Wegmans SUPER Grocery Store

This past weekend the Phoenixville Area was blessed by the opening of a Brand new Wegman’s grocery store. The build up to the opening of this has been huge. Hannah and I have received countless add, coupons and letters from the store letting us know what all it will have and actually pictures of all the management staff.

*sidenote – for those of you who have never been to a Wegman’s it is quite breathtaking. First it’s huge, second everyone is so nice, and they sell everything.

Hannah and I ventured into the thick of it opening day, partly out of boredom and partly because we love massive crowds that breed tension. It was packed!!! There were massive amount of people there looking and shopping and almost as many employees working. At each door there were at least two employees signing people up for wegmans shopper cards and handing out welcoming packs. (I think there are 3 entrances) plus there were various locations throughout the store where you could sign up for a card.

We were in awe as we walked around, staring at all the food. We were also in awe of people actually doing a full weeks shopping on opening day. (not the smartest group- as they tried wield there massive bi-level carts through an equally massive crowd)

We made it past the in store Pub, past the food to go area, past the alcohol wing. We slowly crawled by the fresh bread section, the 30 checkout lanes, the fresh cheese bar, the Mediterranean/ olive bar. We weaved in and out past the desert section (pre-made cakes and fresh-stuffed canolis await), passed the fresh cut steaks and fish, finally out an into the sun.

It was breathtaking. Why would anyone ever shop anywhere else, unless they had a budget they had to follow or were poor. That’s why Aldi exists. Don’t come to my wegmans! (that’s why there is not currently any Public transit to this shopping center- see my sarcasm has a hint of truth in it- ouch)


But truly, and honestly. It is quite an amazing place to shop, so much stuff reasonable prices. (compared to Giant, Genuardi’s and Acme)

So why am I writing this blog.

I’ll use pictures to show you. Hannah and went back Wednesday night. 10/14. I had an idea.

9 kinds of Apples (the other side had them in large bags)

shot of one side of the olive bar

other section of the olive bar

over 40 kinds of bread/rolls/buns

Dont forget this is just the bagged bread.... there is a Bakery!!!

Then there’s bagels, loafs, bread bowls, garlic, muffins, donuts, cheese rolls, etc.

I was unable to get pictures of the massive amounts of fresh cut cheese.
I counted 13 different kinds of fresh – pre-cut lunch meat. I count 3 different kinds of slami and 3 different kinds of provolone (there were over 50 other meats/cheeses you could ask to have cut for you)

And now to the deserts, save the best for last. Right?

This area was three sided! So many deserts, pre packaged/fresh. I counted over 150 containers of deserts.

And now to my point!

Now I know this is a little dated, but.....

Check out that sell-by-date. What day were we there? 10/14/09 (when did they open... about one week prior)

Out of the over 150 deserts for sale, I counted roughly 30 that were going to have to be thrown out that night. (that’s 20% of the deserts) JUST DESERTS!!!!

Grocery stores are getting larger and larger. Retail stores are now carrying more and more food. Most of America seems to be getting fatter and fatter.

I’ve been putting off this blog for awhile because I didn’t know how to end it. I feel like I need to have some great closing point. I don’t have one, so instead I’ll ask some questions.

How do we personally waste less? In our homes, out to eat or offices.

How do we educate other on Food Waste so that they too become concerned and start to curb their waste?

How do we get these Grocery stores to waste less?
Part of my thoughts are waste is “good” if they give it away, but think about if they wasted less, less would go into our landfills, they would spend less and maybe be able to give more. (not just out of date food)

I am ready to write a better story. This blog and these thoughts along with your responses and help will make this story come true, therefore effecting many other people lives and stories in the process.