We all have that grocery store which is our constant. It may not be our favorite store, but it’s the one we usually shop at on a regular basis. Most likely that store is the closest to your home or work. I prefer to shop at Metropolitan Market, but my bank account begs to differ. You may catch me in there once or twice a week, but for everyday shopping it has to be Fred Meyer on 19th and Stevens.
Yes, this Fred Meyer is the closest to my home with the exception of Top Foods, but I really dislike Top Foods so maybe it is more of a choice. Clearly you can’t buy a snazzy down vest at Top Foods. I have friends who shop at TF and love it. Really, I can’t put my finger on it, but perhaps that is a column for another day. Dig deep into my grocery store demons. …
What I DO like about Fred Meyer can fill a novel. What I don’t like is perhaps petty to a few but important to me. The checkers at this FM are sooooo slooooooow, and not just sometimes, but all the time. Which brings me to what I do like: self-checkout, and I am good at it. It’s the people in front of me who are morons and can’t figure it out.
Most prices at Fred Meyer are quite amazing. Thankfully, I don’t need their Rewards Card to receive good discounts. I have an issue with Big Brother and corporations tracking my purchases. Their sales run Sunday through Saturday, with great daily prices all the time.
How can you beat a 12-pack of Big K (stands for Kroger?) sparkling water, four for $10, if you can snag some. It’s VERY popular therefore they are out of stock quite frequently. Grab two or more if you can. Just leave s few for me.
Nalley’s Chili for the everyday price of 89 cents is great for making instant nachos. Most stores charge at least 50 cents more a can. Right now until Saturday Fresh Express Salad Blends are five for $5! That’s insanity! A buck a bag! Those start at $2.99 usually. Follow the shelf tags and watch the price per pound for your best deal. With that said, I recommend that with all your non-weighed purchases.
Also this week, you can pickup Texas Red Grapefruit three for $1. I juice these little gems for breakfast and as a lovely addition to my vodka as Salty Dog in the evening. The 8-ounce package of raw mushrooms is two for $3 this week and almost all their organic soups and broths are two for $4. This is great stuff people.
Speaking of organic, Fred Meyer really does have the best natural/organic food section of just about any large grocery store chain. If you can’t get to Marlene’s, this store could very well have what you are looking for. However I would like to see FM carry more free range and organic meat. One of the reasons I venture over to Met. Market.
Fred Meyer boasts that they are “one stop shopping” and they aren’t kidding. They have it all. And if you adshop as I do, you really will save. Just try to use self-checkout if you can.
STADIUM THRIFTWAY UPDATE: The meat department is in the process of moving into the newly expanded section with the wine, beer and deli items soon to follow within the next few days.
[Fred Meyer, 4505 S. 19th St., Tacoma, 253.756.9280]
