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30 reviews for Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market
Review Highlights
"Favourite pre-mades/store brand stuff."
(in 3 reviews)
"...so I usually go to North Park Produce across the way for my..."
(in 4 reviews)
"i love their ready to eat meals."
(in 3 reviews)
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Celeste V.
San Diego, CA
11/25/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Love this store! I usually use my $10 off coupon for every $50 purchase, awesome right? Also, they now have Friends rewards, which you earn 1 point for $1? I haven't redeemed yet...
The whole idea of F&E is they cater to people on the go (self check out) and to those who are health conscious. They have organic fruits and veggies and they also carry their own brand named products, which may or may not be organic. -
Review from Jerry P.
San Diego, CA
8/21/2011
A store that has grown on me over time. I was initially a skeptic of this concept - one where many fresh vegetables are packaged, or in the case of bananas, sold singularly. Just goes to show that peoples behaviors and attitudes can change.
The prime motivator that got me in this store was the $5 coupons they ran for months after opening. Once in the door, the nice variety of fresh food and insanely quick self check out has won me over.
For those who have a phobia of preparing food from scratch, this store has a small but interesting variety of ready to eat fresh meals. Just buy one - or more - pop in the microwave, heat and eat. Great as a last option on a crazy day when nothing went right, to just wanting to take an evening off from cooking.
For our family this store can't cover all the bases. It does compliment in a nice way. It doesn't hurt that the staff is always helpful and cheerful. -
Review from Rudy L.
Chula Vista, CA
1/9/2012
I don't come here that often because I can usually get my produce at a lower price at Northgate Market and Food4less. However, this is the place to go if you need to throw together some items for a quick meal without spending too much time trying to find the said items. Plus the produce is fresh, conveniently packaged, and still relatively inexpensive compared to many other grocery stores. Some of the items are a little hard to find, as they are lumped together by brand instead of category, but the store is small enough that it doesn't take too long find what you need. Pick up the ad at the entrance and you're likely to find good deals on pasta, snacks, and pre-made meals among other their other promotions. My only suggestion is that they should increase their selection of vegan/vegetarian products, which seems to be a problem with other health conscious chain stores such as Sprouts and Trader Joes. Other than that and some of the high prices on some of their meats and bread products, there really isn't anything else I would change about this store. Just a little side info: the parking lot is a bit small and all registers are self check-out.
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Review from Marie G.
Chula Vista, CA
11/8/2011
They've changed a lot since they first opened and now they have a lot of specialty products and a great selection of grains, spices, ready to cook sauces/meals, specialty cheese/meats. They also have a lot of ethnic foods/spices that you usually have to go out of your way to find. Their prices for packaged foods are usually a pretty good deal; and considering I can find almost everything I need here, it saves me from running to a bunch of different stores.
One negative: To be honest the produce here isn't always cheap or very fresh so I usually buy that at Henry's or somewhere else. -
Review from Richard P.
Chula Vista, CA
7/11/2011
They have a good proportion of quality organic products (many are their own F&E brand) compared to other markets and not very expensive at all. Many of their own brand products contain sea salt, cane sugar and natural flavors and preservatives in lieu of the bad stuff (salt, HFCS, chemical colors, flavors and preservatives).
They are a relatively small market so they dont have EVERYTHING like a Ralphs but they are never crowded, plus most of the employees go out of their way to be helpful and courteous. In addition they have coupons for dollars off minimum purchase (3off20, 5off25, 6off30, 10off50, etc) if you sign onto for their web mailing list. The self checkout system is also very convenient. You are pretty much IN and OUT just like that! -
Review from Chris P.
1/23/2011
The name says it all. Fresh & Easy. Just how I like my laundry, my women, and my food! Ok, I was just kidding about my laundry, I mean when is doing laundry ever easy?
Anywho...this place rocks my socks off. I love it. This store definitely comes in handy when I'm on the go (which is pretty much all the time) This store iss my new friend and will help me get in shape so I can fit into my buff summer bod.
GOOD
- Packaged Meals: Although I am a stud in the kitchen, when time isn't on your side these meals got your back!
- Marinated meats: Ready to go, pop it in the turbo cooker, set it and forget it. (Got me sounding like an infomercial)
- Yogurt Parfaits: Mcdo got nothing on these!
- Peach Salsa: my favorite. Tried it once at work and got hooked. Even got my roomate hooked on it (don't worry cebo http://cbooz.yelp.com
I can't blame ya for finishing the bottle, it's that good)
BAD
- Make sure you go in with a shopping list. I came here just for the salsa and chips. Guess I let my stomach do the shopping. (instead of just salsa I left with over $50 worth of food)
- Self Check out: once upon a time I was a cashier at Albertsons. It annoyed me that people did not know how to use the scanners. Still the same annoying result here. They slow everyone down!
UGLY
- DON'T GIVE IN TO THE REDUCED PRICE SALADS! What you save in price, you will be paying on the toilet! Trust me. I know.
Fresh & Easy. If you were a chick, you would be my kind of gal. (because you provide me fast, convienent food. Duh.) -
Review from Tomas H.
Chula Vista, CA
5/3/2011
Went from an occasional & quick convenient shop to my go to store for groceries. There is a lot of healthy food here and quite a few things I cannot find in many places like Fresh Squeezed (unpasteurized) Orange Juice and Grapefruit Juice. Drinking pasteurized juice delivers all the sugar of soda (liquid candy) without much of the benefits of fruit!
If I am not digging the produce here, North Park Produce and Costco are walking distance. The staff restocks quietly and will bag your groceries nonchalantly with more genuine warmth than most stores. My kids love to shop here. -
Review from Angela Irene D.
Kapolei, HI
11/17/2010 2 Check-ins Here
It was my first time here, and I was expecting this store to be a little....bigger? However, the items they sell here are a total addiction!
I'm happy they sell gelato for under $3, and the fact they sell a lot of delicious healthy goodness!
The store, is every clean..and it always seems that there is always parking! no matter what time it is. I love the fact that it's open until 10p everyday! I wish it was open longer because I'm such a night owl and I like to spend money (i dont have) at night..eek.
I love everything they have here, it's small, it's close by, it's clean, and they have my favorite type of ice cream! what else can I ask for?! -
Review from charlotte isbella d.
San Diego, CA
7/19/2011
this place is awesome...kinda on the pricey side, but it seems that eating healthy means spending extra $ now a days...
i love their ready to eat meals...perfect for when i dont have time to cook, just pop the meal into the microwave...
lots of organic foods and they do carry regular products like pepsi, cheetoes, and digiorno pizza...stuff like that...
however, some of their items are over priced and you can get them from walmart cheaper...
give it a try...great place if your on a diet or eating organic.
oh and before i forget...there arent any cashiers, you have to scan everthing yourself...i kinda like that... -
Review from Angel M.
San Diego, CA
6/22/2011
They're fruit and vegetables are expensive compare to Henry's.
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Review from Erin D.
San Diego, CA
3/18/2008
Its British counterpart, Tesco, has a special place in my heart. Eating alone at restaurants has never been an activity I enjoy doing. The few times I do always seem to turn into a pity party of some sort. This time was even worse.. I was left to fend for myself for a whole day in a foreign country of citizens with accents. I was hungry. I was alone. Then I found Tesco. I went in, searched and found a perfect single helping of pasta, then frolicked to a nearby park and had my first British meal. Apparently lonely picnics are not as sad as lonely dining.
About Fresh & Easy: This market is so un-American, in a good sense. None of the supersized, behemoth portions you can find at big-chain grocery stores. Only problem is that the produce and meats are on the brink of their shelf life so fast consumption is recommended. Things are made simple, pre-packaged, and clean, and the prices are pretty reasonable. I guess its like a brighter lit, less cluttered Trader Joe's without the long checkout lines and employees clad with Hawaiian shirts (I never really got that). Oh and the reusable bags are only 20cents each, and they replace it for free when it gets worn out!
EDIT 05/27/08:
Although it pains me to do this.. I must. http://freshandeasyfac...
I still like the concept and appearance of Fresh & Easy but wouldn't go out of my way to shop there like I have before, i.e. taking a trip to Eastlake, and would recommend double checking the sell by dates when shopping there. -
Review from Skoosha L.
Chula Vista, CA
3/11/2009
Well, I do most of my grocery shopping here at least once a week, so I consider myself pretty knowledgeable on this particular Fresh & Easy:
Favourite pre-mades/store brand stuff:
-Lemon Cilantro Hummus- so good
-Molten Lava Cakes (in freezer)
-Brownie Mix
-Tomato/Basil Veggie Chip thingers
-Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar Potato Chips
-Dark Chocolate Covered Toffee Macadamia Nuts
-Pesto/Tomato/Mozza pizza
-Spicy Orange stirfry sauce
-$2 Wine that is actually decent!
Pluses:
-Some things are cheaper than Kmart & Other like their Cereals, Oatmeal, crackers, giant blocks of chocolate, etc.
-Their store brand stuff generally is better for you. I compared Kraft Mac & Cheese with their boxed Mac & Cheese and it was above and beyond better. And the first ingredient wasn't High Fructose Corn Syrup.
-I actually like their limited-ish selection- I don't have to walk around a giant store looking at 10 million choices
Minuses:
-NO Coupons anymore :( Not in the store, online, or in the mail. Hey, I guess they gotta make a living too
-The quality of the chicken breast has changed. They're using not as nice of meat
-Their prices have been going up- especially on produce, so I usually go to North Park Produce across the way for my produce. Plus then I can actually buy two limes instead of 15 at a time.
-The staff recently hasn't been as attentive. Like two female workers chatting it up by the registers while I bagged myself. Which I'm fine with doing, but they used to be on it with helping bag you.
Overall:
They live up to their name. I still shop here weekly, so the minuses haven't deterred me. And, I'm addicted to some of their products so now they've got me reeled in. -
Review from Anna F.
Chula Vista, CA
6/1/2008
This place gets an automatic star downgrade due to the Families with Kids and Hybrids only parking spots. Service is pretty non-existent too. Also, it kinda sucks bagging your own groceries. Two star demerit. Okay, now with that out of the way...
I enjoy shopping here because they have, for the most part, high quality, natural foods. I am not into pre-packaged meals, so I haven't had any of theirs, but their meat, cheese, and dairy sections are great. Just thinking about their cheese section makes me daydream.
They have a large selection of organic foods for those who try not to ingest too many preservatives or hormones, all at very reasonable prices. Their pantry items are very reasonably priced too! Things like peanut butter, assorted sauces, flour-based mixes, tortilla chips, etc are priced several dollars under super chain prices. They also have a large wine section at reasonable prices.
So yeah, good products, great prices, too much pretense. i'll still go back. -
Review from Jennylou R.
San Diego, CA
1/30/2008
I'm a health freak label reader. i do my best to stay to all natural, healthy, and safer foods. My grocery shopping for food consists of whole foods, trader Joe's and Henry's. so... when fresh and easy opened up down the street, i was intrigued. f&easy brands stick to no added trans fats, no preservatives (like MSG) , no added colors or artificial flavors, the store is also "green" in concept just like me. read more about it at http://www.freshandeas....
i was pleasantly surprised at my first visit. there is the balance of all my food stores combined and at great prices.
i now go to f&e for my fruits/veges and organic brown rice instead of Henry's
i have replaced my frozen preseasoned and prepackaged stuff from trader Joe's with fresh pre-seasoned and ready to cook/serve foods from f&e. meats are sold in small to large packages (good for a single serve up to Costco size) and definitely less expensive than trader Joe's but in no way lesser in quality.
f&e has a great selection of ready to eat fresh foods on the go or microwave ready fully cooked (not frozen) meals that will delight anyone's palate. international selection as selections range from mango curry chicken over rice and pad Thai compete with peppers and all... lots of entrees to choose from like Italian dishes, and salad varieties too. they also have a good selection of breads from all origins such as Mexican breads just like grandma bakes. the desert section has all sorts of stuff and many beautiful enough to give to dinner hosts or simply give to yourself =)
some days, they also give out samples and the ones I've had were always so good!
the things that you need from traditional stores are there too... regular brands... along with laundry and kitchen stuff, personal hygiene, etc. i no longer need to go to wal-mart for the odds and ends for the home.
i have been to f&e every week since i first visited about 5 weeks ago. saves me gas and time and money too. with all the stuff fresh, the expirations are sooner so unless you plan to stock up and not eat it right away, use the freezer.
but for me, the biggest plus is the plenty of organic selection - even baby food - and the variety of freshly squeezed juices (not from concentrate) all natural, most of them organic.
so yes, i highly recommend this place.
the other day that i was just there... they gave me coupons for $5 off for future purchases of $20.. one coupon per week for the next 4 weeks or so.
spread the word and come support this local store everyone! love it! -
Review from alexandria m.
Seattle, WA
10/6/2008
I have to say as an ex restaurant owner and chef this place is great. The service is wonderful! One day I went in, and I was short two dollars, because my ex had just garnished my bank account. I was devasted, almost to tears and the cashier actually gave me money out of her purse..the act of kindness was amazing. The food value is terrific you can find great deals on coffee, proteins, and extra value product pricing as well. Also the samples are right on the money, providing all guest with extra servings and wonderful meal planning ideas for families or single people.
The store is extremely clean, the staff is well appointed, one more thing the flower selection is beautiful and affordable as well!! GO! thanks chefalexandria -
Review from Jennifer S.
Boulder, CO
12/3/2007
I checked this place out today while doing my lunch/dinner shopping for the week, and I wasn't terribly impressed... Like the last reviewer said, this place is sort of like a Whole Foods/Trader Joe's hybrid with a few aisles of Von's thrown in. The produce section had some good stuff, but the selection was smaller than Henry's and more expensive. They had some really good looking Brit/Indian pre-prepared lunch items, but I did not partake as I am a small girl and 800 calories for presumably delicious curry for lunch is a bit much for me.
All-in-all, I think this store will take a while to catch on with larger and cheaper stores right down the road. I ended up putting the things in my cart back and going to Trader Joe's. -
Review from Henry K.
Chula Vista, CA
1/5/2009
not bad place. I usually do a B-line towards the premade lunches so I'm set for a couple of days for all of a few bucks with it being healthy too?
There are many things there that are much less expensive than the big supermarkets or Henry's or Trader Joes. You just have to know what you are looking for. Of course, TJ's or Henry's has their products that is better there. again, know what you are looking for.
it's all self check out, but there is usually someone at the registers to make sure that everyone checks out with no problems because we all know that there are alot of people out there that do not understand the concept of self check out.
HK's Parting thought --
Check out the premade lunches! Go in through the front door and it's straight ahead in the back! pop in the microwave and instant lunch in 5 minutes! -
Review from Richie C.
National City, CA
5/18/2008
I understand that sleek design and the minimalist approach is bigtime in business now. But that's no substitute for quality. The shrimp ceviche was pretty horrible. the shrimp, though it read a date packaged within the week, tasted very very old. Perhaps it suffered from being frozen. Whatever the issue, it was bad.
The prices of their products are hard to beat. Im sure they are saving lots of money by all the registers being customer run. Plus, pre-packaged food markets can cut a few corners.
In the end, I wouldnt shop there for anything more than spirits and gum. -
Review from scott p.
San Diego, CA
6/4/2008 1 photo
I can't believe the luke warm/negative reviews. Obviously, the model here is trader joe's- the emphasis is on "store brand" and pre packaged goods but instead of being "hippie style" it's more "sleek modernist style." I love how the place is all self check out- if people can't cope with this feature, I don't want to be shopping with them. I'd much rather shop here then Trader Joe's- much more meat selection, and half the store isn't occupied with cheap wine. I'm amazed that they opened this store in chula vista instead of the downtown/north park area. I would LOVE to see one of these in the center city and would shop here every week.
It's also alot cheaper then trader joes. -
Review from Jenn B.
3/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
TWO WORDS: FREE SAMPLES. Between this place and Costco across the way, I could easily have a free lunch/dinner. And unlike Costco, I can ALWAYS count on Fresh and Easy to have free samples. They usually have a drink, a snack, an entree, and a dessert or two for you to try, all on the same table!
Ha, but really, this is one of my favorite grocery stores. It's perfect for people who live by themselves because the portions are fairly small and everything is so cheap! I think the apples are 3 for 99 cents (cheaper than trader joes) and their eggs are less than $2 for a dozen.
If you plan on cooking the same day you shop, look out for their sale items, usually marked down 50%. -
Review from Laura B.
Chula Vista, CA
10/23/2009
My coworker kept talking about this store so I finally tried. I love it the place. Get all my lunches and meats here now.
Every time I am in there someone from the staff is helping out at the self check out and even bag for me. Every things is fresh. The stores is bright and clean. -
Review from jeff l.
10/12/2009
The beauty of this Fresh and Easy is that North Park Produce is in the same area next to K Mart.
The whole chickens are always about the cheapest deal anywhere at 90 cents a pound.
They have grill packs when on sale that give you hamburger patties, marinated chicken and sausages for only 5 bucks.
Ice cream is inexpensive at 3.99 for nearly a half gallon.
The produce is better and cheaper at North Park.
With both of these markets I can get just about anything I need and much cheaper than the Vons, Ralph's, and Albertson's of the world. -
Review from Mike Y.
San Diego, CA
12/20/2007
Clean, modern, good food, self-checkout, environmentally friendly.
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Review from Joel G.
San Diego, CA
1/6/2008
pros...quite nice place, when you walk in it is clean, white and bright inside. a new concept here in the u.s.a. this company/brand is from the u.k. (england). as Jennifer S. comments, they are a mix of Trader Joe's/Henry's and a smidge of Whole Foods as well. read this as some organics, more healthful foods and then some common everyday products as well. and as Jim C remarked, the store is 50% fresh & easy brand, and the rest are the familiar names we all know.
produce section is nice, and ideally directed at new style of shopping here in the u.s., small quantity with slightly higher quality. not the bulk at costco up the street. and not the common produce at the von's either. you will find unusual produce, all nicely packaged in smaller quantities.
the meat section is nice cause they have prepackaged meals, the meat is already marinated and with some of the fixin's included. somewhat nice selection, considering there is no real meat department to speak of. so all packaged somewhere else and just delivered here.
good selection of snacks and breads. they are trying to hit all the major ethnic groups here, bread, plain old white bread, with bolilios, pita, tortillas, etc. all fun and all look pretty good.
i gave them 4 stars only cause for the area, they are pretty unique. read this as the neglect of major companies to invest in the south bay. this type of grocery store is common place more north of chula vista. there are more trader joe's, more organics and more local farmer's markets for this style of produce and groceries.
love the self-check out stands. and the flower section as well. all unique touches to basically a small box store.
cons...you will pay for these types of products, not as inexpensive as other places in general. of course you will find some sale items and such but in general i do feel the prices are bit higher. parking is tight, and not a lot of spaces. small store, but a good start if it works out.
there are prepared lunches, dinner entres, -
Review from Audrey E.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2008
I'm sure my bias towards all things British explains the extra star, so that I give Fresh & Easy 4-stars... But I went to this place 3 times in one weekend after discovering it, and that says a lot because usually I'll just drive up to Trader Joe's or Whole Foods in Hillcrest (much closer to where I live in North Park), but... Noooo, I drove all the way down to Chula Vista. Why? TIRAMISU and the Fresh & Easy brand frozen Indian food meals. Just like the previous reviewers noted, it's like Whole Foods & Trader Joe's went to London and threw up, but I notice the portions are smaller (American food portions are ridiculously huge compared to other countries), the food expires sooner (hence the "Fresh"), and certain things are cheaper than at, say, Target. Definitely worth checking out and the drive, if you're not from National City, Paradise Hills and other Southern 'hoods.
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Review from Rickyslick Z.
Chula Vista, CA
4/9/2009
First and foremost! This is the best grocery retailer I have ever been to.
I'll start by saying I shop here every time I need food! I used to shop at Trader Joes (spending up to 160 dollars for 2 weeks of food is a lot of money for 4 people) and Henry's (not as expensive depending on what you buy). Between shopping at Fresh& Easy and Henry's I save about 100 bucks a month from my past grocery shopping.
Things I always buy @ Fresh & Easy;
1. Hummus. (its like no other)
2. Restaurant Style Salsa (it really is!) Serve it with warm chips you would think you are at some cozy Mexican joint.
3. Bread ( boring, I know but there bread selections are the best and the most inexpensive I've ever come across).
4. Pizza Dough. Their premade pizza dough is GENIUS. It's inexpensive and taste great. I make one almost once a week and use fresh ingredients and make it sort of gourmet healthy.
5. Black Beans (unsalted, canned). Can't say enough about their canned selection of food. I usually stock up on the tomato goods, and beans. for Side Dishes, Base for my Marinara, or Chili.
6. There weekly specials have included 5.00 dollar grill packs which contain 4 hamburger patties, 4 pieces of chicken and 4 links. I've bought a whole chicken for 3 bucks.
7. Decaffeinated Chai Tea- I can't drink decaffeinated drinks so this is a rare and awesome treat for me!
8. There 50 % off section usually has really great stuff if you get there early. They put them out the night before for the next day. I've found usually expensive meats, cheeses, fruit salads, desserts things I'm a less likely to splurge too much money on...this is a great place to start your shopping.
Like I mentioned before I used to shop at Trader Joes, and I still shop at Henry's especially for Meats and Produce. Fresh and Easy is a little pricey on those items when you calculate the cost. Since Henry's sells everything buy the weight which varies...Fresh and Easy typically all the meats are weighed the same so there isn't much difference in price or quantity, you tend to save a little more money with Henry's as far as meats, cheeses.
Fresh and Easy in one word; AWESOME!!!
Oh yeah and they have a sample corner with usually nice and sweet ladies giving you samples of the latest Fresh & Easy products. -
Review from Julie k.
San Diego, CA
7/24/2008
All their store brand products are free of artificial colors and flavors! Very cool. I like how packaging is simple which brings down costs and you are actually paying for the food itself. That and the fact that you ring up and bag your own goods, I like it. (If you can't do this task, maybe you shouldn't be driving a car) The pre-made meals are not bad. Much better for you than the microwavable food you find at other markets. I wouldn't buy produce here, something about having everything wrapped in plastic is a little "The Island"-esque for me.
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Review from patty p.
Lemon Grove, CA
4/2/2008
I went to the grand opening of the one in Casa de Oro (spring valley area) I was not so impressed by it. I had been super excited waiting for the opening day, hoping for something out of the ordinary, but it turned out to be a big flop for me. I found everything a little more expensive than other stores, even more than Henry's. I rather go to the small produce stores and get the same fresh produce for a fraction of the cost. But I do understan some other people finding it a cool place to shop. For one I'm a mom of three so that should say it all, I have to save money wherever possible. I'll stick to Henry's and my usual produce stores, but all you lucky single guys and gals.....Enjoy!!
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Review from Jocelyn C.
Chula Vista, CA
6/4/2009
I LOVE Fresh and Easy! Not your traditional grocery store, it's not huge and you're not overwhelmed with all the different brands of food items. The prices are competitive, and they have great weekly deals! You need to check them out.
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Review from Anne Marie B.
Bonita, CA
8/17/2009
So this is another store I frequent. I love the pre-made pizzas.
Buy a cheese pizza (sometimes they have them 1/2 off) then load them up at home with the kids and the toppings of their choice. I always add some olive oil to the crust and then bake. The kids are instantly in heaven.
Try the lemon cake mix this is fabulous also.
The also frequently have excellent specials. Make sure to check that out.
They have great deals but be careful some stuff is more expensive.
Parking if you have kids they have 2 designated spots. Also they have 2 hybrid spots. Both of these spots are Rock star parking. The lot is hardly ever that full when I go though.
The ciabatta is great. I slice it thin add olive oil and fresh pepper and throw it in the broiler. They also have fresh Buffalo mozzarella for the caprese salad. Last year I went to North Park Produce across the parking lot for the tomato and Basil (cheaper). This year we planted a garden so we are using our own.
If you haven't tried it. Look around once. No I mean don't just walk in and out. Grab a cart and really look around. I have found some steals on wines when I look very carefully. I can sometimes beat the 5cent wine price at Bev Mo.
The only con for me is no more coupons. Also if you are not a fan of self checkout this is not the place for you.
