VG’s Grocery

I grew up with VG’s practically in my backyard. It was the best grocery store around even though it was a little more expensive than it’s competitors. What set it apart was it’s spectacular produce selection, deli section and personal-​based customer service. They would even take your groceries out to to car. I know my Mom really appreciated it, especially when hauling kids to the store or if the weather was yucky. I was back in town a few times over the past year and made a run to the store twice for last minute staples at my parents house and I was surprised– by how the store has gone downhill the last few years. Too bad, it’s still a good store and clearly a winner compared to Kroger in nearby Mt. Morris, but the customer service that made it so special, that made it exactly what VG’s always strove for it be, was gone a little bit. I don’t know, it wasn’t so homey and inviting. The staff never smiled, the prices were even higher than I remember and the produce section was not quite as nice as before. I found some lettuce with brown spots, little bugs flying overhead– never seen that in VG’s before, any time of year– and some berries not making the cut. They should have been priced half off, not full price. It’s still a good grocery store, but I remembered it being great. I’m sure it has something to do with the buyout by Spartan a few years ago and the subsequent changes were not for the better.

I have lived out here for 30 years… and grew to love Vg’ S because VanGuilders owned and cared for their business. Since SPARTAN bought them, I find the food quality poor. Expiration dates are often already past or within a couple days. …especially dairy. We drive to Birch Run Meijer now unless emergency. …and VG s is less than 1 mile away…

VG’s is my go-​to when I can’t find the right organic/​health food products at the Birch Run Meijer or I’m too tired to graze through the entirely too large and annoying Walmart in town. It’s like my own little Whole Foods (even the prices is a bit high) but sometimes you gotta go when you just need to grab some frozen chicken or a stick of butter! (or avoid the uncharming bottom feeders of «Wally world».)
Their produce section is great and I love their deli.
Their service is also wonderful. Even the kids who work there are well trained and typically do an excellent job of their position. And if I wasn’t so lazy, the grocery card perks would be a plus! I get points off of GAS when I shop there. (GEEZ Natasha, start using the dang coupons…)
Pluses for me:
— Smaller building — no walking for hours just to get to products you need.
— Service — everyone says hi and asks if you’d like help.
— Better product choices — good produce (alot of local) and more healthy/​unique options.
— closer to home
— less annoying customers to shop around

As the above poster already stated, VGs is not the cheapest place around. Although, they are pricey, the meat is great and the deli is always happy to help you. Either it be slicing your ham or answering your questions. They will help you and with a smile to boot.
The store and bathrooms are clean. Everyone there is happy and smiling and they bag your groceries * Gasp! I know! Its almost a thing of the past anymore.
What I have also noticed is that most of the people that get hired, stay. I remember some of these folks when I was in my early 20’s (needless to say I am older now) and they still are there. Its nice to see a familiar face.
I like VGs and plan to keep going there.

VG’s is not the cheapest around, but the store is clean (they have the most consistently clean bottle return area I know) and has a pretty decent selection, a good deli and meat department and its own bakery.
What makes me come back here though is something you can’t get at many other grocery stores: friendly and helpful staff. I know it’s probably their policy to greet customers when they walk by, but it just makes you feel so more welcome than in many other stores, where some employees look like they didn’t want to come into work that day.
A pleasant shopping experience is worth the extra money.
The only down side is that their beer selection at this location is rather small (and they stopped carrying Kettle’s Spicy Thai chips!!) but I guess they can’t be perfect.