Key Food

I hate this supermarket. I come here only out of convenience but I cant imagine it staying open for long. They have low quality food, its always dark and messy with boxes everywhere, the prices are much higher then they should be for the food and most prices are either not labeled or in the wrong stock locations. Ive picked up items previously thinking they were one price to realize at checkout its a few dollars more. I’ve had to argue with cashiers and a manager about how I shouldnt have to look at each code to make sure its the correct item in place for the price when shopping. Very annoying. Also the cashiers are often talking to each other when customers are at the register. They’ve been rude to people in their line. If you can go elsewhere then I recommend you do so.

You cant put lipstick on a pig and call it a lady. The only change was the name & a raise on prices. The same lousy staff is still there, the foods still stale, the meat is still rotten and they have the nerve to raise the prices on there crap. A pack of butter is over 7.00 !! A lot of things there are 2x more than what the Stop and Shop or any normal market charges. I only go to this store when I have to & the few times I’ve been in there its always empty, this store isn’t going to make it.

It’s so strange how a name change could cause so much to change… The entire «vibe» in this supermarket has changed. Hell, even the music has changed (and not for the better — in my opinion — this place used to ROCK… literally)… Those are the small things but when it appears that no one is rushing or caring to re-​stock items that have run out & there are messy or near baron shelves sitting there longing to be stocked… THAT is a BIG problem (for me)!!
This was my «go to» supermarket when it was Waldbaum’s. It was usually pretty well stocked, the aisles had people in them shopping & workers in them stocking shelves! I’ve been here a few times since the «name change» last year & it seems to be on the decline, sadly…
My latest encounter was just two days ago, on a Wednesday evening after work & a few days before a big snowstorm is scheduled to hit NY. There was barely a soul to be found (which was good for me as a shopper, ofcourse), but… unusual. I didn’t see one person, not a one, stocking any shelves. In my many years shopping here I’ve always seen two main guys stocking shelves, an Indian guy & an older white grumpy guy… No sign of ‘em… I found several shelves in disarray. I was under the impression that most supermarkets got deliveries either on Tuesdays or Wednesdays but in some sections that did not appear to be true. The whole beauty/​personal needs section is dwindling. I’ll admit, I normally shop at the drug store for those items but there are a few things I like to just grab when at the market for convenience.
As far as the checkout goes, I picked the aisle with an older Indian lady cashier… There was one young lady ahead of me on line with a huge pack of water in her cart. The checkout lady told her she must «put it on the counter» nastily. I could tell the lady was annoyed. She had the 24 pack & struggled lifting it outta the cart. I think I detected the ever so slightest evil smirk on checkout lady’s face! I was surprised because in most of my past experiences, the checkout person usually would try to make things a little easier on the customer (key word here is most… getting to that later)… Anyhow, my turn… I asked checkout if she could please swipe the Key Food card for me? She asked with attitude: Why? You forgot your card? I said yeah… not sure where it is… *bubble-​over-​my-​head* — I don’t have one bitch, can ya just swipe me please? In Waldbaum’s, they just swiped — NO questions!!! With a roll of her eyes & hesitantly, she swiped! Thank you. That must’ve been painful… So, over $ 200. plus later there was a little over a whopping $ 5 saved on that spectacular swipe! WOW!
*Past experience story — There is another older Indian lady cashier who was there since Waldbaum’s. I would go to her occasionally. One night, I had a pretty big cart full of stuff (I usually do) & I was doing some of the bagging to help out. At the very last bagful she slumps over the counter & tells me how tired she is & she can’t do anymore! This is a TRUE story. I’m thinkin’ ummm… I’ve been up since 6 something, worked all day myself & I’m now helping you to do your job & you can’t finish your job (when you’re THAT close)? Holy Mother!!! I can’t imagine what would happen if I did that at my job. I’m certain I would not have one for long though! I can’t remember what happened next but I’m sure I was «nice» about it (while getting over the initial shock)!!
So we see both supermarkets have/​had their «problems». But I feel Waldbaum’s was better maintained. Price wise, I think Key Food is either the same or higher or the savings are minimal to none compared to Waldbaum’s. Basically, in my opinion, this place has gone to Hell in a hand basket!!! I probably will still shop here on occasion due to convenience but I think it’s time to find a new supermarket that cares just a little bit more…

After a month as Key Food, this former Waldbaum’s looks virtually the same. Prices seem higher than they were at Waldbaum’s and at other area stores like Stop and Shop. For example a pound of butter was over $ 7, about $ 2 more than you can pay at other stores. The store does seem better stocked than it was before, when the bread aisle was often empty at Waldbaum’s. The store now opens at 7 am instead of 6 am. Other than that you wouldn’t notice any difference when shopping, and everything is still in the same aisles.

Stopped by for the very first time after it re-​opens. It’s the same basically in everything (even the staff) as it was used to be Waldbaums except a new name and a new management. Made a quick purchase of something I just need. Planning to explore for more on my next visit. They area currently still setting up their merchandises, advertisements and displays. I shall return.