Market Basket — Local services in Warner

Market Basket has always been my family's favorite local independent grocery store chain (as far as I know, they are still independent from the larger grocery and/or retail chains). They consistently have the best prices on nearly everything. They've never had any sort of "gimmick", i.e. loyalty cards, Monopoly games, gas savers, etc. It's my belief that Market Basket has been able to keep prices lower than their competition because: 1. They're not spending X-amount of dollars (I would assume this is a huge amount of the budget for the larger chains) to drive tractor trailer trucks all over the country; 2. No money wasted printing the gimmicky game boards or special "members only" loyalty sales sheets; 3. Along with #2, there's no need to print those weekly "if you use your loyalty card" sales tags that attach to the shelves inside the store; 4. I'm not a business person, I don't know much about retail, especially the unique dealings of grocery retailers, but I do know that, as a consumer, I want some very basic things, like CONSISTENTLY low prices instead of having to jump through hoops to get better prices, a safe and clean store to shop in, competent employees who can offer ACTUAL assistance if needed, and the feeling that I DID NOT get raked over the coals once I've completed my grocery shopping. And most of the time, Market Basket fits the bill. If I lived closer to a Market Basket, it would be, without a doubt, my "go to" grocery store (and when we did live in a different area, where we didn't have just ONE Market Basket to shop at, we had TWO to choose from, and we ALWAYS shopped at one of them. Always.) & I'm certain that my annual food costs would be dramatically reduced. I highly recommend that you give Market Basket a try, if you have one in your neck...

Market Basket is #1 for me for grocery shopping. I do wish the "baggers" were well trained. If they are receiving the proper training then, the management is slacking keeping on quality control. I cannot express the amount of times my eggs have been put under canned goods, or my bread in which bleach, or over stuffing the bags to the point you cannot put the 2 handles of the bag in the same hand. Yes, MB plastic bags are known for their lack of integrity, but if they weren't so severely overstuffed they really would last long enough. I always either keep a MB stash of bags in my vehicle and rebag in the parkinglot when I move them from the cart in; or I stop at an empty register for some extra on the way out. Of course you are welcome to buy or bring a canvas bag/s and such, but unfortunately in my experience those get so overly stuffed that carrying from the car into the house is a task or yes all too often the stitch lets go on 1 handle. But again, all in all MB is my #1, go to spot for my shopping!!

Update: Tonight I was pleasantly surprised! My "check out" experience was FIVE STARS!! I intend on calling the store manager tomorrow as I only was able to speak with the very busy, but very professional assistant manager, to report these two kids, that specifically rang up and bagged my items. I made sure to write down their names on my receipt because I really want them to actually receive the praise and recognition they deserve. Everything was bagged in a very sensible manner, they weren't over-stuffed, and he did it so fast! I know these 2 kids are very new, and are totally blowing all the other employees out of the water!!!! Great job (I promised to not publicly post...

Lots of people love the family-run chain of Market Baskets. The workers are friendly and helpful (usually wearing a smile, or at least in in a good mood).

They have your typical supermarket fare. Their prices are reasonable (other local stores are elitest and more expensive). They offer decent store-brand items like toilet paper, cleaners, food items. Their meat and veggies are always fresh and reasonably priced. They have an in-store butcher, deli counter, bakery, even a lobster tank and fresh fish. They have a customer service countet with lottery tickets and scratch-offs.

It's your average supermarket: not a high-end/high-priced/gourmet store, nor a tired/never-updated/neglected store aka Walmart or Target. Their stores are very clean, brightly lit and they gave the requesit Muzak playing ( that you MIGHT just catch yourself singing along to...)🤪.

I've been going to the Warner store for almost as long as they have been open (~20 yrs?). Customers are VERY loyal and I would HIGHLY recommend them. It's definitely worth going out if my way to get there. It's also a popular place for local teens to work the registers. You have a choice of paper/plastic/fabric for a fee or BYO/boxes.

FWIW, there's a decent sized state liquor store next door to...