ATLANTA | Development Thread V - Page 33

ls1z28chris · #**641** Posted **May 17, 2009, 4:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevensixtwo

Think where you normally see Kroger (Piedmont and North, Howell Mill and 75). Now imagine where you see Publix (Plaza Midtown, Howell Mill and Collier). Its a little nicer right? What upscale neighborhood prefers Kroger? You can practically differentiate between upscale neighborhoods and others by whether Publix or Kroger dominates. If a Kroger opens up on the Mile I think it will be officially ok to call the dream a failure.

You've got to be kidding. I don't know about in the city, but out here in the 'burbs there is a Publix across the street from every Kroger. The only difference between the two is that Publix as a slightly nicer in store bakery. Other than that, they're two monolithic corporate food retailers.

sabino86 · #**642** Posted **May 17, 2009, 4:22 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevensixtwo

Think where you normally see Kroger (Piedmont and North, Howell Mill and 75). Now imagine where you see Publix (Plaza Midtown, Howell Mill and Collier). Its a little nicer right? What upscale neighborhood prefers Kroger? You can practically differentiate between upscale neighborhoods and others by whether Publix or Kroger dominates. If a Kroger opens up on the Mile I think it will be officially ok to call the dream a failure. The grocers really do have different business models.

On that note, it's funny actually that the Toco Hill Shopping Center in North Druid Hills has BOTH a Publix and a Kroger (albeit on opposite ends of course). And the area around the Howell Mill Kroger is just as nice as the area around the Publix at Howell Mill/Collier, just must more commercialized (although the clientele is different).

AtlMidtowner · #**643** Posted **May 17, 2009, 4:29 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ls1z28chris

You've got to be kidding. I don't know about in the city, but out here in the 'burbs there is a Publix across the street from every Kroger. The only difference between the two is that Publix as a slightly nicer in store bakery. Other than that, they're two monolithic corporate food retailers.

Well, in Marietta, if you compare the Kroger on the corner of Delk Road and Powers Ferry & the Publix in the shopping center across the street, you NEVER would set foot in the Kroger!! Kroger is probably in financial trouble for 10-12 years and does not maintain their stores as does Publix. Kroger stores tend to get nicknames like Crack Kroger on Ponce or Disco Kroger. My wife will only go to the Kroger in Ansley Mall for the wine department.

ls1z28chris · #**644** Posted **May 17, 2009, 4:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtlMidtowner

Well, in Marietta, if you compare the Kroger on the corner of Delk Road and Powers Ferry & the Publix in the shopping center across the street, you NEVER would set foot in the Kroger!! Kroger is probably in financial trouble for 10-12 years and does not maintain their stores as does Publix. Kroger stores tend to get nicknames like Crack Kroger on Ponce or Disco Kroger. My wife will only go to the Kroger in Ansley Mall for the wine department.

I live in unincorporated Marietta way out on the western edge of its territory. The Kroger at Macland and Powder Springs, the one on Whitlock near Marietta HS, and the one out on Dallas Hwy across from the Avenue in West Cobb are the ones I'm talking about.

The gap that separates Kroger and Publix is miniscule.

cybele · #**645** Posted **May 17, 2009, 4:49 PM**

I'd have to respectfully disagree. Not counting the Murder Kroger, which is actually in a terrific area, you've got fantastic Krogers all over Atlanta's best neighborhoods, from all over Buckhead to Brookhaven, Alpharetta, Emory, Sandy Springs, Duluth, you name it. Have you checked out their Fresh Fare stores? They totally rock.

sunking1056 · #**646** Posted **May 17, 2009, 5:01 PM**

Despite the two being in the same neighborhoods often, I've always had the perception that Publix is nicer. Kroger is fine, but of the stores I go to somewhat regularly the Publix are typically cleaner and just feel more high end (whether that's the case or not).

sevensixtwo · #**647** Posted **May 17, 2009, 5:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunking1056

Despite the two being in the same neighborhoods often, I've always had the perception that Publix is nicer. Kroger is fine, but of the stores I go to somewhat regularly the Publix are typically cleaner and just feel more high end (whether that's the case or not).

I dont have any idea what happens in the burbs grocery-wise. Sunking's comments illustrate my point. I wasn't making a definitive statement about Kroger and Publix, just pointing out the trend I perceive.

How many people think a Kroger is a great thing to have on the MM?

ls1z28chris · #**648** Posted **May 17, 2009, 5:22 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevensixtwo

I dont have any idea what happens in the burbs grocery-wise. Sunking's comments illustrate my point. I wasn't making a definitive statement about Kroger and Publix, just pointing out the trend I perceive.

How many people think a Kroger is a great thing to have on the MM?

There is one in "d-town" Decatur that fits in well. I don't see how it would be any more out of place than the Publix at Plaza Midtown.

cybele · #**649** Posted **May 17, 2009, 5:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevensixtwo

How many people think a Kroger is a great thing to have on the MM?

I'd love to see them there. Kroger is clearly more upscale than Publix in my opinion, and their better stores are on a par with Whole Foods.

A Kroger like the one in south Buckhead across from the AMTRAK station wouldn't be bad at all. Very nice and urban.

Atlwest281 · #**650** Posted **May 17, 2009, 5:24 PM**

The fact they have self check and are open 24/7 would make it an asset for the mile I think. The mile needs to blend middle and upper level stores to be truly successful. It cant be all whole foods and Fresh markets though it would be nice

caninatl · #**651** Posted **May 17, 2009, 6:27 PM**

I can't stand having to pull my keys out of my pocket and fumble them to the cashier to get my savings which sometimes is significant. This is why I choose Publix which posts the sale price up front. One other thing to note is that the Meats at Publix are much better quality in my experiences.

scpatl4now · #**652** Posted **May 17, 2009, 6:35 PM**

A very interesting investigation on road building influence in ATL:

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/stories//2009/05/17/cw_matthews_road_legislation.html

ls1z28chris · #**653** Posted **May 17, 2009, 6:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by caninatl

I can't stand having to pull my keys out of my pocket and fumble them to the cashier to get my savings which sometimes is significant. This is why I choose Publix which posts the sale price up front. One other thing to note is that the Meats at Publix are much better quality in my experiences.

I think either one would fit better than whole foods, which is a speciality market for people riding the organic trend. The MM would be better off, in my opinion, with a general grocery store whether Publix or Kroger.

Are there any other grocery stores in Midtown than the one at Plaza Midtown? I haven't seen any, but I don't live there so...

cybele · #**654** Posted **May 17, 2009, 8:29 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by caninatl

I can't stand having to pull my keys out of my pocket and fumble them to the cashier to get my savings which sometimes is significant.

Which grocery store gives you a discount for your keys? I have never heard of that.

galaca · #**655** Posted **May 17, 2009, 8:33 PM**

Kroger key-ring card maybe?

cybele · #**656** Posted **May 17, 2009, 8:43 PM**

Huh. Didn't know about that. I've just got a Kroger Plus card.

briantech · #**657** Posted **May 17, 2009, 9:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybele

Huh. Didn't know about that. I've just got a Kroger Plus card.

Its the same thing, they just make a small version that fits on your key rings

cybele · #**658** Posted **May 17, 2009, 9:56 PM**

Oh, okay. I can see how that would be a problem.

foxmccleod · #**659** Posted **May 17, 2009, 10:22 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ls1z28chris

I think either one would fit better than whole foods, which is a speciality market for people riding the organic trend. The MM would be better off, in my opinion, with a general grocery store whether Publix or Kroger.

Are there any other grocery stores in Midtown than the one at Plaza Midtown? I haven't seen any, but I don't live there so...

It depends on the boundaries you use. If you are talking about the business district, there is only the Plaza Midtown Publix. If you extend the boundary east to Monroe, there is still only one, but if you push it to the beltline, there are two more - Trader Joes and Whole Foods. There is a fourth store in the vicinity at Piedmont and North Avenue - Publix, but it is technically in downtown, though it serves a large Midtown population.

jpk1292000 · #**660** Posted **May 17, 2009, 11:12 PM**

I really think that Publix is superior to Kroger in almost every way. The bakery, produce and meat departments at Publix are better, with higher quality product than at Kroger. The Publix stores are cleaner and more upscale feeling.

Kroger gets the edge over Publix in only one area in my opinion - their prices on packaged groceries are a bit cheaper than Publix's.