Giant

Although, I don’t particularly like the structure/​flow of this Giant, for some reason, I had a good feeling that it would come through given the aftermath of Jonas and it did (praise Jesus)! I still went in with the expectation that I was going to come out almost empty handed given the posts/​pics I had been seeing on social media; however, I came out with most of the items on my grocery list and then some (SCORE)!!
I will say that the store did still look a bit ransacked and didn’t have a few of the essential items on my grocery list (i.e. eggs — I was informed by a store clerk they would be in tomorrow, boneless chicken breast, and plain Greek yogurt), but they did have many supplemental items to choice from and the level of quality (especially, when it came to their produce) was great! For example,
* They didn’t have raspberries, but the had organic raspberries (which was more of cost, but hey, I got raspberries)
* Jars of peanut butter were at an all time low, but they had Skippy singles packs (which landed in my cart ;-))
* They didn’t have the brands I like for proteins smoothies (i.e. Odwalla) and frozen tilapia fillets (i.e. Safeway brand;-)), but they did have other options that I decided not to get
As a whole, I had a good experience. The store wasn’t very crowded between 5:15−6 pm and the lines to checkout were fairly short; it took me roughly 10 minutes to check out. While I was already standing in line, the checkout lines did start getting a bit long around 6pm; I would say the combination of people getting off of work and/​or those just trying to get out of the house after being trapped for 4 days, plus the fact that there weren’t any baggers to assist the cashiers/​shoppers added to the longer wait. As for the customer service, it was stellar! When I was not able to locate the spinach wraps, I asked a store clerk and he stopped what he was doing/​walked me to the appropriate isle where they were located. The cashier was also very friendly and she carried on a conversation with me (while effectively checking me out)! I may need to reconsider shopping here more often!

This Giant sucks. The worst customer service. They are no better than the Safeway on Maryland Ave. I went in this morning at 0615 to pick up my lunch for the day. They had at least eight workers walking around and one cashier. Well when I went in line there were two young ladies with two full baskets of food. I asked the cashier could they get another person to help ring up. At this time a line started to form. Someone was called but after 20 min in line no one ever showed up. They didn’t even turn on the self check out. I was told because they usually don’t get this much traffic in the morning. For goodness sake you are a grocery store and should always be prepared for customers, especially when you have workers in the store avoiding work. I can’t wait until Whole Foods come because I know the customer service is much better.

So this is your normal grocery store. It’s close to my house, so I go there.
It’s basically fine, except they run out of stuff all the time. I went there at 6pm on a weekday night, and they were completely out of these basic produce items:
— cauliflower
— cilantro
— fresh ginger
— loose yellow onions
I went back the next morning figuring they would have restocked, and they were JUST finally starting to. They were still out of both onions and ginger, but the produce manager helped me hunt down some cilantro. That’s nice I guess, but it really shouldn’t be this hard to get basic produce at a chain grocery store like this.

It’s the new Soviet Safeway! Sorry, Dupont Circle.
I live in the building and only shop here when I have to. They are constantly out of basic items, especially produce. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is, they’re going to be missing a few of the things on your shopping list. And, if they do have something, it’s in a box blocking the isle because they have not stocked it yet. This store seems to insist on blocking every walkway with boxes, carts, signage, and displays. Once you have your basket full of *most* of your shopping list, you get to wait in line to use the worst self-​serve check out machines known to man. If you want a cashier, there is usually only one, very slow option.
If no one is stocking the shelves, and no one is at the registers, what do all the employees do? They yell to each other across the isles about the Redskins. Don’t bother trying to ask for help finding anything, as you’d be rude to interrupt their conversation.
To top it off, the store is always filthy and smells like garbage, and their delivery truck drivers block traffic at 3^rd and H Street while laying on the horn daily. Do yourself a favor and go to the Harris Teeter on M Street.

I like this place a lot. It’s right underneath my building and really convenient. The people are generally pretty nice too and say hi to you when they loading merchandise in the isles. The only things I don’t really like is the prices can be expensive, sometimes $ 2 more for certain products I could get at Walmart cheaper. The check out lanes can be a little long too at times. But I think if you go at the right times during the day, they aren’t so bad.

‚This is a very poorly run supermarket, and it has been since the day it opened. Most of the time I have poor experiences here, but as it’s the only supermarket within walking distance to me, I’m a captive audience.
Today was particularly poor and frustrating; enough so that I decided to write this review, in the vague hope that something may improve.
1. Every single time — without fail — I go to buy fat free store brand greek yogurt, it’s not stocked on shelves (i.e. it’s so popular it’s sold out) — I spend about 10 minutes trying to find someone to get some from out back, and then I get the yogurt I came in for. However today, I search out someone (who happens to be in dairy section) — and they tell me «there is none.» When I explain, that I come here twice a week and there is always some out back, she says «well I don’t work in this section, and I’m off duty.» So I go to customer service to ask, and without looking at a computer or anything immediately reply «there is none.»
2. There is never anyone working on the checkouts when you go late in evening. You have no choice but to use self service, even though there are still lots of people hanging out in customer service. I used the self check out, and when i’d finished, I was printed out a COMPLETELY BLANK receipt.
3. The produce section, especially the veggies are poorly stocked, and often the broccoli is yellow and nasty. I’ve been tying to get squeezable ginger for months, and it’s never there — just one example of the unreliable stocking of the store.
In general, whenever you ask a a question in store you get the response «it’s not my department» — it’s very un-​customer friendly.
I also have a pet peeve that there are 2 doors in store — one on 3^rd st and one on 4^th st. The one on 4^th street is always locked, except for people who have a pass. and I just consider this another slap in face to customers who are forced to come to this awful store because there is no where else to go.
Finally, if you’re unfortunate enough to go during peak times, you’ll be treated with long waits at the check outs. Typically there are only 2 (3 max) check outs open — clearly you would provide a better service to customers if you opened more check outs.
Overall — this store is depressing, poorly maintained (despite being new, there have been leaks in roof), poorly stocked, and terribly badly run. Once Whole Foods opens you’re going to notice customers switching to a (hopefully) better store.
Thanks,
Mary

I attended the grand opening when this location opened. Giant used to send coupon booklets (sometimes there were freebies). There is a mixture of excitement about working here. Some employees gather in twos or threes and chat while I walk by them. On my most recent visit, I stood by the customer service counter while the only employee behind it chatted with a friend (I left). I seem to pick shipment day, where the aisles are crowded with large bins of items that people are restocking. At least the employees in the aisles are nice and will say hi. The selection of produce isn’t as varied as Safeway down the street, but it is okay. When the other closest Giant was being torn down and rebuilt, I would pop in from time to time at this location. If i am in the area and need an item, I will visit. Parking is free (a luxury downtown) and convenient. I usually see at least one staffer monitoring the garage. The deli staff recognize regulars and are friendly. There is an entire aisle dedicated to organic and healthy choices. Plan your visits like rush hour and don’t go during the busiest hours (early is better). The place doesn’t knock my socks off, but it does rub my feet…

This store is fairly small but has a decent selection (when you don’t go during their busy hours). FYI, the best times to shop here are early in the morning and at night. I’ve gone shopping here at Saturday morning and weeknights after 8 pm and this place is peaceful.
They may run out of stuff but this place restocks things often. The staff is really nice too. There is also free parking.

This place is walking distance from where I live, which is awesome. I usually only grab specific pantry items here (no produce, etc.), as I’m an instacart user. When things are on sale, it’s pretty great, but when they’re not or when stuff is out of stock, it’s quite the bummer. I’ll be coming back due to proximity, but I wish it wasn’t so dang crowded all the time!

I was so excited to have a good grocery store open on my walk home… and it has proven to be consistently disappointing.
The produce is lackluster and over-​priced at best and staff is consistently unhelpful.
The icing on the cake as far as disappointment goes has been the meat/​seafood counter. First, after buying shrimp that were foul, I asked to smell shrimp before I bought them a few weeks later. I was treated with a dismissive attitude and downright derision when I told the employee I didn’t want them based on their foul odor.
Biggest nail in the coffin? They should remove the sign that says that they are willing to cut what you need thanks to an «expert butcher.» When the cuts I wanted — flank or skirt steak — were not available, I was briskly told to go look in the pre-​packaged section. Fine. I hate meat not from a butcher, but I knew I was in a mass market store, so off I went.
They had neither.
Upon my return to the meat counter, I was told that the person and/​or «butcher» on duty was unwilling to halve a cut for me. I already felt I was making a concession by getting the cut I didn’t want. I was not offered an option, and was treated with complete disdain the entire visit.
Come on, Giant, we’re not asking much — just some basic produce that hasn’t gone south and a butcher/​seafood monger who knows what he/​she is doing… and a HINT of customer service.

Decent Giant with an expansive wine and beer selection. The produce section is pretty decent and they have a nice deli. It’s easy breezy when it comes to parking, as it’s underneath the store.
All of the folks that work there that I’ve encountered are extra friendly, nice and helpful too :) My Giant!

Ok, I thought it was just Sundays, but lately I’ve been going on Mondays and this Giant is STILL out of a ton of things. These were the things just from my grocery list that they didn’t have stocked today: (unpackaged) kale, eggplant, asparagus, serrano peppers, cilantro, organic baby spinach, red onions, or chicken breasts supposedly on sale. I consider those staples, and I’m pretty annoyed that this happens every single week.
And, heads up: they are no longer open ²⁴⁄₇. (I think they close from like midnight to 5 or 7)
I guess I’ll keep going because it’s two blocks away. There’s also free parking in a garage. I think the prices are pretty good (but I moved here from Manhattan)– but even compared to Harris Teeter on 1^st, I think Giant is a much better deal. Especially when it comes to sales. Produce isn’t always the best but it’s good enough for me (assuming they have it)– but I’d stay away from the flowers, they’re in bad shape.

Lunch ready-​to-​go review: I’ve seen better. The hot food bar offers steam-​table mac&cheese, chicken, etc. The salad bar at $ 6/​lb has a pretty good selection of greens and vegetables. Also a small cool case of pre-​made sandwiches and some little boxes of sushi.
Giant runs a daily lunch deal of $ 5 for a 6-​inch sub, bag of chips and a 20-​ounce soda (or water), that’s maybe half the price of similar food in Union Station. But it didn’t look so appealing.

Hokay so:
This Giant is walking distance from my apartment on Capitol Hill. If you want to pretend like you are in the Hunger Games, then this is the grocery store for you. Every time I come here on a Sunday afternoon (I know, not the best time to come), they are OUT OF EVERYTHING. No chicken breast, no milk, no butter, no eggs, no onions, no vegetables… it’s ridiculous. Last time I was here, I had to fight someone for the last chicken breast. For a grocery store being open 24 hours, one would think that they would be restocking constantly. WRONG…
Although it is in a convenient location, the produce is OK at BEST. And everything is still pricey. I have come here before and gotten an onion, only to find it molding 2 days later…
When is the Trader Joe’s opening again???

Two stars is for location only. this place has no stock. no produce. out of everything. and this is a Wednesday night. they «don’t get truck deliveries on Tuesday». Really? from the looks of the shelves you been out of things for a long time. Now I have to drive over to Harris Teeter.

Pros:
Free parking
Open 24 hours
Conveniently located on H Street
Catered to yuppies, with plenty of yuppy food (#noshame!)
Cons:
High prices (but look for sales)
Vegetables are a little stale
Slow elevators that you must use to get to the parking garage
I went here recently because I got a gift card from work, and for $ 10, I was barely able to get 3 items on my shopping list. The prices at Giants is much higher than Harris Teeter just on First Ave, so if you have a car– I recommend going to HT instead.

I love having a Giant in the neighborhood because Harris Teeter is so expensive but every time I go here I get scolded by someone for something stupid. Not to mention it smells like a Porto potty all of the time.
Nonetheless, it is inexpensive and always has good deals. Despite getting yelled at like a child, I’ll probably keep going here.

So, I’m not sure why it took me so long to go this Giant, but I’m glad I checked out the reviews which made me decide to try it out this weekend! Firstly, as others mentioned, much more budget friendly than Safeway and Harris Teeter. I also feel like the produce area is fresher than the Safeway I normally go to (14^th and D). Of course it’s a new development so it’s shiny and pretty. But, I also really liked the layout of the store and the customer service (service counter for bonus card guy could have been a bit friendlier but meh, no biggie; check out lady was super nice and reminded me of gas card points AND I had no idea but she also said they give the 5 cent discount for bringing your own bags in; deli counter lady was nice and quick too).
They also have a whole aisle dedicated to all things organic/​vegan etc. So it’s easy to find stuff. I am not vegan or strictly organic but this section makes me want to try some things out just b/​c its well organized and all in one place.
I put my bonus card in last and so I saw my bill drop $ 30! It was my standard 2 weeks worth of grocery shopping fresh fruits, veggies, and dairy stuff like cheese, juice, milk, also cereal and general grocery stuff. I bought disposable paper goods (their store brand is a good $ 2 less than fancy brand not just like 50 cents difference) I definitely would have spent more at Safeway for all that stuff. Their ethnic aisle is also pretty good BUT def a bit more overpriced than maybe Shoppers in VA on Route 1 by the Target or H mart, etc. Still, good to know they have a good selection of items available.
Parking in the garage was a breeze (on a Sunday around 11 a.m. which usually tends to be very busy at most stores). They have the small carts and large carts.
I wish their pre-​made salad section was larger — Safeway has a lot of options for that which I like to bring to work for lunch (instead of paying $ 10 for salad pay $ 4-​$ 5).
I’m hoping it is consistent so I’ll update this review accordingly in a few months.

Love it love it love it!
This Giant has tons of vegan stuff, and much of it is all together in the health foods aisle – so if you’re looking for vegan ice cream, faux meat, vegan yogurt, vegan cheese, etc, be sure to look around for the health foods aisle! There is also soymilk in the regular dairy area, and some faux meat in the produce area.

I’m basing my review on my two interactions with this new Giant on H. I had such high expectation for this grocery store since it is brand new and 24 hours but I have overall been let down.
The first time I went to this Giant I stopped by before my friend’s 4^th of July cookout for some hamburger and hot dog buns. Can you believe their shelves were completely devoid of any buns? I mean it is the biggest day for cooking out. You don’t think you could have planned a little bit better to have some on stock for some last minute purchases? Luckily, one of the employees was able to wrangle me up some buns that were left in an abandoned cart but I feel that in cases like this when you know are going through a lot of something, you should be better prepared, especially since this store is new.
My second interaction with this Giant occurred when I was helping my friend move out of Senate Square, the apartment complex next door. While my husband and I were looking for a place to park the rent-​a-​cop ran out of the Giant and screamed, literally SCREAMED for us to move our car. No courtesy, no customer service, no polite asking. This security guard was straight up rude. It’s not like we meant to piss him off. If I was Giant I wouldn’t want this person to be any way related to my company. Unfortunately, this interaction put a sour taste in my mouth and since my friend who lives next door has since moved out I doubt that I’ll be going there again.