Retail Watchers

The challenges you describe at Ralphs seem to exist throughout Kroger. It is just some divisions are hiding it a lot better than others. King Soopers and Fred Meyer in my opinion are the two divisions doing the best job of not having a lot of stores with these maintenance issues/sloppy operations. ...

Frys has one site with a full c-store again taken over from maybe an Arco operator at Rural/Ray in Tempe? This one also follows the pattern of the Mesquite Smiths- store items at store prices. There's actually a second Fry's store with a full convenience store. It was taken over by a Chevron operat...

For unknown reasons, our local Fox-affiliated television station decided to broadcast the story about this Oakland In-n-Out location closing. Unfortunately it provided none of the context or information here (typical network TV), and basically made Oakland sound like a crime-ridden horror show. So,...

Looks like WinCo is finally building a new store in Goodyear, AZ by the end of this year (for their 8th Arizona location). https://www.goodyearaz.gov/Home/Components/News/News/12997/ This store has been in the works seemingly since WinCo entered into the market 10 - 12 years ago and the parking lot ...

I had a 1/2 of the cookie last week and it was actually pretty good.

My issue with the Costco food court is the fact that they discontinued the Combo pizza and the remaining pizza is way too greasy.

And I can't understate the fact that the new grocery industry boogeyman is going to become Aldi. Nobody took them seriously before, but their seemingly endless supply of cash and incredible cost controls mean they are going to replace Amazon as the biggest threat to the industry. The Winn-Dixie acq...

They are going to have to step up investing in the latest games etc. in order to stay alive. The animatronics are what this chain is really known for. They might want to also think about a better way to make pizza as they aren't really known for good pizza. They took a big hit during COVID, and I h...

Boars Head at Target actually exists. I saw it in Super Target units in Gilbert and Queen Creek. And at the bargain price point of 9.99 to 12.99 per pound. Many pre made store made sandwiches and wraps at a 4.99 price point as well. Gilbert had excellent fresh departments, I was shocked. That entir...

One thing I found interesting in the Bashas Stores is their price structure. I think their everyday pricing is lower than Safeway/Albertsons/Frys. Their sale prices aren't necessarily as many or as good but on an everyday basis their prices are very fair/reasonable. Yet hardly anyone seems to be sh...

Panera in Phoenix near Van Buren and 44th surrounded by a couple hotels and large apartments has been switched per Corporate Order to a drive through only location. Lobby is closed permanently. They will still do curbside but may still force you through drive through if you try to get curbside. I'v...