Wrap Up Warm, We're Off To Iceland! (Iceland)

Member Name: cazkins

Product:	Iceland
Date:	21/10/08 (89 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good range of frozen foods and cheaper alternatives, regular offers on branded produce

Disadvantages: Limited range of groceries

Do mum's really go to Iceland? What with the credit crunch and all...I think more will follow in Colleen and Kerry's footsteps. Iceland is advertised quite regularly these days, especially on TV with their 'celebrity' appearances, but I still think it has a rather poor reputation. When a lot of people think of Iceland, they still think budget = cheap & nasty. What from I've found and bought in there though, I'd have to disagree.

Iceland now has over 660 stores across the UK so most cities and many towns will have one and you can find your nearest on their website*. The first store opened in 1970 and since then has been providing their own branded products at great value.

Iceland focusses mainly on frozen food, hence you spend most of your time in the store freezing your bum off! Along with frozen foods, they have a smaller selection of bakery, chilled, confectionary and snack foods. They sell many well-known branded products in addition to their own, so you'll find all of your usual suspects... Birds Eye, Kelloggs, Muller, Hovis, etc. The prices of these items are roughly average, but they often have good deals on so it's always a good idea to have a browse around. The frozen food section is much more extensive than the groceries, with a wide selection including:

Party Food
Meat / Chicken & Duck
Fish
Veggies
Pizza
Potato Products
Ready Meals (including a good Weight Watchers range)
Roast From Frozen
Drinks, inc. alcohol
Ice Cream / Lollies / Deserts

Their own brand products are very well priced. For example, you can pick up a delicious looking frozen cheesecake for £1. This is similar to Tesco and their own produce, but you get a bigger variety of cheaper alternatives in Iceland. I haven't tried a great deal of Icelands own make products, but of the ones I have tried (mostly frozen) they've been of better quality than expected. So I'd definitely recommend you try out their range if you want to save a few pennies.

The shop itself is somewhat outdated in style in my opinion, which holds back its image slightly but that doesn't make their prices or quality any worse. As for the staff, there's usually one person around stacking the shelves to ask if you need some assistance, and I've found them to be friendly and helpful. Same goes for the till staff, I've never had any problems so I can't complain.

They also have a Bonus Card scheme; get your card swiped each time you shop and be eligable for prize draws & special discounts. Iceland also offers free delivery if you spend £25+ on your shopping which is a great idea for those without a car or who can't get out for their shopping. This can be redeemed with your Bonus card. To get one, you just pop into the shop and fill out a form and they'll send you one for free.

I can't really think of much against Iceland, except a wider range of grocery items and cheaper alternatives would be good. A cheaper range of low-fat foods would also be a bonus. It does seem to be on its way up with its range and its popularity though, but I doubt Kerry & Colleen really shop there! I'd say the store still has improvements that can be made but overall it's a good way to stock up, especially on frozen foods, fairly cheaply.

Summary: It's easy to see why mums go to Iceland...bargains! :o)