Harris Teeter

I shop 'em all -- Harris Teeter, Shoppers Food Warehouse, Giant, Safeway, Wegman's, Bloom (I miss the simplicity of Food Lion), Costco, Sam's, Super Target, Bottom Dollar, Grand Mart, Trader Joe's, you name it -- and I have formulated a very specific opinion about HT (a.k.a. the Teet).

They have great quality and outstanding selection, but their regular everyday prices are too high. You really have to look for advertised specials and other in-store offers (e.g., the previously mentioned about-to-turn-green meat deals) to avoid getting ripped off. But when they do have deals, they are typically fairly decent, and in a few cases really outstanding.

An observation... The Teet in Brambleton offered weekly bucks off coupons when they opened, just like the new one in Broadlands (although I think that the savings were more like $10/week instead of $20). In the weeks after they stopped buying our business, their everyday prices were high but still somewhat reasonable. Over time, the regular prices have inched ever skyward and the really discount good deals have become relatively smaller on a percentage basis and fewer in number. These days every trip I make to the Teet is a surgical strike based strictly on known deals... and it is a wonderful thing when the checker hands me the receipt after my VIC card purchase and says, "Your total is $28.59. You saved $42.38 today."

Final remark... Broadlands, Brambleton, Ashburn Village, Lansdowne... does anybody find it strange that we have four Teets -- count 'em, 4 -- that have seemingly sprung up overnight and all within short driving distance from home (and from one another)? One could even throw in the Stone Ridge location to make it 5. Their new Broadlands location is going to cannibalize from all of their other stores. They may all lose in the long run. Speaking of which...

I think that HT's senior managers need to evaluate the risks of their hypergrowth in such a crowded and competitive market. I recall back in the late 1980s when St. Louis grocery heavyweight Schnuck's barnstormed into my native Kansas City with splashy stores, cool products, innovative services, and OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH pricing -- all very similar to Harris Teeter. They opened several brand new (and very expensive stores) over a period of about 2 years, and within 5 years they were all gone.... back to St. Louis with their tails between their legs. :naanaa:

Oh, well... at least I'll enjoy my coupons for the next 4 weeks. Shop on, friends!!

 

I *believe* there is another HT going in near the intersection of Old Ryan Road and the LCP. Toll Brothers is building that shopping center.

My husband and I think they're going for the "convenience store" strategy, where items that you'd run to HT quickly for would be the most expensive. They do have a good sub special -- $1 for a 6 inch sub...my brother gets that almost daily!

 

And another one at Belmont Ridge Road and Sycolin/Ashburn Farm Pkwy.

 

Are you KIDDING? WTH are they thinking? Sheesh. I like the place, especially since I just bought a pound of shrimp for $3.88, but holy moly...

Maybe we'll see good price wars among all the HT's just to try to undercut the one a half mile away!!!!

 

We went last night - great Customer Service

I am not in the habit of researching prices however when a new market opens I like to "price shop":
Coca Cola products 12 Pack - HS Price $4.99. vs Giant 4 for $10 or Safeway 2 for $7
Kashi Products - only found a few products - unlike Wegmans
Soy Milk limited selection (natural - no sugar) WestSoy, Soy Slender etc
Produce - VERY fresh
I plan to use their website http://www.harristeeter.com/default.aspx?pageId=173 to order and pick up.

 

I haven't seen this, is it built or going to be built?

 

I agree, I goto all of them (minus bloom, never had a reason to stop there)...When I know what I want -- I get it from Sams/Costco and save some $$ (bacon wrapped sirlon for 2 dollars each)...I also get my drinks from there.

Teet and the others I use when I'm looking for something for a recipe, or have my coupons in hand.

 

I ordered groceries online and will be picking them up on my way home this evening. THAT's awesome! After working in Alexandria, Va and making that awful tollroad commute, the last thing I want to do is schlep down grocery isles for an hour. Their website wasn't as extensive as Peapod's (Giant), but good enough!

 

i think we should have a volunteer list for people to each shop the big 5 for a specific product and report the findings! i'd check the chocolate prices...

I'm actually serious- I'd put together a list in a new thread and let residence take hold! i'll build the list and settle it once and for all... who reigns supreme on pricing!!!

 

I'll provide second set of prices for Mr. Linux items

 

would you settle for cheap wine and pork rinds? one neighbor per item- SORRY!

 

I would love to hear about your experiences with the online shopping, then pick up. Especially when you order produce. Do you get the BEST apples, or do you end up with a few that are bruised? That's been my fear. But, now that I think about it, I could always do the online ordering for everything else, and buzz in myself to pick out my own produce. Not a bad deal!

 

when we lived in a 4th floor walk up in Springfield we had Giant delivery- Peapod. it was GREAT. they called after my first order to see how it was- i mentioned a squished tomato and broken egg and they replaced BOTH the next day- crazy good service! It was $5 more, and worth every penny. Guys were polite, prompt and carfeul with our goods.

 

We are wino's in a big way and we like the Wine Shop by the new Giant. Neil the owner is awesome and has always recommended good wines. We go in every Friday night, tell him what we are cooking and he recommends something for us. His prices are the same as Wegmans - I compared. He will also keep a database of what you buy in case you don't remember.

 

I met the owners when they first opened, I agree they have a great selection and are very friendly...they just need a larger cheese section

 

I heard that he might be trying to partner with the new bakery that's next to Partlow's. I heard the place it awesome, but have yet to try it.

 

Have you noticed if any of the local stores do carry Charles Shaw? I love the wine for the price and it is a bit of a hassle going all the way to TJ in Reston.

 

He is also a sponsor at Broadlands Live! this summer- be sure to stop by and stck up for the event!! He has great wine accessories- the metal stakes to hold your bottle and glass from falling over- I LOVE that! his site is great:

http://www.winesmithonline.com/

and for beer drinkers:

May 4—5 - 8 pm
Beer Tasting A representative from Clipper City Brewing will be here to pour!

No Neil isn't paying me... I'm a "wineaux" myself and love his shop!

 

Personally, I avoid WineSmith.

My liver thanks me!




Ok, not really!