Comments on: Surviving the Supermarket

By: clfoto

clfoto — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:32:34 +0000

Mom, I would agree wtih dad – I think airplane hangars is about right for the size of these stores!
Jean, thanks – it is interesting to hear the differences between shopping here in the U.S. and in South Africa. When we were in London we went to a supermarket that also had a lot of ready-to-heat food items, but I think it was a special grocery store for that kind of food. In Europe you are routinely charged for the bags (I think it was perhaps 10 euro cents), so it’s been interesting that here in the U.S. you still get free bags!

By: jean roberts

jean roberts — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 05:33:33 +0000

Shopping in South Africa is a whole other story. I am used to shopping at Walmart or the Publix you mentioned and know the layout of the stores well. Pic and Pay and Checkers seem to be the main stores here; Woolworths has a small section of groceries.
What is amazing here is the size of the take out food section. For around $4 one can select a full hot meal, rush home to the microwave and voila.
The largest selection is in the sweets (candy) aisle, mostly English candy. This covers two Publix aisles. Meat selection is small with different cuts of meat than I am used to.
Very long lines at checkout – there can be 20 shoppers waiting and workers standing around; not very happy checkers and if one does not bring a bag then you are charged 30 cents per bag.
The parking areas are interesting; there is a section for seniors, I like that. If the market is not in a ‘good’ area then there is security. As you drive in the men are directing you into a spot. But then they want a small tip to keep your car safe, truly only 25 cents, but it rubs against the grain to have to pay to know your car will not be vandalized. A different world, I love America.

By: Pat

Pat — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 00:48:28 +0000

Dad swore the stores are the size of airplane hangars.
I shop online from a local supermarket. Everything gets delivered to my kitchen.

The only civilized way to grocery shop in my opinion.

Now if they would only put the groceries away.

But, who knows, there may be a robot in my future!