This post is FULL of news and items!! I’ve got pictures, video AND a give away!! Who’s your favorite blogger now?!
Food Lion is one of the three “regular” grocery stores in our area (Note.. I don’t put Whole Foods or Fresh Market in this category) and is known for its lower prices and simple stores. While I’m a big fan of saving money, I am also very particular about where I shop. Food Lion has always had the better prices of the three grocery stores but a lot of their stores have become pretty run down. So much in fact, that I had taken them out of circulation as a regular option when it came to our weekly grocery shop. There is one less than 4 miles from our house but I usually will only run in there when I’m in that area. So I was thrilled when I found out that Mom Central Consulting had selected me as part of the Food Lion Bloggers Brigade. Food Lion is redesigning a lot of their stores across the area and they want to let everyone know that they are bigger, better and BRIGHTER!
I received my welcome kit earlier this week and included was a wood recipe box with recipe cards, a VERY nice wooden cutting board, the cutest cookie cutter in the shape of – what else- a lion, an oven mit that the Rooster went nuts over and a gift card for my trip to the store. I really wanted to be very strategic in this experience so I chose a few recipe cards that they had sent, downloaded the Food Lion app, made my list and picked one of the newly redesigned stores. The store that is closest to me is not one of the ones that has been redesigned (really hoping this changes), so I chose another one that I would probably visit on a regular basis.
My first reaction as I entered the store was that it was VERY bright. For the record – I hate dark stores. Dark stores = dirty in my mind. If Food Lion did nothing else with their redesign, just brightening the stores was a huge step in the right direction. I moved in the same direction that I always do – to the right where produce is. Their produce section isn’t huge but it has all the basic items that you would need. Next up was the dairy department. Here’s a quirky little thing that I was very impressed with – they have more than just american cheese as an offering for their store brand cheese slices – they also carry swiss and pepper jack slices! Simple, I know but none of the other stores have that as an offering in their store brand!
One of the things that I didn’t like was that the dairy and freezer departments were right next to produce. Since most people DO enter the store and instinctively head to the right, those two departments should be on the opposite side of the building. If I’m picking up dairy and frozen items, I’m running the risk that they’ll rise in temperature by the time I’m finished with my shopping. Small detail but something worth noting.
Food Lion doesn’t have a million different items – a fact that I’m sure helps them keep their prices lower. But, other than one item, I had no problems finding everything that was on my list. Whenever possible, I opted for their store brand called My Essentials. The aisles were organized and clearly labeled. The only thing that presented a challenge for me was the signage in the meat department – a couple of times it was difficult to match the sign to the item that was on sale. I found that I had to be careful that the item that I was picking up was, in fact, the item that was advertised.
Checking out was fast and the staff was super friendly. I enjoyed chatting with the Assistant Store Manager, Holly and Donna who (wo)manned the register. I was given a budget/gift card of $150 and I did go over that by $40 but I don’t think that’s bad at all for all that I got. I had planned meals for a week plus the staples that 3 growing girls require, so I was very pleased with all that I got for my money. Added bonus is that I had forgotten about was that Food Lion has a free milk program where your 7th gallon is free after buying 6. Milk’s not cheap these days and that’s a nice little perk!
If you haven’t visited Food Lion lately, I would highly recommend you check them out again. (You can visit their site by clicking here to see the changes!) They’ve done a great job of up-fitting their older stores and their brand new stores are totally amazing. Like I said – I was really excited to participate in this event because I wanted to be impressed and I was not disappointed!
Now for the fun part for YOU! I have a $50 Food Lion gift card to give to one of my lucky readers!! You’ll find the Rafflecopter below – the more you do, the better your chances at winning! Contest runs through August 10th so do what you can while you can!
I did record a video of my adventures. To watch that, just click here!
You’re going to love the new Food Lion and good luck to all who enter the give away!
Kristen
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I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central for Food Lion. I received a gift card and product kit to facilitate my review.
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I am excited to hear about Food Lion’s planned changes as well. Much like you, I occassionally shop there and mostly when I am in that area. I am also very big on store brands and in some cases, prefer them over the more expensive name brands. (BTW, HT carries sliced cheese in their store brand and it’s very good–we like their pepper jack and provolone.) When I do go to FL, I always think that I will save a ton of money but find that my grocery expense doesn’t vary too much between FL and HT. I am usually disappointed in FL’s produce and meats which sends me back to HT the next week. I’m looking forward to reading the rests of your blogs about Food Lion and will definitely check out one of their renovated stores when I get the chance.
I didn’t know that about HT cheeses! Thanks for the tip! I think their produce section was the thing I noticed the most. Granted they don’t carry all the items that HT carries but found it to be plentiful for the average, daily use. I was really impressed at how their meats looked.
I have not yet been to a new Food Lion store but I love the selection of products and how clean the Food Lion stores are!
I love their new look! My favorite part is the coolers that store the produce. I think it makes them a lot fresher than before!
I like how they have the wine on aisle by itself sometimes near the produce area and how they have expanded their organic produce line. I like how the stores now seem more open versus the cluttered look
We just recently moved to a town with a Food Lion, and I have not yet had a chance to shop there. I’m excited that I will be able to shop there soon.
I love how bright the store is now.
Thanks so much.
Our Food Lion has not been remodeled. I like their meat and poultry section. They often have some really good sales. Also, they are a little smaller, so it’s easier to get in and out quickly.
No, I haven’t been to a new Food Lion yet. I like the Food Lion’s bakery department
Haven’t got a chance to visit new stores. I like their deli and dairy department the most.
we Haven’t but I think I’d like & so enjoy their produce!
retirenavalflyer(at)gmail.com
yes I’ve been to one that used to be a bloom, and i’m glad good old food lion is back
No new ones in my area, but I shop Food Lion because of the prices.
I haven’t been to a new Food Lion, but I do shop there when I’m on vacation and like their deli and bakery.
Food Lion has improved over the years.
havent seen the new stores yet but was there before and they were very clean
I’ve not been to one of the new stores. I like the mvp card the most. I’ve cut my shopping bill by a 3rd with it.
I haven’t Seen the new stores but I heard they have a great selection.
We shop at Food Lion on vacation and their prices are great!!!
I haven’t been to one but I love how clean and organized it looks
I have been to one of the new Food Lions and I loved the layout and how neat it looked.
I haven’t been to the stores. I bet a lion burger would taste good though
Our Food Lion has recently improved. Printable coupons inside the store, expanded fresh produce section, and a cleaner feel are the main reasons we continue to shop there.
I haven’t been to a new Food Lion yet.
the prices are very good
Tried to comment, but got an error – so here goes again….
I’m with you – dark=dirty! And there’s not a Food Lion on my usual routes to school/church/activities, so I haven’t had a lot of incentive to drive the extra mile to a Food Lion. But a clean store with good-quality store-brand products would be worth it. And the milk incentive – sign me up!
I love the layout of the new Food Lion stores.
As a Dad who does lots of shopping, and someone who has to eat gluten free, I’ve got to say I hate Food Lion. What I do like about food lion is that there is one within a mile of my house. The convenience factor is hard to ignore, so inevitably I end up in Food Loin and I’m almost always sorry I did. Their gluten free selections are pathetic. I could go on, but I’m not writing this to tear them down, but rather to say that I really hope that they can learn from their past mistakes and become a viable market, with quality selection and good prices. This area could really use a market like that. Here’s hoping that they can pull it off, they can only get better.
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Jeff – do you think it’s a cost factor? Obviously, GF products are obviously not cheap and considering they are a more cost-effective option, I wonder if it’s fiscally not sensible for them. BUT – considering the growing number of GF eaters, I agree – all markets will need to figure out some way to accomodate those shoppers as well. Thanks for stopping and chatting
I have not but I am hoping our local Food Lion gets upgraded
Our Bloom switched back a Food Lion recently. I like it a lot more, since prices have decreased.
I think the new Food Lion is great.
I’ve never been to one of your stores.
I haven’t been to one of the new ones I like the weekly specials
i havent been there but it looks real neat there
Yes, I love our new Food Lion it looks great! Thanks!
i love food lion. we recently had one open up in our area. it is always the cleanest store around and organized. Nice store!
I shop at Food Lion all the time. There’s a new store near me and I love their bakery.
Haven’t been to one of the new stores. I like Food Lion for their great sales.
I haven’t been in one of their new stores, but I love their deals. They closed the one closest to me but the prices are worth driving a little further.
I haven’t been to one of their new stores yet. I like when they have a buy 1 get 1 free sale.
I have not been to a new store. I love the great deals at Food Lion, and the great produce section!
No i havent been to a new store yet but i love their bakery dept:)
I think the best thing about the Food Lion I shop at is the cleanliness and their friendly employees, they are so helpful.
I haven’t been to the new Food Lion but do like their bakery.
I have not, but would love to check them out!
I havent seen the new look but I like the selection at food lion
I go to food lion multiple times a week. I love the new food lion brand products. Cheap and good!
I like how food lion is organized, I can get in and out really quick
haven’t been to a new one, the great prices and deals!
I haven’t been to a new one, but I like that they have routinely low prices.
I have been to a new Food Lion and I like the size of the store because it makes it easy to zip through, find what you want and then linger in the bakery picking out something delicious.
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
I haven’t been to the new stores, but I like the low prices at the pharmacy.
I’ve shopped at Food Lion for a long time. Their stores are always clean, they have a great selection of products and their Essentials product line saves me lots of $$$$$!
I shop at Food Lion almost everyday!
I shop at food lion I like their prices but I have not beenm to any of the new stores
I have not been to a new Food Lion store
The best thing is their fresh produce
I’ve been and I like it. They are more organized
I havent been to a FoodKLion in awhile its in the next town over..so next time i go there ill have to run by and check them out
have not been to one but would love to
vmkids3 at msn dot com
I haven’t been to Food Lion recently but looking at the site I like the brighter look. From what I remember it was pretty dim in the store before.
I haven’t been to any of the remodeled stores. I like the deli and bakery section.
yes, they’ve really improved the Food Lion near us. The store seemed really modern and fresh!
No, I haven’t been to a new Food Lion. Our Food Lion stores, all 3 of them, closed up in town. I miss them. The closest one in the neighboring city is pretty old.
Haven’t been to one but they have good prices.
lisando@hotmail.com
I have not been to Food Lion recently, but I think the milk reward program sounds often. We go through milk in our household like you would not believe.
It’s been a awhile since I’ve been to one, but I liked the Bakery and the general selection of items. I am soon going to help take care of my Mom in Florida for a few months, so this would be wonderful. I’m not sure if she lives near a new store or not, but I know it’s always been her favorite store!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I have been to Food Lion and love it!
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I love the shredded monterey jack cheese under their store brand,hard to find plain shredded MJ cheese without others added.
I shop at food lion all the time I hope our store gets a face lift
I have not been lately but always liked how friendly the workers were
brich22 at earthlink dot net
excellent products!
Our Food Lion hasn’t been remodeled yet. I like their b1g1 sales. Thank you!!
Have you been to one of the new Food Lion stores and if so, what did you think? If you haven’t – what do you think is the best thing about Food Lion?
no i havent sorry…that stor is a little out of my way…interest me more
no i haven’t been yet, but i love food lion and can’t wait to get the good deals again
I love shopping at Food Lion, love the MVP deals!
yes the FL near me has very recently undergone a remodel and it looks great!
jagar0047 at yahoo dot com
i haven’t been to the new food lion yet but their bakery always has the yummiest items
I have been to a food lion and I really liked the Produce section
I HAVE NOT BEEN TO ONE OF THE NEW FOOD LIONS BUT I DO LOVE THE SELECTION AND THE FRIENDLY STAFF AT THE FOOD LION STORES.
THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN!
our foodlion turned into Bloom, but now it’s back to Food Lion but I have yet to go in there since the change.
Our local food lion just went thru a make over there are a few things I like the fact that they enclosed all the meat produce and dairy behind glass doors makes the store much warmer I hate going thru the store freezing especially in the winter I wish the other chains would follow suit and they did make the store look nicer it was starting to look rather dingy overall I give it a A.
I haven’t been to a new Food Lion store, been going to the same one in my area for years. My favorite thing about Food Lion is the low prices and all of the buy one get 1 free deals they have.
I haven’t been to a food lion in YEARS! But I remember they had a huge selection.
I really want to win.
We just got a new FL in our neighborhood – I love it – the produce section is amazing!
I havent been in a while. The last time i was there the fruit was great.
Our Food Lion is conveniently located for me but it is not a “new” Food Lion”. I shop at Food Lion twice a month and use coupons and their specials.
I haven’t been lately, but I’ve moved closer to one, so I will probably be going soon. I’ve always loved their bakery and deli
I haven’t been to a new one, but I do like how they are always clean.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
I haven’t been to a food lion
I haven’t yet
I haven’t been to one of the new Food Lions but used to go there shopping for years. THe prices are great.
I have not been to a Food Lion before but the produce looks good.
I’m definitely familiar with Food Lion & even the new layout that some stores have.
No I haven’t been to one yet but I like their sales and bakery
No, I haven’t been to the new ones, but I love the low prices.
i haven’t been to one of the new ones, but i like food lion because its local and some of them have a decent hispanic food section
No, I have not been to a new one. I love the ”small-town” vibe of our Food Lion. Everyone knows everyone and it’s a great place to shop.. cheaply!
i have not been to the new stores. I love their prices, I save so much, even with coupons.
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While I agree that they have made good changes- they simply cannot compete with stores who double coupons. Their instant savings promotions have gotten better- but I could never get juice boxes for 27¢ like I will at Harris Teeter this weekend or free baby food like I did there last week.
Great review!
I wonder why they don’t?
Most of my recent experiences with Food Lions have been with their newer stores. I probably do most of my shopping at Whole Foods and Earth Fare and then Lowes Foods since it is my “neighborhood grocery store.” I live within a short driving distance to two Food Lions and two Harris Teeters as well as a Target and a Wal-Mart with grocery sections.
I go to all of those places except for one of the Food Lions and Wal-Mart to buy groceries. I shop at Whole Foods and Earth Fare (as well as Deep Roots where I am an owner) because they carry the groceries we need and want and I do complete grocery trips there. I shop at Lowes because it is RIGHT THERE and buy just a couple of things here and there that I need or want. Stores like Food Lion, Harris Teeter and Lowes continue to add more items that you’d expect to see at a Whole Foods or Earth Fare which is great because this helps me make fewer trips to those two stores, which are much farther from my home.
I’ve noticed that Food Lion will put the products that I am inclined to purchase in a “natural foods” section or in the produce area. This makes it very easy for me to go in and out of the store since I am unlikely to need anything from another section of the store. My “neighborhood grocery store” used to be the new (about 5 years old or less?) Food Lion in SE Greensboro and I loved their natural foods area. There I got hooked on the Nature’s Place brand (and I’m not sure if that is a store brand or a private label brand or what since I’ve almost always seen it at Food Lion stores). I have this hope that the products I buy would be more dispersed in the store so that more people would see them amongst similar products of other brands so that there are options that are less processed or organic but then I remember that if you are looking for it, you’ll probably find it and that other people may not pick up every product and scan ingredients and try to get past what the brand wants you to think from just the front of the package.
BUT there is a Food Lion near me that I am not interested in that does not have this natural foods section. There is just nothing there that is a part of my grocery list enough that I would take a trip there that wasn’t some kind of emergency trip where I just really needed bandages or rubbing alcohol or something like that. It is bright though and while I would think I agree with the idea that dark can equal dirty (which I could picture when picturing a Food Lion at first) I’ve noticed that Food Lions with the natural food sections, as well as at least the produce and alcohol sections at Harris Teeter at Friendly Center from what I remember, have darker areas. Mood lighting?
I’ve noticed that some of the products I buy are about $2 more or $2 less than what I would pay at Whole Foods or Earth Fare. That’s a big difference but I see that at other stores. One store may have generally lower prices on their products (though different grocery stores carry different products that may not compare) but they may have higher prices on some items than another store so to me it all balances out. But I am not paying $3.59 for organic almond milk at Food Lion when I can get the same brand’s product for $1.99 at Whole Foods! Then again, I can get So Delicious non-dairy ice creams for at least $1 less at Food Lion than at other stores.
I’d be interested to see two other Food Lions in Greensboro that were very, very run down the last time I visited there, at least 2 years ago, and if “up-fitting” looks different in different parts of the city.