Wegmans is my favorite store in Prince George's County. These pictures were taken with permission.
Did you know that Consumer Reports ranked Wegmans as the No. 1 supermarket chain in the country?
"Thank you for rating us the number 1 supermarket and pharmacy in America, " a large sign informed.
On my way into Wegmans, I dug deeper to find out what the happy message was all about. In the latest Consumer Report survey, over 27,000 readers reportedly helped to rank the nation's major grocery stores. Cleanliness, service, quality of perishables, and prices were among categories that were apart of the survey. Wegmans came out on top.
As you may know, I quietly pop in and out of venues noticing who does what the best. Although I wasn't one of the consumers who were surveyed, I too raise my hand to rate Wegmans as No. 1. I'm a regular shopper at their Woodmore location in Maryland. I can honestly tell you that I've used Wegmans as my portable office, then embarked on a vegetarian shopping spree. Not only does Wegmans offer Wifi, but the sections are spacious, kid, and community friendly.
In The Beginning
After I moved from another county, I often found myself jetting down the road to grocery shop because I couldn't find a selection of desirable, quality foods. I felt disrespected by sparse options and lackluster customer service. Plus, I was happier with customer service in my hometown. A date introduced Wegmans to me in another location. My eyes glazed over after he assured that I would find something to eat there. I fell in love with Wegmans. And yes, he earned a few bonus points for being forward thinking enough to take me there.
A few years later, Wegmans at Woodmore opened in Prince George's County. Shopping there is like being in a relationship. Anytime I cheat and shop heavily anywhere else, I always regret it. The food bar is nice in a pinch, but I'm a foodie most excited by what I can make from scratch, on a budget.
10 reasons I fell in love with Wegmans
I alternate between a vegetarian and pescatarian diet, and this wasn't completely my choice. My doctor also advised me to avoid all sugar, eat organic food, and avoid any hormone-filled foods. On top of that, I avoid parabens and soy as much as possible. The first few months of living this way nearly left me in tears. It's so hard to find food that isn't on my list to avoid. I cook the majority of my food. It saves money and allows to me monitor what I'm eating.
If you're on a special diet, or you simply want to eat healthier, here are 10 reasons why I fell in love with Wegmans. You may opt to keep these shopping tips in mind.
1. Wegmans has a well stocked gluten free aisle. I've discovered new brands, and experimented with unfamiliar ingredients, because of this option. Specialty foods can be more expensive. However, my Dad always told me that you'll either have a food or doctor bill. I regard my body as a temple. Since I don't spend money on fast food, I invest in buying healthier foods as much as my budget allows.
2. Wegmans offers a number of sprouted ingredients.
Sprouted green lentils, rice and mung beans mix well with their extensive choices of fresh fruits and vegetables. I like the taste of sprouted food better. It's also generally easier for me to digest.
3. If you're trying to avoid dairy products, consider options like non-dairy oat milk. I use oat milk to sweeten my organic split pea soup, which has been voted as a favorite meal by my toddler and brother. Again, I can't consume soy or sweetened options. I stick with plain oat milk and jazz it up myself.
4. Wegmans offers a range of ethnic food, and I don't just mean canned or prepared. At the Woodmore location, there's an isle of Mexican, European, Asian, Indian kosher, and South African options. I'm happy to shop at a store that has mostly everything I need. I know that some people think that vegetarians mostly eat salad. That menu choice got old for me within a week. I was determined to expand my horizons, international seasonings included.
For example, the dried chick peas that I buy are $4.79 per bag. If I opt to make my own burgers with them, I can squeeze lots of meals out of it for my family. The added benefit is making fresh burgers sans preservatives.
5. I save money by making my own muffins and snacks. Eating organic food isn't cheap. In under 30 minutes, I can use flaxseed, oats and fruit as a base to make my version of something palatable. I bake for the week. When I'm extremely busy, I add spinach, other veggies and maybe organic sweet potatoes to make a meal replacement version that I can take on the go.
6. I don't drink soda. I've invented a number of blended recipes, since I only use honey or natural sweetners. The organic tea selection is larger than most. I also appreciate brands that use unbleached tea bags. I'n very conscious of toxins.
7. If I cheat and eat fish, farm raised isn't an option. Wegmans sells wild caught fish, which can be a nice treat. Not all grocery stores offer the option to buy it.
8. The Wegmans organic brand is growing. I often use their black, dark red kidney beans, or great northern beans, to make stir fry dishes or soup. Protein consumption is extremely important to me for obvious reasons.
9. The majority of my diet consists of perishable items. Although organic fruit and vegetables may spoil faster, I try to plan what to buy first, based on my meal planning. My local Wegmans has been very good about keeping me satisfied, whenever I have challenges in this area.
10. Wegmans supports locally owned businesses, so we can, too. The Wegmans in my area even carries handmade soaps. I feel it's very important to let Wegmans know that we appreciate variety, by supporting brands with our dollars. If I like something, I try to buy it there. Shelf space is competitive anywhere. I understand that Wegmans can't stock all of my favorites. If the majority matters, I want my sales to be tallied.
My Rating
If you're not impressed by food quality solutions, you can buy books, a patio garden, dishes, and more at Wegmans. A band may drop by. You may be able to crash a chess game. Wegmans is a marketing hodgepodge that works. The big picture is that Wegmans offers options, and makes an effort to accommodate a range of customers.
Special note: Before you leave home, don't forget to tuck your club card in your wallet. As a member, I take advantage of using my weekly coupon that allows me to save $5.00 off per $25.00 that I spend. In a month's time, that can lead to a decent savings.
Velocity DMV rating: A
If you would like to experience Wegmans for yourself, visit Wegmans.com to view a list of locations.
About Me
When it comes to customer service, I'm a tough critic. I've worked part-time as a brand ambassador. My job relies on monitoring how customers feel about brands, advertising, and running sampling events with a smile.
I blog, write, market and network with a toddler on my hip. Have you read issue 16? Get your entertainment news at http://issuu.com/bloggertime.
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