They've been in this area for years now, at least since around the mid-1990s. I'm not sure their US operation looks the same as they do on your side of the pond. Here the style is high discount, low pricing but based almost entirely on their own private branding. What they offer is usually the cheapest price available anywhere, but the selection is based on what they can sell in the largest quantity. Quality is mixed, and some of their products that we have tried simply don't meet even the lowest level I would find acceptable, while others seem to be as good as any of the usual nationally distributed brands that sell for two or even three times the price.
Other than that, their shops operate with absolute minimum staffing and on shorter hours than other retailers. Stock is displayed by cutting open the shipping cartons and stacking them on the floor. Perishables such as meats, fruits, or vegetables are pre-packaged in plastic which reduces waste and staff time, I'm sure, but also forces you to buy in their enforced minimum quantity and makes it difficult to be sure of the quality of the goods. They accept cash or debit cards but not credit cards or checks.
Only the most unimaginative of cooks could rely on them as a sole supplier, but in the present economy I find it essential to take advantage of their prices when I can.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2012-01-16 10:13 am (UTC)Other than that, their shops operate with absolute minimum staffing and on shorter hours than other retailers. Stock is displayed by cutting open the shipping cartons and stacking them on the floor. Perishables such as meats, fruits, or vegetables are pre-packaged in plastic which reduces waste and staff time, I'm sure, but also forces you to buy in their enforced minimum quantity and makes it difficult to be sure of the quality of the goods. They accept cash or debit cards but not credit cards or checks.
Only the most unimaginative of cooks could rely on them as a sole supplier, but in the present economy I find it essential to take advantage of their prices when I can.