Richmond.com: Blog Post : Paper, Plastic and Brass Knuckles

Paper, Plastic and Brass Knuckles

Posted by: mward on June 22, 2009

Last week a story broke that had River City soccer moms tossing back Sunny D cosmos and preparing to grocery shop in a post-apocalyptic society: Ukrop's had been overthrown by Food Lion as the top grocer in the RIC.

According to a survey conducted by industry pub Food World, Food Lion now claims a 19.34-percent slice of Richmond’s grocery market share, while Ukrop’s has 17.58 percent. Wal-Mart follows in third with 12.14 percent and Kroger gained a percentage point from last year with 11.38 percent of the total market.

The last time Ukrop’s wasn’t the top dog in town, Halley’s Comet zipped through the sky, “Crocodile Dundee” ruled the box office and The Bangles walked like Egyptians.

Here are three ways that Ukrops can get back on top:

3. Hand out W.W.J.S. bracelets
Where Would Jesus Shop? Probably at the store that’s closed on Sundays, admonishes employees for cursing and that doesn’t sell alcohol. After all, Jesus and the apostles ate and drank white house rolls and sparkling cider at the Last Supper, right? OK, so maybe J.C. has to stop at Kroger to grab some wine, or he could just make his own; if they can do it in the lockup in “OZ” with a dirty gym sock, Jesus can probably produce his own Cab Franc with an ox hoof and some hay.

2. Court the discount shopper
Offer quadruple coupon savings, create a giant Ramen Noodle pyramid display and find other creative ways to bring those on a fixed income into the store. Also, open up exclusive savings to those who don’t have a Valued Customer card or First Market Bank account – let everyone get 50 cents off Windex just for walking in the door. Many of those living below the upper middle class Mendoza Line think Ukrop's is a social club for the rich and regionally semi-famous. It’s time to change that image.

1. Peel back prohibition
Yes, I mentioned this above, but let’s revisit Ukrop's decision to party like it’s 1920. By not stocking hooch, Ukrop's not only loses out on customers who want a one-stop-shop for baby food and beer, but it’s also losing out on alcohol-related purchases, such as Tylenol, frozen pizza rolls and apology cards.

By following these simple tips, Ukrop's can right the ship and serve Food Lion once again. How do you like them apples?

ericj

June 23, 2009

Mike Ward, you are my hero for writing this. I hate to get off on a rant here, but I’m passionate about my groceries, so here it goes…

As much as it hurts me to say it, I'm glad Ukrop's has finally lost its market share. Like any native Richmonder, I've been eating Whitehouse Rolls and Chocolate Fudge Pie since I was knee high to a grasshopper, but enough is enough. Ukrop's used to be able to charge more for everything in the store because the service was superior, the produce was fresher and the meat tasted better - but that just isn't the case anymore. 9 out of my 10 visits to Ukrop's I have to bag my own groceries, employees act like I'm troubling them to ask them a question or, you know, ring up my purchase, and God help me if I need a courtesy clerk.

(cont...)

Reply to This Post

JohnandRay

June 26, 2009

Ukrops is fancy and I enjoy their sushi
for lunch almost daily, but I gotta save money now and everyone does too. I think that people vote with their pocketbooks/wallets.

If you need fancy gourmet stuff for a party go to the U. For everything else go to Food Lion. That's we have had to do.

Don't get me wrong. I don't feel like I'm entitled to any of these things - in fact I shop almost exclusively at Kroger now and I'm happy to bag my own groceries and load up my cart to get to my car - but the difference is that Kroger doesn't make me PAY for a service they don't perform.

My very first job was as a cashier for Ukrop's many moons ago and the quality of service I receive at Ukrop's now would have gotten me fired 10 years ago.

I'm all for helping out the little guy, I try to buy small and steer clear of THE MAN whenever possible. But I don't feel like I've turned my back on Ukrop's so much as they have driven me out the door. It's sad to see this Richmond great deteriorate, but maybe this will be the wake-up call that Ukrop's needs.

What's the deal Bobby?

swright

I agree! It is pretty bad when you go to Ukrop's to buy Lean Cuisines (they have a larger selection)and they are $3.15 a piece and then go to Kroger and they are on sale now for 5 for $10.00. If Ukrop's sold wine, beer, and cigarettes that would help, just don't make a case of beer $20.00.

RichmondImport

I will never understand why people love to hate Ukrop's- and FYI swright, I believe they do sell cigarettes. I agree that not being able to buy alcohol is an inconveniece, but I still find their service to be friendlier than the other grocery chains in town. I also prefer the produce selection they offer. I'm impressed with the dynasty they've built, and, provided I am not picking up wine, would shop them over Kroger/Food Lion/Walmart any day. I must have missed the 9 days ericj was there and had terrible service, because in my 5 years in Richmond I've yet to have a bad Ukrop's experience...

good customer service story to compare FL with U.

I forgot my wallet and Ukrops let me drive home with my stuff and then come back to pay for it.

At food lion several years later,same scenario, but I had to leave the groceries there and when I came back 20 minutes later the groceries were in the process of being re-stocked.

But I still go Food Lion more because its closer and cheaper.

yumyum

Awesome post. I love it, and right on the money. Fact is, the big boy's are moving into town(Whole Foods, Trader Joe's etc...) and they have successfully upped the ante. Ukrops needs to change their game plan and get with the program if they want to compete, and that means wine, Sunday's, better service (I honestly don't give a rip whether someone carries my groceries to my car or not) and more value for the money. I just had the chance to visit a Wegman's a few days ago, and that place is incredible--- awesome prices, great selection, service, even a wine bar. Hopefully, we'll get one in Richmond sometime soon. I know one just opened in Fredericksburg.

karma

June 24, 2009

Oh Wegmans...We moved here 10 yrs ago and miss Wegmans! We like to buy local but you make it too difficult. I use to shop there for produce and meat but not anymore. Seriously, closed on Sunday's this is crazy people work duirng the week you know! Your closed on Sunday so Saturday would be my only option but there is no fresh produce on Saturdays because your closed on Sundays. And forget about it if there is a holiday on Monday! Kroger has great produce and meat near me and opened on Sundays guess where my money is going.

joe

July 20, 2009

I was fortunate enough to have lived up in the Northern Virginia (specifically Dulles) area and I can attest to the amazing, and I do mean amazing (strictly grocery shopping wise) attributes of Wegmans....unbelievable prices, great atmosphere(a bit crowded at the weirdest times), superb bakery, marvelous fish...I could go on and on...

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