Supermarkets in Shetland - prices, ethics and experiences

[Guest Anonymous]

surely it is reasonable for the staff of any shop to have at least a basic clue of the products that are on sale there

[daveh]

You buy a telly, you plug it in and you turn it on. That is all you really need to know. If you want to know more, then consult the instructions when you have bought it or, as I do, look for reviews and price comparisons on the internet before I buy.

[Sculder]

You buy a telly, you plug it in and you turn it on. That is all you really need to know. If you want to know more, then consult the instructions when you have bought it or, as I do, look for reviews and price comparisons on the internet before I buy.

 

I'm glad that you've found installing your TVs so easy. However, with the carry on with digital switchover, freeview etc, I think there's a large number of people who appreciate having things explained to them and being recommended suitable equipment for their requirements. This, to me, is worth paying a little extra for from a local retailer, especially if they will come and set the thing up for me too. Furthermore, if you have a technical issue afterwards then I'd much rather speak to someone who specialised in that market rather than a big box generalist retailer.

 

I appreciate you are a big fan of the large, powerful companies. However, being a born and bred in Shetland, I for one don't want the street to become a ghost town like many others on the mainland so think credit should be given to those that are experts in their field, even if you have to pay a little extra.

 

Finally, nobody on here ever quotes the Google search prices that are more expensive than local retailers. It's just the cheaper prices that are quoted. I think if the local business sits at a mid-market price range but offers the after-sales backup then that's the way for them to compete.

[stephen]

One thing that has surprised me so far with the expansion of Tesco is just how quiet the Co-op has been. I didn't expect that to happen... and I feel that is a bit worrying.

 

In terms of commercial street, I can't se it dying. What does need to happen though, is to ensure that it develops into an entertaining and enjoyable day out - people still want an enjoyable shopping experience that takes time and is sociable. that wont happen in Tesco! Add in the increase in cruise traffic to Lerwick, any retailer that can partially target that market will be fine IMO

 

I do believe that some businesses will close as they are unwilling to put the effort into diversifying, doing market research etc.

[Sculder]

I agree Stephen - good points well made. When I'm supermarket shopping I can't get out of the place quick enough so there are opportunities there for Commercial Street retailers.

 

I do think the hysteria will level off eventually with an even distribution between Co-op and Tesco. It's been a bit sad to see so many people running like sheep to the new Tesco rather than making a conscious decision over their shopping.

[tom thumb]

i am also one of the "brain dead tesco employees" and to be honest if i cannot answer any shoppers questions then i would find another member of staff to help, or better still go to customer sevices for assistance .

 

if you find tesco so bad don`t use it simple

the majority of shetland folk will

[breeksy]

It's been a bit sad to see so many people running like sheep to the new Tesco

 

This is the funniest post I have seen in a long time. Great mental imagery.

 

Would be even better if it was true, that would be hilarious!

 

Somehow I suspect that every individual that has found themselves in Tesco has made a concious decision to go there, and haven't just followed the car in front....

[Njugle]

In response to a conversation I was party to yesterday:

 

It seems amazing that you can buy exotic spices from around the world, to suit world tastes you might say, but you cannot buy Bisto powder or ham stock cubes in Tesco. How cosmopolitan.

 

I was in the Tesco last week for a nosy, walked in for one item and walked out with three bags full. I was totally under-whelmed by the pokey new section, and the shop in general. It succeeded in extracting money from me though, to be fair. I'd only been in a couple of times previously and then only in and out for items near the door.

 

Was also disappointed to find that they did not have the excellent rechargeable batteries they used to stock, they had every other size, and the ones I wanted packaged with a charger -but not the simple pack of batteries only, and I have a charger already TYVM.

Amazing what they do stock, odd what they don't.

[suuusssiiieee]

Having visited Tesco this afternoon i would like to offer my slant on things.

 

Firstly the clothes are nothing to write home about but if you have a family and lots of kids it will serve it's purpose.

 

Whilst i was impressed to a certain degree with the bright and airy aisles i did notice several items, basics if you like that are dearer than their competition across town. Stuff like a certain brand of Cornflakes for example is 30p more expensive, but I think you have to look at the situation like this - In the course of a week/fortnight Tesco will have products on offer cheaper than the Co-op FACT, likewise the Co-op will have products on offer cheaper than Tesco FACT.

 

If somehow you could access both stores (ie do a price check) and shop accordingly to what is the better deal between stores ultimately you are the winner as your getting more for your money. The problem is finding the time to do this!

 

Perhaps we could get a comparison list posted somewhere on the internet for us all to browse at weekly? A Shetland.supermarket.com for example!

 

In summing up if you shop at both stores you maximize yours chances of getting value for money.

[Frances144]

My two penn'orth.

 

Tesco's - most veg is now pre-packed. You can just about choose your own onions and tatties and maybe the odd tomato. Everything else is packaged and priced in a way that confuses me (/kg, /package, /tomato?) so I can't make an informed choice without having to do higher maths.

 

Very few basic raw ingredients about. Lots of pre-made, pre-packed stuff. The art of actual cooking or food preparation will soon be lost.

[daveh]

I appreciate you are a big fan of the large, powerful companies. However, being a born and bred in Shetland, I for one don't want the street to become a ghost town like many others on the mainland so think credit should be given to those that are experts in their field, even if you have to pay a little extra.

 

You don't know me at all so don't know my shopping preferences other than the fact that I am prepared to stand up and support Tesco. When I shop, I consider both convenience and price and I have certainly bought many things in Commercial Street and elsewhere in Lerwick since I moved to Shetland. Expertise is certainly important but, with access to the internet, I can do my research on various items so sometimes that is not so important to me when making my choice these days.

[trooter]

I hear that Tesco are going to extended their opening hours till midnight!

[snurtmunchkin]

^ They already have. It's on the sign outside.

Somethin like 8am - midnight Mon - Sat

8am - 10pm Sun.

[Queenie79]

My two penn'orth.

 

Tesco's - most veg is now pre-packed. You can just about choose your own onions and tatties and maybe the odd tomato. Everything else is packaged and priced in a way that confuses me (/kg, /package, /tomato?) so I can't make an informed choice without having to do higher maths.

 

Very few basic raw ingredients about. Lots of pre-made, pre-packed stuff. The art of actual cooking or food preparation will soon be lost.

 

I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately Tescos as many others cater for convenience meaning people can just pick up prepackaged food without thought to waste/food miles/nutritional value.

 

A return to home cooked food with consideration to where it comes from and the impact of using it couldn't be more needed.

[daveh]

My two penn'orth.

 

Tesco's - most veg is now pre-packed. You can just about choose your own onions and tatties and maybe the odd tomato. Everything else is packaged and priced in a way that confuses me (/kg, /package, /tomato?) so I can't make an informed choice without having to do higher maths.

 

Very few basic raw ingredients about. Lots of pre-made, pre-packed stuff. The art of actual cooking or food preparation will soon be lost.

 

I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately Tescos as many others cater for convenience meaning people can just pick up prepackaged food without thought to waste/food miles/nutritional value.

 

A return to home cooked food with consideration to where it comes from and the impact of using it couldn't be more needed.

 

A somewhat exaggerated view of Tesco! My wife is a good cook and very often makes great meals from raw ingredients bought at Tesco and, no, I don't mean pre-packaged instant meals.

By all means continue to criticise Tesco and stay away from the place if you wish but don't treat those of us who choose to go there as idiots, eh?