Quality at a Price you can afford (Waitrose)

Member Name: Trishajs

Product:	Waitrose
Date:	18/06/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: They care about everyone in the supply chain

Disadvantages: Bit harder to budget- but worth the effort

Most of my adult life I have been a Waitrose shopper- not really thru choice-but initially because it was the local supermarket and then because I used to meet my parents every Saturday and it was the closest to where we met. By coincidence another branch of Waitrose was opposite where I worked and also the most convenient on my way home from work. So I was stuck with Waitrose and Waitrose was stuck with me.

But along came the credit crunch and as overtime dried up and interest on savings all but disappeared I had to rethink. I tried ASDA, which saved me lots of money- but the shopping experience was dreadful. I tried Tesco and ended up throwing away all the fresh food except some corn on the cob as the taste quality wasn't what I was accustomed to. I then tried Somerfield- but in the branch I went to the choices were very limited. I also tried the COOP- but it would not be fair to comment here- as it was a very poor shopping experience- but they were running down stock as they were shortly to be closing down. Morrisons was excellent value and the range was good, but I was disappointed that it wasn't like the advert and didn't for me, warrant the extra travel involved. Lidl was no good for me as many of the products have no ingredients listed in english and as I have many food allergies- that was no-no. Now Sainsbury's was very good and I have no complaints there- but where do I do most of my food shopping now?- I have returned to Waitrose.

I have moved to Sainsbury's for some branded goods and cleaning materials and some toiletries as they are cheaper. But when it comes to food- I don't think there is a truer occasion that the expression "you get what you pay for" is accurate. The quality is excellent and the variety very good- they are strong believers in local sourcing and care about the environment and food miles.

They are also adamant that their suppliers get a fair price -which from news reports, one gathers, others are squeezing farmers beyond comprehension.
They also support animal welfare.

In short they are a very caring organisation.

Waitrose is part of the John Lewis Partnership and as such is owned by it's employees- and boy oh boy does that show- for example-when you ask for help from a young man filling shelves - you are talking to one of the owners of the company and as a consequence I have never found customer service to match it- it is exceptional.

They have now introduced an essentials range for everyday items, including fresh food. There are often BOGOF and linked purchase offers. If they don't stock an item you want- talk to them about it - because they care.

I feel it is fair to say that there are now products for every budget and many, many items you will not find elsewhere.

I suspect some reading this review might be saying- it's alright for her - she can afford Waitrose prices- well think again- I have to budget very carefully- every single penny is accounted for- but there are other things I can cut down on before the products I put inside my body.

The BBC's Watchdog programme recently asked viewers to nominate their favourite supermarket and given their lower number of nationwide stores- I was delighted, but surprised to see that Waitrose won the day.

I didn't dismiss other supermarkets without giving them a chance- but the contest is over and the winner is...............

Summary: When I walk in the store- I am not just a number- I matter