Ideal Market

Elite '08

10

141

Hubert H.

Cambridge, MA

Seems like a slightly smaller version of Whole Foods .. wait, it is owned by Whole Foods! The chic anti-corporate-yet-corporate empire owns 3 or 4 of these in Boulder, I think.

My favorite part about the store is walking around and tasting all the different samples of cheese, crackers, cookies, whatever else begins with the letter 'c'. Friendly staff. Having ranted, what's not to like?

Oh yes, the parking lot is rather tight.; there are random metal vertical bars that you can't see from your rear view mirror. Beware!

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Elite '08

99

183

Harmony O.

Boulder, CO

Well, you can surmise the history of Ideal by scanning the various other reviews.  

The prices are the same as at all the other Wild Oats, which are now apparently mini Whole Foods that are still being called Wild Oats, or whatever their original name was.  Morph morph morph.  (Update note:  As of late 2007, this store is under the ownership of Whole Foods as well.)

I've been going to this store since it's original existence as an independent grocery that was part of the Colorado Associated Grocers.
I honestly preferred the original.  But unlike Dr. Who and his pals, I don't have the ability to travel back and forth in time.  Got to accept the present moment and deal with life here and now.

Ideal has certainly been the most pleasant Wild Oats to go to in this area, with good sandwiches, a decent selection of organic produce, and even a floral department, which was a thoughtful addition when Wild Oats took over many years ago.

I like the vitamin and supplement sales, and the vitamin selection here.  

At some times of day it seems that the businesses in this center have wayyyyy outgrown their parking lot.  But bicycling, walking, and busing are encouraged in Boulder, and maybe people should not drive so much.  Hmmmm...what a concept!  I drive everywhere, so I'm one who needs to consider going carless.

So life goes on in our sheltered little metropolis.

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40

403

Dustin G.

Denver, CO

The Ideal Market is a sort of grocery chameleon: while it used to be an independent grocery store - one which specialized in high-end organic goods - recently it was quietly bought out by Wild Oats, who decided it would be in the best interests of the corporation to keep the facade of an independent grocer, especially since it was one the most profitable Wild Oats stores. [yes it's a run-on, but an awesome one at that]

Now however, as anyone who has been paying attention to business news should already know, Whole Foods has bought out Wild Oats, and in a sort of typical soulless corporate fashion has cut most of its employees. Ideal has been spared many of these cuts, but this still does not change the fact that there will be some shake ups.
Now as someone who has known over ten of the employees and previous employees of Ideal Market, I can tell you that this place is mostly image, and that image allows it to maintain higher prices than most other grocers.

Still, Ideal has been a veritable mirage of employment opportunities: many a friend has been netted in, paid well enough to start, but never receiving raises or recognition of hard work, has left disillusioned. Ideal Market has made the mistake of trying hard-line approaches to get more money out of the store, which has lead to a mass exodus of quiting.  

The employment debacle aside, as a store Ideal is pretty nice, and pretty pricey. You will find rich yoga moms here, as well as people who are really into local businesses and shopping independent (shh..........mums the word). Good produce and cheese selection, especially of the organic variety can be found on its shelves.

I know more than the average bear about this place which makes my rating lower than most I'm sure.

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Elite '08

306

315

Alexandra F.

Denver, CO

It would have been Ideal for this market to stay a small independent grocer, but I guess I don't blame the past owners... Probably swimming in organic money right now.  The image of Ideal is well kept with the small town healthy market feel.  The produce section is small, but has a nice variety, and the layout of the store is similar to the other healthy supermarkets.... Which wind you around like a Candyland adventure.

Like Dustin said, Wild Oats now owns this gem, so you will see the Wild Oats brand around the store, which I can't help but to like because it is more affordable than some of the other organic brands.  Ideal Market fits in perfectly with the rest of the "let's pretend we are not in a strip mall" stores in this North Boulder hangout, and kind of gives North Boulder its own town feel.  North Boulder needs this supermarket, and because it is out of the way for most people who don't live in North Boulder, it is a great place to meet up with neighbors and friends without the Whole Food's crowds and congestion.

Ideal is expensive, but the staff are very friendly, the store is in perfect shape, and the food selection is of high quality.  

* Star one is for representing the organic industry
** Star two is for being sneaky and making yourself look like you are still an independent supermarket even though you are not
*** Organic means free star three is not for giving me any free food, but free and easy to find parking in the private parking lot out front
**** Gobble gobble star four is for selling me delicious turkey meat for the grill... Which later blew up in my face, but that is not Ideal's fault.

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Elite '08

11

67

yokes f.

Boulder, CO

I figured I should scope out my local market since I'm moving into the neighborhood soon. This was my first time here so I don't know as much as Dustin or Alexandra but I enjoyed the place overall. I liked how it's not as big as Whole Foods so you can get your shopping done faster and you don't have to deal with the crowd. It's a much more peaceful shopping experience. Although it's a little on the pricier side, if you live in the area, it's so convenient. I was very happy to find out that I can walk here from my new home. It's also nice to know that I can eat at Radda Trattoria next door and get my shopping done at Ideal all in one trip.

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17

168

Jordan W.

Denver, CO

I wonder what'll happen to it now that Whole Foods took over Wild Oats.  Anyway, I always found the store cramped, and parking lot awful.  I also once got a lecture from a clerk for choosing the plastic bag option.  I do love their sandwiches, and Longs Peak sandwich is to die for.  Despite snooty rude slow boys making it.  I never liked the outdoor seating either.  
I know this is a total anti-Boulder thing to say, but if this store goes, I won't shed a tear.  I will however miss my Longs Peak sandwich.

Update:  I guess Whole Foods is planning to keep this store.  Maybe they'll update the parking lot...

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