364 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

If your dad just called to say he bought a Toyota, I don't think he'll be pulling up in a Lexus

Downtown residents would absolutely loathe an Urban Fair or another high-end grocery store. We need resonable prices in downtown, not competition among only top tier grocers.

[G-Man]

I think having SoF is great. It will be the first real grocery store downtown as you could not really do a big grocery shop at either Wellburns or MoY. That said I am wondering how they are going to deal with the security challenges that this location is going to pose versus their other stores. You might have to take out a loan to borrow a shopping cart...

[Mike K.]

Market on Yates is a great grocery storey, don't get me wrong, but prices are on par if not higher than Whole Foods. That makes anything other than a single bag of groceries impractical for many.

[GabriolaGirl]

You might have to take out a loan to borrow a shopping cart...

Port Place Thrifty's solved the wandering shopping cart problem with some kind of locking system that prevents the cart from being removed from the premises.  Works well, too well.  Have to man handle my groceries over to the ferry line up.

[VicHockeyFan]

I think having SoF is great. It will be the first real grocery store downtown as you could not really do a big grocery shop at either Wellburns or MoY. That said I am wondering how they are going to deal with the security challenges that this location is going to pose versus their other stores. You might have to take out a loan to borrow a shopping cart...

 

ALL the parking is underground, so I assume carts are never to get close to leaving the property.  They will not be able to go out the front doors, and a system will stop them at the parking entrance.

 

That's the interesting thing that's yet to be seen, how a grocery manages with zero surface parking.  Even Thrifty's at Tuscany has some surface parking.

 

And I assume they will hire a uniformed security guard or two like MoY has now.

[Nparker]

Market on Yates is a great grocery store, don't get me wrong, but prices are on par if not higher than Whole Foods. That makes anything other than a single bag of groceries impractical for many.

I generally only buy sale items at MoY, which are comparable with pretty much all local grocers. Believe me, I check before I head out the door. Nevertheless, I welcome the competition and additional selection that SoF will bring to my 'hood.

[jonny]

Market on Yates is a great grocery storey, don't get me wrong, but prices are on par if not higher than Whole Foods. That makes anything other than a single bag of groceries impractical for many.

Oh, it's a fabulous store, no doubt. They stock lots of items you can't find elsewhere. It's still my go to place when I need a good cut of meat or some good cheese.

But for everyday type items, you're right, the cost to buy the bulk of your food there would be crippling unless your disposable income is huge.

[AllseeingEye]

I think having SoF is great. It will be the first real grocery store downtown as you could not really do a big grocery shop at either Wellburns or MoY. That said I am wondering how they are going to deal with the security challenges that this location is going to pose versus their other stores. You might have to take out a loan to borrow a shopping cart...

Tillicum SOF some months ago contracted a local security firm to post patrols periodically in the store and closed off the "exit" on the east side of the store (you can still Enter but not Exit) due to problems with shoplifting. Haven't seen any security staff there lately but presume the new location will do something similar if they feel the need.....

[UDeMan]

you should check out the Rexal on Douglas near Broughton.  They have some good deals on milk, eggs, bread.  

 

The Rexal is a pleasant shopping experience compared to the Shoppers Drug Mart downtown.

[VicHockeyFan]

you should check out the Rexal on Douglas near Broughton.  They have some good deals on milk, eggs, bread.  

 

The Rexal is a pleasant shopping experience compared to the Shoppers Drug Mart downtown.

 

I agree, it's quite nice.  Well, actually, I do like the staff at Shoppers better.

[UDeMan]

I agree, it's quite nice.  Well, actually, I do like the staff at Shoppers better.

 

Yes, the staff at Shoppers are very nice.

 

I was talking more about the customers.  I've witnessed shoplifting, fights, and one time some guy peeing in the isle.

 

It seems to attract the strangest people.  Just head 3 blocks down the street to Rexal and it seems like a different world.

[bluefox]

ALL the parking is underground, so I assume carts are never to get close to leaving the property.  They will not be able to go out the front doors, and a system will stop them at the parking entrance.

 

That's the interesting thing that's yet to be seen, how a grocery manages with zero surface parking.  Even Thrifty's at Tuscany has some surface parking.

 

And I assume they will hire a uniformed security guard or two like MoY has now.

 

Grocery stores in Vancouver with zero surface parking seem to do just fine, including SOF

[VicHockeyFan]

Grocery stores in Vancouver with zero surface parking seem to do just fine, including SOF

 

Oh, for sure, it's just a fairly new thing here.

[Mike K.]

The Bay Centre has zero surface parking

Sort of.

[VicHockeyFan]

The Bay Centre has zero surface parking

Sort of.

 

They do not have shopping carts though.

[sdwright.vic]

I also think they would be hoping the majority of their business won't be from drivers, or drivers that are doing so just to go there.

[VicHockeyFan]

I also think they would be hoping the majority of their business won't be from drivers, or drivers that are doing so just to go there.

 

Well, I'm not sure about that.  The dollar value order per customer is much higher if they come by car.

[sdwright.vic]

Bur having worked at the Thrifty's in James Bay, our average sale per customer was $26, but our customer count was through the roof. Store like Hillside would have average sales over $100 per customer on weekends and $80 during the week. Much lower customer count though. It all levels out. I am sure Markets average is low as well as they most likely get alot of daily shoppers in comparison to weekly.

[Mike K.]

I'll definitely be driving to SOF for groceries. I spent enough times in my younger days beating the pavement with a grocery bag on each finger.

[Nparker]

I'll definitely be driving to SOF for groceries. I spent enough times in my younger days beating the pavement with a grocery bag on each finger.

Even if I owned a car I don't think I could justify driving and parking it for a 2 block trip. I have become very adept at purchasing pretty much exactly what I can carry home. I might even buy more art SoF since it is 2.5 blocks closer to home than the MoY!