Wegmans.
Wegmans is a regional grocery chain based in Rochester, New York, with just over 100 stores around the Northeast.
The chain is known for specialty shops inside, including a cheese counter, bakery, and florist.
During my visit it was clear that Wegmans is a step above other grocery stores, but the prices reflect that.
Wegmans is a beloved regional grocery chain founded and based in my hometown of Rochester, New York.
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I don’t tend to do my regular grocery shopping at Wegmans, but I visited to remember why the chain has such a loyal following — taking the No. 1 slot in a recent national survey of grocery customers.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Newsweek and Statista’s 2022 “America’s Best Retailers” survey of more than 10,000 shoppers named Wegmans as the No. 1 grocery chain.
Wegmans has 109 stores around the Northeast United States, including highly anticipated locations in Brooklyn and a suburb of Boston.
Courtesy of Wegmans
Source: Wegmans
I visited the East Avenue location in Rochester around 5 pm on a Tuesday, and it was completely packed.
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Despite a large parking lot, it’s almost always nearing full at this location, and there’s often a police officer stationed in the lot to handle traffic.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
In late November, the store was already decked out for Christmas with wreaths and banners.
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The displays right outside the entrance held miniature Christmas trees.
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Other Christmas decor items were on sale next to the trees.
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Then I walked through the door, where snowflakes were hanging from the ceiling.
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There’s a coffee bar immediately to the right of the entrance.
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Displays around the entryway change throughout the year, but during my trip they were themed around holiday hosting.
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Fruit and vegetable trays and dips were in a small setting labeled “seasonal favorites.”
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The store is set up as if you were already hosting a gathering, with snacks and drinks near the entrance, next to the flower shop.
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The fruit and vegetable trays are on the less expensive end, while cheese trays are pricier.
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For an even more extravagant spread, there are different cheese wedge combinations with nuts.
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The cheese counter is one of the more unique things about Wegmans because it carries types of cheese I don’t normally see at Walmart, Aldi, or even Trader Joe’s.
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There are also employees who are experts on cheese who can make recommendations, with similar workers in each section with knowledge about the displays.
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The cheese counter is separate from the deli, which has its own selection of meats and cheeses.
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The huge selection of prepared foods is definitely one of the big draws of Wegmans, which has a hot bar with takeout meals and offers catering.
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The bakery makes all kinds of breads and baked goods.
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There are always fresh bagels available, and free cookies for kids.
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Customers can also order custom cakes.
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Unlike other grocery stores I’ve been to, for example, there’s an entire display dedicated to smoked fish.
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While most grocery stores have some pre-made salad bowls, Wegmans has dozens of varieties.
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That level of selection extends to the rest of the produce section, which carries fruits I don’t usually see at other grocery stores like starfruit, jackfruit, and cherimoya.
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Most of the fruit displays in the middle of the section are out in the open and not packaged, which give an attractive ambiance in the store’s warm lighting.
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I think a lot of the appeal of Wegmans comes from the design of the store, which is cozy and warmer than a standard grocery store, rather than the products for sale.
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There’s a small train that drives over the refrigerated food section.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Even aisle marker signs are neutral colors and understated, fitting in with the overall design theme.
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There are plenty of grocery staples in addition to the specialty foods.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Wegmans has sold its private label brand since the 1970s, and in the 1990s added the “food you feel good about” distinction to note it as free from certain additives.
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Source: Wegmans
For most items, the selection ranges from relatively low-priced Wegmans brand to standard brand names up to more specialty options that aren’t typically available at Walmart.
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This is true in just about every section, with a huge selection of any grocery item you could need.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Wegmans also caters its offerings to the local market, like selling Josh’s Jaqs cereal in Rochester to Buffalo Bills fans.
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It also highlights local brands, like Rochester-based Genesee Brewing Company.
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A back corner of the store is dedicated to a fairly extensive beer selection with both local and national brands.
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There are also seltzers, and Wegmans owns a nearby wine shop that carries other liquors.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The far end of the store has a pharmacy and aisles of hygiene and beauty products.
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With most of the store dedicated to food, there’s one aisle dedicated to dishes, kitchen tools and other homewares.
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After going back to Wegmans, it’s clear why people like it so much.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The chain did $11.2 billion in sales in 2021, and employs more than 50,000 people, according to the company.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source: Wegmans
I love the huge selection, and the prepared foods are always delicious whenever I’ve gotten them. They’re especially great to bring to parties or events.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Unfortunately all the things that make Wegmans different from other grocery stores are also the most expensive, so I can’t usually justify that for a regular grocery trip.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
As much as I love shopping at Wegmans, I save it as a treat for special occasions or foods I can’t get anywhere else, and I stick with Aldi for my regular groceries.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
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