We used to do all our shopping at the local S&S. But ever sense the Wegman's in Northboro opened, S&S is our go to place only when we need one or two things. Compared with the atmosphere at Wegman's, S&S comes across as sterile and run-of-the-mill. The company lacks innovation and the forward thinking of some of the new competition in the area.

Stop & Shop and Shaws/Star Market are too expensive!  I shop at Market Basket, Trader Joe's, and Russo's fruit & veggiies (Watertown).  Having a choice is good.  Competition improves life.

Sorry, but pretty soon it will only be WalMart and Whole Foods, and maybe Target. BJ's and Costco will probably have to merge. Basically, fewer, lower-paying jobs...and you'll get what you pay for...sigh!

I started having my groceries delivered. I'm on a tight budget so I thought the added delivery charge would be a problem, but I actually save money because it's easier to stick to my list and to organize using coupons and buying things onsale. I hate going to the grocery store because it's so crowded and driving and parking is a nightmare. I don't like shopping for anything (clothes, books, electronics, whatever) in large spaces and get too easily overwhelmed so being able to just see a list on a screen of all the different types of apples and pick the ones I want is like a miracle. I can't believe I didn't think of delivery sooner. I like to go to Trader Joe's too--and that saves a lot of money--but I realized I was buying too much snack food and prepared foods and impulse buys there and I either don't get to eating it or I eat things I really don't need to. Plus there are three Trader Joes relatively close to me but they are all still in very high traffic areas that are nightmarish to get to during rush hour. I had my groceries delivered this morning at 6am, put them in my fridge, left for work, and it's nice to know I have everything I need for dinner all week without having to do any extra driving.

What this article doesn't mention is the underlying reason that many of us are seeking alternatives: bland, tasteless hormone-injected factory-farmed food. Meat injected with some sort of "brine", produce that tastes nothing like the truly fresh version (tomatoes anyone?) and prepared, packaged food loaded to the gills with preservatives and sodium. I'm concerned with where food is coming from and how it was grown. I will seek out a farmers market and more local options for meat and eggs. With the recent stories of eColi, salmonella, hepatitis, etc: Supermarkets, wake up! We care about our food supply and are pretty disgusted with some of your offerings.

It is hard to believe that their is no mention of Market Basket in this article. In many areas they are what is killing Stop & Shop and Shaws. Their prices are much lower for the same products. The difference is not just a few pennies. There is one item I buy that is $7 at Stop and Shop and $4 across the street at Market Basket, and they often had a coupon for $1 off on it. Market Basket is also expanding its stores and adding freshly made food like pizza, sushi, salads, etc.   Some have seating with flat screen TVs on the walls. I know several places where Stop & Shop or Shaws stores are almost empty and across the street  Market Basket is bustling.

After having to use Stop and Shop here on cape the first Market Basket came to the cape. What a difference.

While not signficant as a percentage og sales in Massachusetts, local smaller natural foods stores, particulalry cooperatives are indeed becoming more vibrant, as exhibited by increased sales, regardless of the uncertainty of tomorrow's economy. Many consumers are beginning to transition to values based purchases, and those same consumers represent a more diverse economic base. As we all become more aware of what we are eating, and struggle to find a balance between economic realities and the higher cost of quality foods, some of us are at the same time recognizing that shopping for local foods in a locally owned market simply improves the overall health, financially and otherwise, in our communities.  Agreed.  These shifts are not yet reflected in this article because of the smaller percentages, but rest assured, there will come a time when thsoe numbers, ever increasing, will show a much more complete picture than what this article suggests. 

I buy all my meat and most of my produce from local farmers.  When I go to supermarkets, I always buy organic if it's available, and local organic is even better.  But most of my grocery money is going to my neighbors.