Supermarkets discussion

[Peter Mugridge]

Is Tesco having one of their periodical hissy fits at Kingsmill?

The superstore at New Malden appears to have stopped stocking Kingsmill bread... much to my annoyance as it's far higher quality than the Tesco own branded bread.

 

[Busaholic]

I don't really know what Morrisons has going for it now. Their stores are dated, cluttered and often more expensive than the competition. Their loyalty scheme doesn't seem to offer much. I think they're the only one of the chains which still has dedicated fresh meat/cheese counters, but that clearly isn't that much of a draw, otherwise the other supermarkets wouldn't have removed them.

It's a shame, as I used to quite like them, but I really don't see any reason to shop there any more.

I really only use Morrisons now for their fish counter. They bought Fal Fish a few years ago, and own their own trawler, based at Brixham I believe. They do special offers and their 'end of day' discounts, usually available late afternoon, can offer astounding value e.g. seven scallops for £2. They've scaled back their wine a bit, but they still offer some interesting bottles not available at their competitors. Rack of lamb too, never see that at Tesco or Sainsburys.

 

[Howardh]

I don't really know what Morrisons has going for it now. Their stores are dated, cluttered and often more expensive than the competition. Their loyalty scheme doesn't seem to offer much. I think they're the only one of the chains which still has dedicated fresh meat/cheese counters, but that clearly isn't that much of a draw, otherwise the other supermarkets wouldn't have removed them.

It's a shame, as I used to quite like them, but I really don't see any reason to shop there any more.

My Morrison's has a fresh pie counter (pies/cakes etc) but they are behind glass, and no-one around to serve you. So just walk past and go to the other end of the shop for pre-packaged pies. I don't understand their policies, they remove staff from checkouts, they also remove staff from behind the counter it seems.

 

[takno]

Is Tesco having one of their periodical hissy fits at Kingsmill?

The superstore at New Malden appears to have stopped stocking Kingsmill bread... much to my annoyance as it's far higher quality than the Tesco own branded bread.

They pretty much only sell Kingsmill and wharburtons at our local express. I'd be completely happy with own brand medium sliced, but they appear to have some kind of ethical objection to selling stuff for less than a quid a loaf

 

[trebor79]

I've never liked Asda. I've always perceived it as downmarket and the fee times I've been in have confirmed that view. Plain, harshly lit, great big muktipacks or crisps etc and meat, veg and fruit always seems poor quality.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Aug 2024 ==

I'm the exact opposite and much prefer huge stores as they generally stock both a much larger range of products and a greater stock of common products on the shelves. Time saved in navigating a smaller store is worthless if you then have to go to another store as there's a bunch of stuff on your shopping list which is out of stock.

Agree. The smaller supermarkets never have those odd ingredients that you need.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

I have recently found the Hovis Soft White medium sliced loaves to be really fresh.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

I have recently found the Hovis Soft White medium sliced loaves to be really fresh.

Are these only available at certain supermarkets?

 

[Baxenden Bank]

Today I visited a Morrisons (Goose Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme) around dinner/lunch time. It seemed as though all of the self-checkouts (small basket and trolley shop) required the attention of the single, flustered, staff member!

 

[Buzby]

They pretty much only sell Kingsmill

That’s Allied Bakeries (who also make Sunblest, Allisons as well as Kingsmill and a good few others). Warburtons only make their own!

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Why are Roberts loaves "premium priced" normally ?

 

[Peter Sarf]

I've never liked Asda. I've always perceived it as downmarket and the fee times I've been in have confirmed that view. Plain, harshly lit, great big muktipacks or crisps etc and meat, veg and fruit always seems poor quality.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Aug 2024 ==


Agree. The smaller supermarkets never have those odd ingredients that you need.

I agree bigger means more choice BUT I remember turning my back on Boots in favour of a much smaller Superdrug as I could get my toiletries in a lunch break. I suppose it is because I did not go to Boots often enough enough to learn my way round. Boots got very frustrating.

Yes ASDA seems somehow dowdy. Decades ago that made me believe it was cheaper. It is the hardest to get to from my home but when I go I am not sure it is cheap. I find Morrisons cheapest for ale and a few other things then Lidl/Aldi. I will favour Morrisons of course because it is within walking distance of my home. Sainsburys lost me back in the 90s when they closed the store near me in Church Street, Croydon. That became a baby shopping precinct with multiple outlets in it but is now a Lidl which I frequent for certain things. I suppose the point is the bigger supermarkets (and hypermarkets) lose out on custom that is local so have to draw people from further afield. My nearest ASDA is the supermarket I most need a car to get to as the others are a single bus ride away or walking distance.

 

[AndrewE]

I've never liked Asda. I've always perceived it as downmarket and the fee times I've been in have confirmed that view. Plain, harshly lit, great big muktipacks or crisps etc and meat, veg and fruit always seems poor quality.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Aug 2024 ==


Agree. The smaller supermarkets never have those odd ingredients that you need.

In my youth (in Hemel Hempstead, early 1970s) Sainsbury's was clean and bright and up-market - and smoke-free - whereas Asda was quite nearby but completely the opposite!
I guess we shouldn't allow ancient prejudices to colour our judgements now, but I still think that a lot of the stuff at Asda is inferior - even if it is cheaper. They do have (did have) some things which are excellent: A few years ago I went back for another kitchen knife to prepare for when my brilliant impulse purchase either died or got lost, only to discover that they said they had decided to stop selling sharp knives!
(SWMBO says ASDA cheese is good, due to their origin as Associated Dairies, not sure that is still valid though.)

 

[trebor79]

I agree bigger means more choice BUT I remember turning my back on Boots in favour of a much smaller Superdrug as I could get my toiletries in a lunch break. I suppose it is because I did not go to Boots often enough enough to learn my way round. Boots got very frustrating.

Oh don't get me started on Boots! I can never find anything in there. Seems to be a completely random jumble of different small sections.

 

[Blindtraveler]

The number of boot stores that have closed or are closing is actually quite high, apart from the odd visit at a station or need for painkillers in a silly place. I've largely withdrawn my custom from them, expensive and no longer does most of what I wanted to do.

 

[Bald Rick]

I have recently found the Hovis Soft White medium sliced loaves to be really fresh.

Are these only available at certain supermarkets?

They are in every Tesco and Sainsburys I go to!

 

[Trackman]

That’s Allied Bakeries (who also make Sunblest, Allisons as well as Kingsmill and a good few others). Warburtons only make their own!

Didn't know Sunblest was still a thing.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Didn't know Sunblest was still a thing.

Iceland still seems to sell the product. Not sure who else.

 

[dorsetdesiro]

I hardly bother with Boots only if I have to like if I am in a travel hub i.e. stations & airports where they are practically the only choice if you really need that specific healthcare item!

Otherwise I tend to use Savers, Bodycare, Home Bargains (and previously Wilko) for healthcare stuff instead of the rip off duo Boots & Superdrug.

It amused me when my local Superdrug closed down to be converted into Savers, I would see the same items on sale much cheaper than when the store was a Superdrug.

 

[brad465]

The number of boot stores that have closed or are closing is actually quite high, apart from the odd visit at a station or need for painkillers in a silly place. I've largely withdrawn my custom from them, expensive and no longer does most of what I wanted to do.

I would say they're secure because of their captive market at travel hubs (airports and stations), in the same way WHSmith isn't going anywhere, despite arguably being the worst high street store in the country.

 

[Peter Sarf]

I hardly bother with Boots only if I have to like if I am in a travel hub i.e. stations & airports where they are practically the only choice if you really need that specific healthcare item!

Otherwise I tend to use Savers, Bodycare, Home Bargains (and previously Wilko) for healthcare stuff instead of the rip off duo Boots & Superdrug.

It amused me when my local Superdrug closed down to be converted into Savers, I would see the same items on sale much cheaper than when the store was a Superdrug.

+

I would say they're secure because of their captive market at travel hubs (airports and stations), in the same way WHSmith isn't going anywhere, despite arguably being the worst high street store in the country.

I was thinking that myself. Maybe not as bad as W.H.Smith but then Boots have more competition.

 

[dorsetdesiro]

As mentioned previously, Poundland appears to be in an identity crisis as it is no longer a single price retailer after seeing off Poundworld & 99p Stores also OneBelow had rebranded to OneBeyond reflecting the expanded offerings above £1. Now Poundland has to go up against Home Bargains and B&M.

Poundland may as well rebrand to Pepco like its sister stores in Europe. I've avoided them for healthcare after they'd abandoned "everything for a pound" as there are no longer bargains that you need to keep an eye out on product sizes as some are specially made for Poundland and are really smaller than elsewhere!

The mug of me bought hayfever tablets then to realise they were only 7 or 14 tablets inside which the exact same brand is also sold in HB, B&M and Savers which generously give 30 tablets! The packaging may be identical but I should have checked the number of tablets ha ha.

 

[Peter Sarf]

As mentioned previously, Poundland appears to be in an identity crisis as it is no longer a single price retailer after seeing off Poundworld & 99p Stores also OneBelow had rebranded to OneBeyond reflecting the expanded offerings above £1. Now Poundland has to go up against Home Bargains and B&M.

Poundland may as well rebrand to Pepco like its sister stores in Europe. I've avoided them for healthcare after they'd abandoned "everything for a pound" as there are no longer bargains that you need to keep an eye out on product sizes as some are specially made for Poundland and are really smaller than elsewhere!

The mug of me bought hayfever tablets then to realise they were only 7 or 14 tablets inside which the exact same brand is also sold in HB, B&M and Savers which generously give 30 tablets! The packaging may be identical but I should have checked the number of tablets ha ha.

Over the years I have encountered a few things in Poundland for £1 that are cheaper in other stores.

 

[GusB]

Then Morrisons may swallow up Asda which they did with Safeway as it may be perceived as slightly more upmarket than Asda also it is older having been established at the turn of the century (1890s-1900s) which Asda began in the 1960s if I'm right?

I'm not sure that any of the current Big Four (Asda, Morrison's, Sainsbury's and Tesco) could really be considered as more up-market than the others. If you want "up-market" you'd go to Markie's or Waitrose and even then you'll find that the stuff you buy is produced in the same factories as the stuff that their competitors' products are made.

Supermarkets essentially have three tiers: the "Extra special/specially selected" range, the "normal" own-brand range and then the budget "savers/essentials" ranges, many of which have been re-branded with silly artificial names - presumably to compete with the likes of Aldi and Lidl.

They've all had to deal with the so-called "discount" stores over the years, and I'm not just referring to the resurgence of Aldi and Lidl; Kwik-save and Shoprite competed at the lower end of the market for years before the Germans came along. There was a bit of a "bean war" for a time, when all retailers were trying to out-do their competitors by selling baked beans at silly prices; the budget ranges had baked beans at less than 10p a tin for quite a while.

As an aside, I used to have a regular customer who would demand help with packing her shopping, but it had to go in the Marks and Spencer bags that she provided; presumably she didn't want the neighbours to see that she shopped at Safeway...

 

[GusB]

I use my phone, and put things straight in the bag. There’s never anything I need to sort at the till except age verification, and the occaisonal security tag to be removed (although once I forgot and got the Taittinger home before realising! Special Birthday present, honest). All the nectar discounts etc done automatically. So easy.

If I have a big shop to do, I go to a staffed checkout. I unload my shopping at one end and pack it at the other, while someone else scans the shopping. All I have to do at the end is present my preferred payment method; so easy!

But using scan as you go is less work, I pack directly into my bags, no need to take things out of a basket or trolley and back into bags, they just go directly from shelf to bag.

See above.

I often bypass "Value" anything, except beans, where the syrup can be tastless/awful - I can drain that and replace with tomato ketchup for a much better flavour! After all, beans are beans, not much you can do with them.

Other "value" rubbish = tinned potatoes, tinned peas!

But has anyone identified any "value" items which are as good as, if not better than more expensive options?

This is entirely subjective. I have no issue with the "value" brands when it comes down to basics like tinned tomatoes.

Is Tesco having one of their periodical hissy fits at Kingsmill?

The superstore at New Malden appears to have stopped stocking Kingsmill bread... much to my annoyance as it's far higher quality than the Tesco own branded bread.

Supermarkets multi-source their bread. I used to have to deal with Allied Bakeries, British Bakeries and Warburton's, along with any local supplier that we had. British Bakeries was usually the one who supplied the supermarket's own-brand bread, but it could vary.

Everyone should be fully aware that those brands are just that; they're just names that a very small number of large food groups use in order to pretend that there are competing products.

 

[Blindtraveler]

And one of my friends was observing just the other day that she thinks something has shifted within the more budget-friendly end of the market again recently, with Lidl with seemingly trying certainly in her area to reposition itself from a budget German discounter to a more mid-range outlet in terms of its products that's basically trying to be 1p cheaper than Tesco, but without the frills of Tesco stores And definitely a lot more branded goods compared to own label

 

[Bald Rick]

If I have a big shop to do, I go to a staffed checkout. I unload my shopping at one end and pack it at the other, while someone else scans the shopping. All I have to do at the end is present my preferred payment method; so easy!

But the only place I unload my shopping after a big shop is my kitchen. You are doing it twice. I also never have to queue for a checkout.

 

[londonbridge]

Well said. In addition to the reasons you list, there are the obvious ones like waiting for alcohol and pharmaceutical products to be 'approved', and security devices to be removed where necessary, now expanding to a significant number of products. Also, as a subscriber to two print newspapers with paper vouchers to exchange, the procedure at self-checkouts can be frustrating, particularly at Sainsbury's which now never seems to allow it without staff intervention, often done by a clueless individual. So, if I've got more than half a dozen items and unless the staffed checkout queues are long I tend to use those.

Sainsburys have had problems with fraudulent and fake money-off vouchers and coupons, to the extent that they’ve set the self checkouts to flag ALL coupons and vouchers as requiring verification and approval by a staff member.

 

[DannyMich2018]

Over the years I have encountered a few things in Poundland for £1 that are cheaper in other stores.

I don't get food items from Poundland these days much as I find the use by/best before dates are very poor compared to supermarkets. Bringing this back back on topic Pounstretcher still not great, Hinckley store never as busy as it was when was Wilko's. Poor value.

 

[SuspectUsual]

I don't get food items from Poundland these days much as I find the use by/best before dates are very poor compared to supermarkets

Which is part of their business model.

For instance all the supermarkets might require 8 weeks minimum life into depot for chocolate digestives. McVities have a load with 6 weeks date, nobody else wants them, so Poundland step in and try and negotiate a price

 

[skyhigh]

If you want "up-market" you'd go to Markie's or Waitrose and even then you'll find that the stuff you buy is produced in the same factories as the stuff that their competitors' products are made.

Which is essentially meaningless.

When I worked in the food industry we used name brand suppliers for own brand products. The recipe and specification was different though, so although the own brand products were made in the same factory as the branded ones the product was radically different.

For obvious reasons, suppliers aren't going to give supermarkets their own premium product to sell at an undercutting price.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Aug 2024 ==

And definitely a lot more branded goods compared to own label

I haven't noticed any increase in branded products, but stocking them is part of their modus operandi.

They will stock the branded product, then sell their own 'look alike' branded product next to it for 10p/20p less. People switch to their own products and then they'll pull the branded item from sale. Rather than go elsewhere for the branded product people just buy the own brand.