All Over Albany

Nonsense. This isn't news. If it were Rochester, Weggies' actual home turf, it would be news.

Price Chopper actually has a bigger presence in greater Syracuse than Wegmans does. The death of P&C means that many smaller communities (like my hometown of Baldwinsville) will be entirely without a grocery store.

... said LB on Dec 16, 2009 at 3:04 PM | link

I used to come to the defense of the Chopper -- they generously gave me a few scholarships when I was a high school/college student. But after living in Center Square and frequenting the Delaware Ave store, I just can't bring myself to root for that company anymore. A million times "Amen" to an upstate supermarket war.

... said Rob on Dec 16, 2009 at 3:14 PM | link

This isn't completely on topic buuuuuuut... its as good a place as any to ask:

I swear I remember reading on AOA that the Delaware Ave Price Chopper was changing owners or management and there would be big changes in the future. I was wondering if there was any other information on that? It kills me that it's such a convenient location, but such a crappy store :(

... said Paul on Dec 16, 2009 at 3:14 PM | link

They already compete in that area. Near my mom's town (Clay, waves to LB) they are right across the street from each other. PC is doing fine, I know people who prefer it to Wegmans.

That blog has nothing to do with us here.

... said DH on Dec 16, 2009 at 3:51 PM | link

Paul- I recently moved back to the Center Square area after moving out 5 years ago and the Delaware store is a lot nicer than I remember it being back then. It is possible I just have bad memory though. It is certainly better than both the Menands and Watervliet stores (though often more crowded).

... said Blergo on Dec 16, 2009 at 3:57 PM | link

@Paul: one of the district managers told my mother the very same thing when she called them to complain after unspeakable service (re: the fiasco last year, when they closed before their posted hours on Thanksgiving and actually charged people admission to get in). He assured her then that the store was in the process of undergoing a major "restructuring" process, ie: staff overhaul, tightened security and more extensive training and policy enforcement. I want to say that I've noticed a difference, but it has been relatively minor. Meh.

... said Summer on Dec 16, 2009 at 4:19 PM | link

(re: the fiasco last year, when they closed before their posted hours on Thanksgiving and actually charged people admission to get in)

What?!?! That's just... uh... wow.

(And, of course, now I'm wondering what the going rate is for admission to a supermarket on Thanksgiving.)

... said Greg on Dec 16, 2009 at 5:58 PM | link

ACTUALLY.... I heard the scoop from a (former?) Hannaford employee that it's *really* Hfrd. and Wegman's who have the non-compete because the same company does the manufacturing of each of their store brands as well as their in store magazine. Yes, there are many PC's in the same vicinity of Wegmans when you're out "west" but you'll note, no Wegmans near a Hannaford. hmmmmm.....

... said Rebecca on Dec 16, 2009 at 7:26 PM | link

what competition?

Price chopper is behind even hannaford locally in terms of quality of produce, deli and bakery...Wegman's shouldn't even be mentioned in teh same breath as the Chopper

... said Ike on Dec 16, 2009 at 7:38 PM | link

I would love to see Price Chopper expand to the Rochester area.
As a former Albany area resident, I miss them.
I'm not saying that Wegmans is better. However, I would like to see some better competition for Wegmans. Tops here is no match for Wegmans or for Price Chopper.

... said CJ on Dec 16, 2009 at 9:10 PM | link

It would be nice to see that Price Chopper is taking over the old P&C locations. My town in Northern New York is shortly to be without a grocery store and the closest choices would be a Wal-Mart in 45 minutes in one direction and Price Chopper and Wal-Mart in 35 minutes through ice covered back roads the other.

... said AJ on Dec 16, 2009 at 11:36 PM | link

@Greg: yup, actually happened. I'm surprised it didn't end up on the news or something, it was that outrageous. As for the going rate, I think (if memory serves) what they did was ask you what you wanted, go in and get it for you, and charge you $20 on top of the bill. I could be wrong, so I'll ask for the details again. The assumption was that they were pocketing all of the money, as they weren't even using the cash registers.

... said Summer on Dec 17, 2009 at 12:32 AM | link

"Head to head" in Syracuse? I just moved to Albany a few months ago after living for 6 years in Syracuse, and let me tell you, it's barely a competition. Wegmans wins hands down over any grocery store anywhere. Granted, I always went to the Wegmans on E Genesee which I believe is one of their flagship locations and therefore huge and awesome. I really wish Albany could get with the program and have one here, it's the only thing we're missing as far as I'm concerned.

... said Phoebe on Dec 17, 2009 at 9:32 AM | link

Every time I walk into a Wegmans, I swear I can hear angels singing. Every time I walk into a Price Chopper, I just hear that "we're grillin' tonight" guy.

That, and even the small Wegmans usually have walk-in coolers.

Winner: Wegmans.

... said Jeff on Dec 17, 2009 at 10:18 AM | link

I completely disagree with LB's statement that "Price Chopper actually has a bigger presence in greater Syracuse than Wegmans does." No way!

I grew up not to far from B-ville and there are two Wegmans (Rt. 57, Rt. 31) and two P&C's (Downer St, Rt. 31) all with in 15 min. of B-ville while there is only one Price Chopper on Rt. 31. In fact there are only 3 Price Choppers in all of the Syracuse area not including Fulton or Oswego.

Growing up we always shopped at Wegmans, Price Chopper was the last place we shopped at and I remember them being the lowest of the low grocery stores in the area. They have certainly improved their stores over the last ten years, but they do not and never will have the presence that Wegmans does in Syracuse.

... said C on Dec 17, 2009 at 11:38 AM | link

Huh? 15 comments and nobody has jumped in whining about the lack of a Trader Joe's? Are those people asleep?

... said chrisck on Dec 17, 2009 at 3:50 PM | link