First Stop Shop Discount Grocery Outlet — Attraction in Altoona

Someone told me about this place, it's suppose to have lots of items discounted for good prices that are ABOUT to Expire.

First off, parking was issue. There were actually people yelling at each other in the lot because someone took the other person's spot. The entrance to the lot is off an alleyway, unless there is a spot open that can be accessed directly from the road. But others park and block the exit area. So if u make it into the lot and others have parked where they shouldn't have, you have no choice but to back out.....which happened to me. While trying to get out of the others were pulling in and honking at me, I had no where else to go. I wasn't driving off the high curb-sidewalk into the main street. Once I got out of the lot, I ended up sidewalk/road parking down the street like some others.

I found a few good deals, but when looking at refrigerated items most of the good deals were already expired by quite a bit. Example: case (12 containers, I believe) of yogurt for $.99 exp date was Aug 9, it was the 24th. Biscuits $.10 expired over 1 mo ago. There are deals to be had if u don't mind outdated items. Some things I'd be ok with, but dairy products, not so much.

Checkout moved fast and employees...

Normally I would say that this store is a great place to shop. However today I had a horrible experience. I went into the store today along with my three children that have medical issues that is not good for them to wear a mask. One of which has seizures that can not get over heated. So sitting outside without one wasnt an option. The other two have asthma. I was trying to nicely explain this to the employee that spoke to my children, however he did not want to hear why they came in without a mask. I realize that they are allowed to refuse service to anyone who does not wear a mask, however there is no need for rudeness. My children and I were social distancing and they did go get a mask to cover their faces when they were around others. He followed us around the store and as we were waiting in line he verbally attacked my family again. While there are great deals at this store, but because of this employee I will never be back. He is uncaring, and rude and has cased your store to loose customers.

IT TAKES NOTHING TO BE NICE. Think about how you address people if you can't be courteous you should not be in...

This is a good place to try unusual flavors of things like cereal and beverages. The best deals here are on goods that are approaching or are just past their "best by" dates, which is totally safe and they still taste good for a while after that as long as they were stored at the right temperature. Some of the deals I got were a 12 pack of yoplait flips french toast for $2, some frozen Cinnabon treats for $1.50, $1.50 gluten free brownie mix, BOGO toothpaste (all health goods were BOGO), $2 for a bouquet of 4 red roses and 2 other flowers, $1.50 for a large Mac & cheese & bacon frozen dinner. They also sell Walnut Creek foods. Some of the things were also very much not good deals - many foods it was clear they checked the Walmart price and reduced it by 10% for DM food that was approaching its "best by" date. The prices for many things were comparable to Aldi, or store brand at Walmart or another grocery store. Though most were name...