Last edited Wed Apr 3, 2013, 08:58 AM - Edit history (1)

The store is massive. It is brightly lit with very high ceilings. I remember the closed door refrigerators, though I don't remember if they are used throughout the store or not. Still, it's nice to hear that they did this and it raises my opinion of them.

and know nothing about the chain. That said, I do applaud their efforts in this area and think it really shows what can be done to make everyone's lot a bit better.

Back when I was still employed, I wrote numerous articles on green buildings, LEED certification, efficient refrigeration and cooling systems and so forth, for industry magazines and internet sites.

It is really gratifying to see companies pursing LEED certification. I wish more would do it, but most CEOs only care about the current fiscal quarter and their obscene bonuses.

Thank you for posting this!

that was caring enough to do this. If I am ever near one of these stores, I will definitely check it out....it would be interesting to see how this all comes together.

the prices for everything have gone up. They really do the Pay More, Get Less model. And their loyalty cards are intrusive--if you sign up, sign up as Buzz Auff, 1 Main Street, 555-1212, otherwise they'll sell your details to the highest bidder.

I think it's nice they've done this, and good for them to set an example, but I won't patronize them except in an emergency. I just don't like 'em.

even during the peak of their local growing season. Before the Magruder's grocery chain closed a couple of months ago, I used to get 2 or 3 cucumbers for a dollar there, 4 for a dollar when they were in season.

Giant produce has sucked for a long time. When we moved to Maryland from New Jersey 23 years ago. I was appalled by the crummy produce and high prices. Still am. I wish there was an alternative, but Safeway is their main competition locally, and I dislike Safeway even more.

New England...or even NY-Queens! And no good deli? How can anyone survive without decent deli?

I know, there aren't many choices--ya have to find a farmer's market or suck it up. The Food Lion is pretty ghastly, Trader Joe's is good for some stuff but they aren't really a super-duper produce joint, and the Whole Paychecks are just absurdly expensive!

EDIT--I used to go to an Albertson's that wasn't convenient to my house at all, but was convenient to a meeting I had to go to about once a month--it was within striking distance of the beltway and they had some good stuff; dunno if it is still open! They didn't have a lot of produce but at least what they had didn't rot in a day!

I have to wonder if there is a law requiring bread in Maryland to have a mushy, non-crisp crust.

Oh, for a hard roll with butter!

I had the same problem in UK...then I finally met an Italian guy who ran a restaurant in London--he became my "source" for those nice rosetti rolls!! Crispy crust, not too much "bread" in the middle!