Foodworks — Local services in Guilford

Foodworks still carries the same products it always has. But in one important area, the store has seriously declined. In the early days, each employee had great knowledge of the products sold there, and the products’ applications: you could ask anyone from a cashier to a manager any question about a product, and get an informed, intelligent answer. Sadly, this is no longer the case. The median age of the cashiers is now about 19 or 20. They have no knowledge of the store’s products, and can’t tell you if they carry a product or not without summoning a manager for the answer. They don’t have the beautiful, knowledgeable, and eager personalities that this store’s employees once had. Foodworks employees used to be exceptional, and clearly chosen for their suitability in a progressive health food shop. No more. I’ve not yet approached a register there and found myself interrupting a snarky teenager with her face buried in her cell phone, but I fear that day is coming soon. It makes me sad. Other than that, it looks like the store has had to install security cameras throughout. It’s too bad that some crummy shoplifters have made it necessary for everyone in the store be watched as they shop: being watched like that makes my skin crawl. Bad vibes. This also makes me sad. Other than these tragic flaws, I can still find what I need at Foodworks (although I have to find it on my own with no meaningful help from an employee). So, I still shop here. But each time I visit, I remember the store’s glory days in its former location at the west end of town, and wish things were...

Foodworks reliably has fresh organic produce and sometimes from local farms as well. The store also carries lots of supplements (which I know nothing about but which seem to draw many customers.) and aisles of interesting items.)While the store offers a card for a discount, the prices are often outrageous. Of course, an independent store needs to boost prices, but nearly double the price of some eggs and yogurt readily available elsewhere seems unreasonable (e.g. $15.50 for a large yogurt costing 8.50 at Big Y. The service is unevenly friendly-- some extremely personable individuals stand noticeably apart from some dour workers. I know it's not their responsibility to smile, but it's nice when they do. As for bulk items, the selection is limited. I would love to see more interesting bulk flours. Similarly, it would be nice to find vegetables and fruit not readily available elsewhere, such as heirloom varieties of apples or grains. Special orders are a mystery : there's a book for requests, but it's not always clear whether something can or cannot be ordered. It's a very nice store but could be a lot better with more attention to what customers would like to see brought into the store and a more pleasant attitude towards those customers, especially not ordering/barking at people to line up in their odd --it seems backwards to...

I love coming here! Prepared foods are excellent. Lots of options for dairy, coffee, yogurt, honey, jams soaps and more. Prices are ridiculous though. I saw a small Container of organic blue berries for $11. Same chicken $24 when it’s $14 at stop and shop. Half a veggie wrap for $5? Should be $2.50. I don’t do my week long grocery shopping here. I mostly come for specialty items and lunch. It reminds me of my college co-op in Humboldt County CA. Again—excellent prepared foods and veggie juicery. Up-beet juice is...