Where is the best place to buy fresh produce, get still-hot baked goods, fill your prescription and even buy toiletries in Buffalo?
With over 25 different departments in one store, you can find everything you need at Wegmans. There is more then just a good selection available; a wide variety for all of one's grocery needs, saving consumers from venturing to different stores.
The Wegmans franchise has multiple stores located in the Buffalo area, which are accessible for University at Buffalo students to shop at. The closest one to UB North Campus is located at 675 Alberta Drive in Amherst. The store, which caters to students, occasionally gives deals to students and even free coupon books by showing your UB ID. According to Wegmans' Consumer Affairs Manager Ann McCarthy, many customers shop at Wegmans for their fresh food. Fresh food and other products are delivered though out the day to every store.
"During the homegrown season we often get multiple deliveries from area farmers each day," McCarthy said. "Products that are just picked are available to our customers within hours."
Ronnie Dennis, a senior health and human services major, loves the fresh food that is available to him at all times.
"I like their fresh produce and baked goods," Dennis said. "They taste really, really fresh."
While Wegmans is a huge grocery store, McCarthy states that their products are certainly not limited to just food.
"In addition to the traditional departments one would expect to find in a supermarket, we also offer full-service pharmacies, a huge assortment of organic products in our Nature's Marketplace, Kosher and International offerings, photo centers and WKIDS play centers where children can play in a safe, supervised area while their parents shop," McCarthy said.
Another reason why Wegmans is the best is their Web site. In addition to a list of every department they have, the site also offers a picture of every product sold in the store along with the price and size of the product, the aisle name and a complete list of the ingredients and the nutritional values.
A shopper can even create a grocery list online and what aisle to find it on along with the prices. This makes shopping easier and saves a lot of time.
Wegmans is very proud of their workers and the costumer service they provide. The store is always looking for new ways to please their shoppers especially, students from Buffalo.
"We enjoy our relationship with UB and its students and are committed to meeting their expectations for the products and services they want," McCarthy stated.
Nick Hoffman, a freshman aero engineering major feels that the store is very successful in helping students like himself.
"It's easy to find groceries and everyone there is helpful," he said.
Wegmans is not only a great place to shop but it's a great place to work as well.
FORTUNE magazine ranked Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. #3 on the 11th annual "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. The company has been on the list every year since the start in 1998.
Wegmans has everything you could want to find at a grocery store and more. From baked goods, to organic foods to hair products and to flowers Wegmans is stacked with products. Wegmans has a good environment and close feel even though it's a big store and also is clean and organized.
McCarthy agrees that Wegmans is the best place to go for anyone in the community.
"We think there are many factors that distinguish us -- and that it the combination of all of these factors -- the freshest and highest quality products, consistent low prices, exceptional customer service, knowledgeable employees, and a real commitment to meeting our customers' needs that makes us special," McCarthy said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
