How is Martin's doing?

As many of you know, central Virginia grocery shoppers are adjusting to a major change. Our beloved Ukrop's sold to Martin's and the switchover happened in the spring. I did a very informal poll on my facebook page asking my friends to give me the pros and cons of Martin's.

The bad news first....

CONS

• Customer service is not as good. Checkout is much slower, especially because you now have to sign a paper receipt. There aren't as many baggers and folks to carry groceries to your car. The new bagging carts don't hold nearly enough so many times it requires two carts to get purchases to your car. There are not as many workers in the deli and "fried chicken" area so there is a longer wait. The employees overall do not seem as happy as they did when it was Ukrop's.
• Produce. The selection of produce is MUCH smaller than before (they took space from produce to add beer and wine). The produce is not nearly the quality of Ukrop's. Bananas in particular were mentioned several times. They are also not selling much local produce, which I always enjoyed purchasing (and eating!)
• Pharmacy. Some complained of pharmacy mistakes and that you are no longer able to pay for your medicines when checking out with groceries. Having to wait in line twice is not fun with small children in tow.
• While they carry a larger selection, the number of each items is much less. For example, they may only have 3 or 4 six-packs of a brand of bottled water. Often items are sold out.
• Bag credit is often forgotten.
• You have to check expiration dates. Ukrop's was always great about removing expired items so you didn't have to worry as much. There are also reports of moldy flower stems. The general upkeep of the store is not as good.
• The shelves seem very cluttered with sale stickers, new item stickers, etc. It makes it hard to really find what you are looking for.
• There are not as many people with disabilities working for them now.
• Trouble with fuelperks! working.
• They are open on Sundays and holidays, which means their employees don't get to spend that time with their families.

PROS

• They still carry many Ukrop's items--bakery goods, prepared foods, white house rolls, etc.
• Better prices and deals. They send coupons in the mail and have good discounts with their BonusCard--including buy 1, get 1 free deals.
• Good selection of organic and specialty items, including Nature's Promise meats.
• More variety and brand options. My friends from north of Virginia enjoy being able to purchase some of the items Ukrop's did not carry.
• Efficient self-checkout.
• Deli and Bakery are open until store closes (unlike Food Lion and Kroger).
• Convenience of shopping on Sundays and the store is open more house in the day.

So there you have it. Martin's still has some work to do to completely win over loyal Ukrop's customers.