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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Thinking About: The Teeter Effect

As a North Carolinian, I took for granted Harris Teeter grocery stores: they're clean, well-stocked (fresh, beautiful fruits and veggies, awesome delis, great meat departments, outstanding wine/beer departments, a variety of all the essentials and more), well-staffed, and generally pleasant shopping experiences. Since moving to D.C., I have relished the few opportunities I've had to grocery shop at Teets out in Virginia.

As reported elsewhere, the District's first HT finally opened today yesterday in Adams Morgan. Boo-yah. Another one is set to open on the Hill soon, and yet another is planned for NoMa. I don't know if any of these Tajma Teeters will ever be a routine grocery stop for me, but it's exciting to have them in the city, and hopefully they will inspire other grocers (Safeway and Giant) to take a hard look at how they do business.

That said, I've had positive experiences at the Shaw Giant lately. While the store has some definite shortcomings due to its limited space (e.g., the produce department is woefully lacking, the place is generally unattractive and uninviting), I've not encountered lines stretching to the back of the store lately and have generally experienced helpful people at the checkouts.

7 comments:

Matt Siemer said...

I work about 10 steps from that Giant, and you're right about the produce. I've heard that the two grocery stores in Anacostia have the same problem, and that good produce doesn't get sent to these stores because they know the low-income residents don't have the money to buy it anyway. Something tells me a Teeter on the Hill won't change that.

IMGoph said...

i have to say, the one time i went to the ward 8 giant, i didn't feel like the produce there was terrible. they had the basics, nothing fancy, but it wasn't rotting or anything like that.

either way, if the h-t stores can light a fire under giant and safeway and make them get better, than we all win.

the littlebear project said...

I am glad to hear the service is getting better at this Giant. Awhile ago I decided to not shop there anymore due to a girl in front of me using stolen credit cards. I know ride my bike to Whole Foods, but there are some things you cannot get there which means I then have to go to Columbia Heights. Perhaps I will give our Giant another try!

Anonymous said...

I used to go the 7th Street Giant, but long lines and 3rd rate produce & meat were huge turnoffs. Mainly the lines. PArt of that was the incompetent cashiers, and part of it was the fact that every person had to review their receipt and haggle about something on it. One time I told my friend, I bet every person complains about something, and ALL FOUR people ahead of me did. ANd the cashiers act like they are wading through molasses. I once tried to complain, but the customer service line is also the line for lottery tickets, so, well, you get the idea....

si said...

the Brentwood Giant has quite a large decent produce section. I've got high hopes for the new Safeway in MVT.

glad to hear that TEETS!!! (heeehee) is finally open in Adams Morgan. they were taking forever!

Anonymous said...

Just wait Si ... we'll have one in NoMA in a year or two ... ground was just broken on the site this month!

Anonymous said...

I agree-the lines have been better at the O Street Giant recently. What is still annoying are all the people loitering in front, especially the dude selling bootlegged DVD's out of his cart.