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September 29, 2005
I like my Slim Fast fresh
There are only two grocery stores anyone needs nearby, Wal-Mart for low priced Spaghetti-Os and Whole Foods for organic arugula. I don't understand why people like bodegas, the small independent grocery stores that charge $2 for a 2-litre of Coke that sells at Wal-Mart for 88 cents. I think the bodegas just provide a convenient place to smoke weed in public, which leaves Lenox Ave smelling like downtown Amsterdam. Can we at least have some women in windows surrounded by red lights?
In downtown Chicago, where I used to live, the bodegas were weed-free, but a new government investigation shows that 71% sell outdated merchandise or have related violations. The Sun-Times reports on a bodega next to my former residence:
The East Delaware Pantry, 200 E. Delaware, was socked with a $10,000 fine for allegedly selling 43 expired products, including 2-year-old weight-loss shake and mixed cereal for babies that expired on March 17.
I did a client study once where they flew me to Charlotte and I noted the expiration dates on dozens of products in a few dozen grocery stores. Wal-Mart had by far the freshest products anywhere. So little independent grocers charge more, have a more limited selection, and sell 2-year-old Slim-Fast. Wal-Mart and Whole Foods are all that are needed.
Posted by adrianjo at September 29, 2005 10:43 AM