All Foods Market Belmont IGA — Attraction in Belmont

I have used this IGA for 3 decades. Until the change of ownership I was able to negotiate my way INTO and AROUND the shop INDEPENDENTLY in my POWERWHEEL CHAIR which is a standard wheelchair with power hubs on the wheels so it is no where near the size of a GOPHER. I no longer can use this shop with my support workers as there is NO ACCEPTABLE ACCESSIBILTY INTO THE SHOP. If you are seated in a wheelchair and have to go through those paddles they are painful against a body which is constantly tormented by painful medical conditions and if you are as I am a small stature person those so called “slippers” as that is what is feels like against a rather delicate area of the female body. Each time I go though it’s for me as it would for a male being kicked between their legs. That is just to get in! Then it’s a case of negotiating aisles of stock where excess stock is piled in front of the shelves on BOTH sides and the ENDS therefore narrowing available floor space. It also means that someone in a wheelchair cannot reach the shelves to access items. Then to access the checkout that is asking me to do a slalom course with tight hairpin turns and hope to god I don’t bring the stock down as I negotiate the towers of lollies, chips, and other junk food. I have complained so many times, I have asked for or been told that the manager on duty would ring me as checkout staff were reluctant to call for one or the manager NEVER responded to the checkout call. I live close enough that I can INDEPENDENTLY in my wheelchair I can easily get to the shop BUT this shop is atrocious in its layout and functionality. IT IS THE MOST INACCESSIBLE SUPERMARKET IN THE AREA. The staff can’t be bothered to assist if I can’t reach. It’s embarrassing to ask a member of the public to get something off the shelf because of all the stock piled in front of the shelves on both sides which by the way is ILLEGAL! Nor should it be left ABANDONED. I can accept if some is there restocking that actual product but stock should not be stocked on the floor. I worked in retail trade from 1980 until 2016 and my late father knew the retail laws like the back of his hand and had a degree in industrial relations so I know what I’m talking labour. Mr Daly would NEVER have allowed the shop to be kept in such a disgusting state with stock everywhere and it was an extremely accessible supermarket for people either disabilities. You have lost a long time customer to Woolworths at the airport where they generally had clear wide easily accessible aisles and extremely helpful staff at the checkouts which are wheelchair accessible and staff will help me if I can’t get something. They have wheelchair accessible trolleys too which is something you do not have either. CONGRATULATIONS ON HAVING THE MIST INACCESSIBLE...

I recently visited this store and was quite impressed with how well-stocked and organized it is. The layout is thoughtfully designed, making it easy to find what you need without the hassle of navigating through a large shopping center. One of the standout features for me is the convenience of parking. Unlike the crowded and often stressful parking situations at big shopping centers, this store offers easy and accessible parking, which significantly enhances the overall shopping experience.

However, I did notice a few changes since my last visit. There has been a recent change in ownership, and with that, I've observed an increase in pricing, particularly in the fresh produce section. While the quality of the produce remains high, the price hike is something to be aware of, especially if you're on a budget.

On a positive note, the cleanliness of the store is commendable. It's always a pleasure to shop in a clean environment, and this store certainly meets that expectation. The aisles are tidy, and the products are neatly arranged, which adds to the overall pleasant shopping experience.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the efficiency at the checkout. Despite the store being busy at times, the queue at the checkout moves quickly. The staff are efficient and courteous, ensuring that you don't have to wait long to complete your purchase. This efficiency at the checkout is a significant plus, as it saves time and makes the shopping process smoother.

In summary, this store offers a well-organized and clean shopping environment with the added benefit of easy parking. While the recent change in ownership has led to an increase in prices, particularly in the fresh produce section, the overall shopping experience remains positive due to the store's cleanliness and efficient checkout process. If you're looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of big shopping centers, this store is a great...

*After lowering your bread prices to match all the other stores, (maybe after the review I wrote), yesterday I was surprised to see you have raised the prices again adding $2+ to Abbotts and Tip Top (most popular brands?). Again I checked other store prices and all are the same, $4.90 and $4.40. Shame on you IGA.

I am interested to know how you can justify charging $6.80 for a loaf of Tip Top multigrain bread, and how you can call $7.80 for a loaf of Abbotts Bakery a "Super Special". Especially when this is not the standard price anywhere else that I have ever seen. People who shop here are families, the elderly and your very own locals. During these particularly hard times, this kind of pricing on a staple for every household is just plain price gouging. I am happy to pay more for some things and I understand you are a small business, but adding over $2 more to loaves of bread and actually calling it a "Super Special" is actually a joke. It's important to me to always support local but when you see things like this it drives people back to the big supermarkets, I for one do not want to shop at any of them but I have a family to feed and school...