QYPE*

Slightly haphazard version of 21st Century Hypermarketing here!
Perhaps it’s the location on the not so nice slice of Withington Village that is Copson Street (the ‘Grime Quarter’ as the local PR machines terminology department scribe it down as). I’m not sure if it’s me, but I always end up queuing for what seems 3 hours in here – even if I’ve just nipped into to buy some post diluted balsamic squash, or set of weetabix warmers for my half inclined ‘guest’ cat (the cat who occasionally blesses us with here presence in exchange for breakfast). Something always goes pear shaped; either the ‘technology’ cocks a dilemma, or they simply do not have enough the staff to cope. A recent ‘refurbishment’ was again half hearted, but at least dragged the store out of the 70’s and into the 80’s. The Chorlton branch on the other hand, had a decent fit out – why they saw fit to fob off us here in Withington I don’t know. The Asian Shock Cinema lighting (70’s office style fluorescent effect) does not make a happy customer. And there’s the ‘economy’ of the packing section on the tills, so designed that you’ll never get your shopping packed up without spilling half of it onto the faux marble flooring.
Somerfield is currently being eyed up by the Co Op – perhaps they can kindly give us a decent mini mart and invest in more staff and updated facilities.
Saying all that, the prices are very good and the store baked bread (especially the granary) knocks the bigger boys efforts into a cocked hat.
Also the range they now stock is much improved – the usual Italian, Indian, Chinese ranges are all here.
So not all bad, they just need to spend time on some key points in order to run a likable supermarket which many people rely on – it’s open till ten every night bar Sunday.