Went to the spiffy new Schnucks in Germantown. It’s got the same “footprint” as the new store in Collierville: nice, wide aisles, good variety of ethnic food, huge selection of produce, deli, ready-to-go meals, meat, seafood, and on and on.
So, when is Midtown going to get its brand new Schnucks?? I had heard rumblings of a boycott of the store in that part of town to try and force the company to address this issue. But the place is jam-packed every time I drop in. (I do most of my grocery shopping at Piggly Wiggly.)
Should we start a letter writing campaign to the CEO of Schnucks?
Southern Exposure
Responses to “Supermarket envy…”
December 14th, 2004 at 9:59 am
I agree. Memphis is years behind Nashville and Atlanta in upgrading real estate in the city. Our “upgrades” seem to be Loeb’s suburban-like strip malls they are building on Union & Belvedere and Poplar & Holmes. At least they are doing something… I guess the “demographics” show the money is all out east (meaning Poplar and 240 and further ease). The Penzey’s manager/owner (not sure if they are franchised) mentioned he lives in Germantown but HE wanted the store in E Memphis. The Penzey’s folks wanted it further east than it is now (Kirby and Poplar) and they compromised.
Final comment. Jackson, Mississippi is getting their 3rd gourmet meat market in the next week. All three sell aged, USDA Prime beef, high quality pork and organic chickens. They also sell (and steam) fresh seafoood. One might argue the “demographics” don’t support three in Jackson. I’ll let you know a year from now. Surely Memphis can support ONE meat market in the east Midtown/”West” East Memphis area… Now that we have a burrito place, this is my focus.
December 14th, 2004 at 10:02 am
Since Trousseau (right?) has been sitting empty for at least the two years that I’ve lived here, it seems that there is plenty of room to grow for Midtown Schnucks. If any Schnucks leader is listening, we’re begging. Buy the Trousseau building, tear it down, improve the store and watch your profits soar. I will say that I love how polite and patient everyone is when shopping there. “Oh, you just hit me in the butt with your shopping cart! That’s okay, I know you didn’t have a choice.” Yes, Leslie, let’s write!
December 14th, 2004 at 1:38 pm
I’d like to push for a Whole Foods Market in Midtown. The store in the old bus transfer station on Magazine St. in New Orleans is a prime example of what should be done somewhere in Midtown Memphis. Not to mention that Whole Foods makes the Fresh Market seem like a glorified 7/11. Until then, I’ll continue to do the majority of my shopping at High Point Grocery.
December 14th, 2004 at 1:51 pm
Check out their website. (www.wholefoodsmarket.com) They have a “Stores in Development” section where I became instantly jealous of Birmingham. Anyone else a fan of W.F.M.?
December 15th, 2004 at 9:43 am
If mid-town could support a new improved giant Schnucks, there would be one there. These people aren’t stupid. Supermarkets are hypercompetetive and have razor-thin margins - there’s no room for error. “Location, Location, Location”!!!!!!
December 15th, 2004 at 11:40 am
I don’t think that Midtown could support a super-sized Schnucks because the demographics of the area indicate that many Midtown residents can better afford the prices/selections offered at Piggly Wiggly…but the existing store does need to be enlarged and updated!! The parking is horrendous, the aisles too narrow and the grocery selection is limited. I heard long ago that Albertson’s had purchased the Trousseau building for the purpose of expanding the store, but it was apparently just a rumor.
December 15th, 2004 at 2:24 pm
I have to respectfully disagree with some of the other posters about midtown supporting a larger grocery store. The Schnucks in midtown has a very constant flow of shoppers of varying economic backgrounds. I know many midtowners who just won’t go there and take their shopping further east because it’s so aggravating at times.
The University of Memphis did a study a few years ago showing the big gap in lack of shopping services in midtown and that the neighborhood can support more. Home Depot just opened in midtown store and they certainly seem like a company who would do their homework before committing to a location.
Albertson’s did own the Trousseau property and Schucks bought it as part of their purchase of the chain. It’s far easier for them to buy huge tracks of land in the ‘burbs and throw up a store than try to be a creative and fit a store into an existing environment.
My belief is that Schnucks is doing quite well with the midtown store despite it’s shortcomings and just don’t care. The shame is that they would do even better with a renovation.
I’ve e-mailed them about every six months asking about renovation plans and they say that they are “exploring all viable opportunities.”
December 22nd, 2004 at 3:14 pm
Parking is bad… aisles are narrow… but here’s my biggest complaint… NO CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!
The cashiers and baggers are always joking with each other and talking about things inapprpriate for public discussion. Is there ever a manager on duty? It doesn’t seem like it. May I have my cold items bagged with my soap, please? Perfect! How about too many items in one bag? And the bread on the bottom? Thanks so much!
Another sassified customer! Is that a new ding on my door? Great! I love this place!
11 comment.