Big Y — Local services in Northampton

How does one become a "world class market?"

I mean, I'd imagine that's the sort of tagline that some corporate marketing executive came up with in a board meeting, and let me tell you - those three little words definitely justify that exec's big seven figure salary.

But let's suppose for a second that there really IS some qualification that gives them bragging rights to be called a "world class market."

What then are the standards? Who decides on the metrics and who measures them? What fidelity tools are in place to ensure to us, the humble shoppers, that Big Y is truly living up to its "world class market" status? How can we have confidence in their implicit promise to us, that by shopping at Big Y, we'll come to know what a "world class" experience feels like?

I looked all over the interwebz, and alas, there's scarce info about this supposed "world class market" status. Nothing on Big Y's website either, which has a pretty interesting history detailing the company's formidable rise from a small, family owned market, to a supermarket innovator and titan of local industry.

There's also nothing online about the process of accreditation for any "world class market", although plenty of information about why accreditation is indeed important for institutions of higher learning, investor accreditation, B Corp certification for businesses, etc. No info on how to certify oneself as a "world class market."

Which puts me in a bind writing a review, doesn't it? I want to rate them as a world class market, yet I have no idea what that actually signifies, why it's so important that it belongs in the title of the store, what I should expect from any store designated as aworld class market, or even what other world class markets I could visit for a point of comparison.

But you know, I like their layout for ease of shopping they have a robust hummus section in the far left corner, and I can get free air for my car's tires at the nearby Big Y Express. They do this weird thing where they open up the whole front of the store to the outside, even when it's pretty chilly or super hot out, which I cannot imagine is economically viable, let alone environmentally responsible.

Who does that??? That means that when it's cold, they have to use extra energy to both heat the store and to refrigerate/freeze the perishables, which makes absolutely no sense. When it's 95, out and the doors are wide open, it's gotta cost a small fortune to run the AC's. Sure, the custies love the fresh air, but at what cost?? You can't possibly tell me that all that money spent over something that foolish isn't passed on to custies like myself. Lower the doors to the outside when it's cold or hot, lower your overhead, then lower your prices. The custies will naturally complain about the change at first, but they'll come to love the savings. It's a "world class" move ;-)

I guess looking into the dubious claims of their obviously genius marketing execs shouldn't really be that high on my list of priorities, a long as the price of...

Just had the best customer experience of my life! It's rare these days to find a manager that is sincerely dedicated to customer satisfaction and loves his job. I found that in Dominic the store manager at Big Y Northampton. I had a problem, got some lobster at the seafood market and didn't receive the level of service expected. I wasn't terribly upset, in well over 10 years shopping at this Big Y I have only had 1, maybe 2 really poor customer service experiences before this. With covid I wouldn't have even said much, I know everyone is stressed and I appreciate the fact that Big Y workers are showing up, so I could let a little attitude go, but when I returned my product the Customer Service Worker said that the Manager would really care to hear about the experience because they would want to be sure to improve. Dominic came quickly. I was shocked at his genuine concern. He looked me in the eye, gave me a legit apology and based on his demeanor it was clear to me that this person was committed to every customer having a perfect experience. Dominic then proceeded to walk me around the store explaining in detail how I could prepare the lobster. He was able to suggest a different product that would work better for me and took all the time I needed to walk me through what I needed to do to prepare it. While all of this was going on, for probably 15 minutes I felt like I was the only person in the store, Dominic gave me his full attention. I heard a quick call of his name on the speaker and even then he didn't take his attention off of me for a second. Once he was sure I knew what I needed to do he decided to do a little to make up for me having to make the trip back covering some of the product cost. He walked me to the door, wished me well and was sure to remind me to say hi next time I'm in. He mentioned that he had been at this store for a few months having come from Pittsfield then Lee. Big Y is very lucky to have him, you can tell this is a "company guy". He loves it, heck, right now I wish I was a Big Y store manager, he seemed so happy! And that's while working on Superbowl Sunday! I don't write a lot of reviews but I am unaccustomed to such sincere engagement with no judgement. It's only a 10 minute ride home but I had to call my wife on the way to tell her what a great experience it was. Thank you Dominic. You really made an impact on this customer and I look forward to having you at the helm of our...

Always satisfied but sometimes a little pricey. Was a little disappointed today, I was looking for tricolor rotini and the pasta section was very sparse with a lot of empty shelves and no rotini (tricolored) anyways. Was much better tonight, the shelves were really well stocked and they seemed to have more help.I have to stick with the 5 🌟, they're doing a much better job 👍 👏. Still staying at 5 stars, I know they're struggling with hiring enough help, just like everywhere today. When I was a high school student I would have killed for a job at Big Y, I guess it's a sign of the times. They're adapting, they added more self checkout registers and enlarged the space they're located in. They also seem to have more help than in recent months. Still doing well, had a very good fresh grinder tonight 👌 Keeping up the great work 👍This is a shout out for Cheryl at the courtesy desk, EXCELLENT JOB 👏 😀 Unfortunately I have to knock a star off, prices are just getting...