LOOK AROUND…SURPRISES ABOUND

Moyara RuehsenCreativity CourseAssignment #2

I have a confession to make.

I shop……a lot…

…for food.

Why? Because I’m obsessive compulsive about getting the best

deal and finding the specific brand I want…even if it means driving all

over town.

But not until now have I paid close attention to the shopping experience at

each of these stores. Consider their entrances…

What’s with these unsightly garbage cans next to these main

entrances???

Trader Joe’s = edgy punk

Wholefoods = Katy Perry’s Extraterrestrial

Safeway = pop music with creepy subliminal advertising mixed in

Savemart = no music at all

Have you ever listened to the music on the sound system?

Or looked up at the ceilings…

Wholefoods has core

values? Way up there out of sight…who

knew???

What about the floors?

Filthy cracks and scuff marks at SaveMart and Safeway made the food seem less appealing.

Would I want to shop here with my kids?

Safeway only has pink carts that don’t really touch the ground, and are dirty

Staff of life has gender-neutral colors and carts that feel like carts

But who can resist Trader Joe’s coloring contests and stickers???

Trader Joe’s also distinguishes itself by carrying fewer brands...except when it comes to wine and

bread

Every imaginable kind of bread

Ughhh, I give up. Too

many choices to

choose from.

But then there is Trader Joe’s wine

Who doesn’t love the folksy

descriptions? And there’s

something for every one’s price

range.

Safeway is trying to upgrade it’s wine section with a “cellar”

But the endless rows of wine are simply unappealing

Staff of Life doesn’t even try

Staff of Life distinguishes itself with its bulk food bins

And specialty cheeses

Cheeses are supposed to be Wholefoods’ forte, but this color

scheme and location at the back of the store make it less appealing

What about displays?

19 cents seems much more appealing than “free”

How do these stores advertise?

New Leaf has informational articles and recipes in its monthly magazine of specials

Trader Joe’s doesn’t need to offer sales. It tells stories…

…to get me into the store, and tempts me with chocolate when I

leave

The clear winner in my book?