is unlikely that location is making food safety a priority. Managers cannot be everywhere at the same time and catch every issue, so they must rely on their employees to get the job done safely.
In-Stock Items
Ensuring the supermarket near me is well-stocked with the items I need is critical. There is no point going to a store and walking around for hours searching for items you need but they don’t have. Of course, every supermarket is not going to have every item in existence, but my local store should have most of what I need.
Price
Price is probably the most important factor when looking for a new supermarket. Of course, I would not sacrifice price for quality, but different companies have different margins so why purchase the same item for more money when it’s cheaper down the street?
Quality
Checking specific details of the wet vegetables, like seeing if the carrots are limp, looking at the base of celery and lettuce to ensure they are white, and feeling the radish greens to ensure they are not slimy, is important to ensure the food I am purchasing is of the highest quality. In addition to the vegetables, I check the meat counter to ensure all the cuts are the same color, and the seafood counter to find out if the employee knows what seafood to spoil out. Steer clear of stores that want to sell you low-quality items.
Knowing these factors before I find the best supermarket near me is important, so I can find the best prices, quality, customer service, and food safety, in a place that carries the items I need.
