Wegman's -- finally get to see what all the hype is about

[Anonymous]

I am never near a Wegman's, so have never set foot in one. I have to be in Fairfax for something this afternoon, near Wegman's, so thought I'd swing by and check it out.

I don't plan to spend tons of time there, or do full-on grocery shopping, but is there anything I should absolutely check out? I also haven't done any shopping yet for Thanksgiving dinner, so perhaps I will pick up a turkey or something.

[Anonymous]

salad bar. pastries.
really, its just a grocery store, though!

[Anonymous]

prepared food section + seafood/meats
bakery
olive bar and cheese section
wine store downstairs
fresh produce
home goods section (beautiful stuff -- though I find it overpriced, so I just like to look)
otherwise, nothing fancy but some of the basics I stock up on when there (I go rarely):

[Anonymous]

Cheese!

I love the fact that it's a mix of fancy food and regular food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am never near a Wegman's, so have never set foot in one. I have to be in Fairfax for something this afternoon, near Wegman's, so thought I'd swing by and check it out.

I don't plan to spend tons of time there, or do full-on grocery shopping, but is there anything I should absolutely check out? I also haven't done any shopping yet for Thanksgiving dinner, so perhaps I will pick up a turkey or something.

Ha ha! You just wait and see!

[Anonymous]

It's a freaking nightmare!

They have carts the size of SUVs -- and that doesn't include the ones with cars in front for the kids (which daddies are prone to leaving just about ANYWHERE). Every aisle features dozens of tottering displays that you can barely squeeze past.

The last time (and it WAS the last time) I stepped foot in a Wegman's, I watched shoppers helplessly trying to nagivate, often having to back up and skip aisles because they simply couldn't get through.

Yes, the produce is lovely. Yes, the prepared foods are delish. But I don't need to shop at a store where I have to take a Xanax just to get through it.

God Bless Safeway.

[Anonymous]

I live in Frederick and one opened here this past spring/summer. I was....disappointed. The low lights gave me a headache. The first time I went it was crowded as hell so I couldnt tell if I didnt like the store or if I was annoyed by the crowd. The 2nd time I went, the store was practically empty. It was ok. Would go there more if it my closest grocery store. That said...go, enjoy. Part of my problem is that I'd heard alot of hype so when I got there I expected a magical experience. WTF it's just groceries.. I felt like Ralphie after he found out that his secret decoder badge only decoded a crummy commercial.

[ThatSmileyFaceGuy]

Oh the Prepaed foods and specialty counters are very nice. To me however the grocery section is a jumbled mess and really not worth the effort.

[Anonymous]

Huh. Thinking of skipping it, then. I probably shouldn't be adding any time onto my trip anyway, as I have lots of work to do. Plus I am out of Xanax.

[Anonymous]

No, no, don't skip it. I love Wegman's, particularly if you can go on a Tuesday when it's not (quite) as crowded. Don't miss the bakery. Amazing! But mostly I just like how attractive the store is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am never near a Wegman's, so have never set foot in one. I have to be in Fairfax for something this afternoon, near Wegman's, so thought I'd swing by and check it out.

Anonymous wrote:No, no, don't skip it. I love Wegman's, particularly if you can go on a Tuesday when it's not (quite) as crowded. Don't miss the bakery. Amazing! But mostly I just like how attractive the store is.

Isn't today Wednesday?

[Anonymous]

I live in MoCo, we were so excited to get our first Harris Teeter after hearing everyone in VA rave...imagine our disappointment when it was a small, overpriced safeway. Am curious to see how (or if) Wegman's changes. Chances are we'll continue to go to our large, well-stocked giant for most things, Whole Paycheck for special items, and Snyders for meats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, no, don't skip it. I love Wegman's, particularly if you can go on a Tuesday when it's not (quite) as crowded. Don't miss the bakery. Amazing! But mostly I just like how attractive the store is.

OP here. Well, I just started Weight Watchers this week, so I don't really want to be stocking up on bakery goods or prepared foods. Maybe I'll go check out the produce section if I have time though. I was also eyeing the roasted honey-brined turkey breasts. There will only be 4 of us at dinner this year and I am considering not doing a whole turkey.

Anyway, for some reason I was under the impression that Wegman's had awesome products that can only be bought there (like Trader Joe's) but it seems like that is incorrect.

[Anonymous]

It's now my regular and much beloved grocery store- but I do remember feeling really overwhelmed the first few times (crowded or not).

For a first time visit, I'd just plan to wander rather than try to navigate with a list.

[Anonymous]

OP, you have to go! I'm unreasonably upset with the idea of you skipping it. There are a lot of really healthy options in the prepared foods section--diet-friendly. Beautiful salads, vegetable and grain dishes, lean cuts, seafood. So don't skip out for that reason.

Give it a whirl. It's a big store and I don't like crowds but I [heart] Wegmans. When I go it's usually a Saturday out of necessity and it's busy but worth it. Today you should be fine. Go! Go! And report back. Please don't skip out on it. You got my hopes up.