The New Neighborhood
Dec 4th, 2007 at 8:47 pm by Susie
I went to one of the local supermarkets tonight to pick up a few things. First, the good news: It’s very bright and clean and has just about anything you can think of (okay, they didn’t have the organic sugar I wanted, but they did have organic powdered sugar, which I’d never seen before).
The not-so-good news? The place is HUGE. As in airplane hanger. There was an enormous selection of most items, and it was all a little overwhelming to my ADD self. They have a seafood section bigger than most seafood stores I’ve seen, and an enormous bakery. It was a lot of walking for my bum ankle.
Anyway, still settling in. Still haven’t found the hairdryer or the shoes, but I suppose I’ll find everything eventually.
Sounds like you’ve moved into a neighborhood with a lot more upper income folks. Chain grocery stores usually reflect this demographic with a wider variety of staples, fresher produce, and a friendlier staff. When I moved to a nicer neighborhood back in the Bay Area the difference in Safeways was remarkable. Instead of the small dingy store I was used to with the wilted lettuce, hostile workers, and shoplifters being led away in handcuffs every time I shopped there, I got an in-store bakery, wine shop, and clerks who were forced to bow and scrape to everyone. Despite your initial overwhelm I think you’ll come to love your new market along with the new neighborhood.
Nah, this is a working-class neighborhood. My last place was a combination of upper-middle-class, working class and downright poor.
Even your ADD self will get used to it, Susie. My local grocery got up-sized a few years ago. It took me a little getting used to (and it would help if the manager didn’t move everything around by directives from corporate) but I mostly know where I need to go to pick up what.