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AIBU?

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Original poster

I don’t understand Waitrose.

630 replies

JensonsAcolyte · 04/05/2021 14:40

I just went to the big Waitrose because they stock gochujang paste. I thought I may as well get a few bits, chicken, cereal, crisps, pasta etc. All the sort of stuff that isn’t dinners but filler food.

£90!

For four bags of shopping.

And it didn’t feel special or posh or magical or anything.

Why do people shop there? Is it actually a snobbery thing? We have a Sainsburys, Tesco and Lidl within a mile or so radius as well.

The only thing it had going for it for me was the aforementioned chilli paste that I couldn’t get in Tesco. But other than the Ingredients range, the other ranges they offer aren’t very wide.

Will anyone admit that they shop there out of snobbery/classism? Grin

OP posts:
Thread gallery
7
ShoppingPrecinctPrincess · 05/05/2021 21:51

I don't mind Lidl but I wouldn't say they have a huge amount of variety. Lack of variety is one of their selling points.

voovayclickwot · 05/05/2021 22:01

@Theoldwrinkley

Collected an ordered (John Lewis) item from Waitrose last week. Rarely go in as not as convenient as usual supermarket. I do see expensive....their 'yellow stickers items same price as full price items in our usual s/market. But it was a joy to shop there as no music. Heaven. Having worked in retail, and having continuous 'discussions with management about radio row (and volume) I would LOVE to work there. Not sure if I can justify the higher cost for a more pleasurable shop. Currently I hate the music so much (too loud and most certainly not to my taste) that I want to get out quickly. In waitrose I would browse, therefore be tempted to spend more....maybe I'll put up with the racket.
Which supermarkets have music? I’ve never heard any!
Sparklingbrook · 05/05/2021 22:07

@voovayclickwot Morrison’s here. 80s on a loop. I love 80s music but don’t need it while I’m shopping!

voovayclickwot · 05/05/2021 22:24

I would hate that Sparkling !

winniestone37 · 05/05/2021 22:26

It’s not snobbery- snobbery is just stupidity and fear. It says more about you than anyone else that you’d write that. For me there are a good few things in Waitrose that taste better than anywhere else and cost the same or less. Cheese and pasta are two! This is also the case for Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury’s. I know where to get the best value for the things me and my family love. I also know where to get the best treats for us too, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s top the list.

SmiledWithTheRisingSun · 05/05/2021 22:28

Totally with you @bretta73

Waitrose is a fundamentally more enjoyable and higher quality shopping experience. Meanwhile plenty of Asda and Tesco shoppers spend £300 pm on their cars whilst I drive a 12-year old Honda.

11 year old SKODA here 🤣🤣🤣

LovelyIssues · 05/05/2021 23:00

It is a snobbery thing Hmm I don't care what anyone says. I shopped their once and the quality was no better than Aldi

SoupDragon · 05/05/2021 23:01

It is a snobbery thing hmm I don't care what anyone says.

So, you're calling everyone a liar 😂😂

Iseestupidpeople · 05/05/2021 23:07

To be fair their essentials range is much better quality and tastes better than say Tesco. And M&S would set you back more than that. Pick and chose and buy the rest elsewhere.

IdblowJonSnow · 05/05/2021 23:07

I sometimes shop at waitrose because its quieter than most other supermarkets.
Over the years I've got quite good at picking up the items which aren't too pricey but occasionally I get stung too and feel like a right mug!

Southwestrunningmum · 05/05/2021 23:10

But you don’t have to put up with plebs right........

littlepieces · 05/05/2021 23:45

I always thought Waitrose was all about snob factor. But during the first lockdown, Aldi and Sainsburys (where I'd usually shop) were absolute carnage. My local Waitrose was much quieter, the vibe was calmer, and it always had stock. I started shopping there and have been pleasantly surprised. The fruit and veg is consistently good quality and it lasts. Unlike Aldi where you have to eat it within a day or it goes off.

They have also been one of the only supermarkets in my area that has had available delivery slots in recent months. I've found they rarely substitute, everything is well in date, and often we get really good free samples! Never thought I'd say it but I'm a bit of a convert Blush

Startingagainperson · 05/05/2021 23:48

Because the food is nicer and better quality.

I can’t afford to shop at Waitrose, but I would if I could! It’s easier to eat healthily too when it’s nicer veg.

SinisterBumFacedCat · 05/05/2021 23:53

There’s a small one near me. I like it because sometimes I can’t be Arsenal to traipse around Tesco’s superstore where they like to rearrange the layout to keep you distracted and buying more. Also the reduced to clear section is fantastic for picking up a dinner for the night. And the staff are friendly.

nickymanchester · 06/05/2021 00:43

@bretta73

Waitrose is a fundamentally more enjoyable and higher quality shopping experience. Meanwhile plenty of Asda and Tesco shoppers spend £300 pm on their cars whilst I drive a 12-year old Honda.
That's interesting.

I shop equally at Aldi and Waitrose (my nearest supermarket is Aldi - I have to drive straight past it to get to any other supermarket).

There is a very clear difference here between an Aldi carpark and a Waitrose carpark. I have never seen so many electric cars as I have in a Waitrose carpark; whether it be a Tesla, Mercedes EQC or Jaguar i-pace.

I only ever seem to see electric cars at Waitrose. (for context, I live in a small city in East Anglia)

FaceyRomford · 06/05/2021 00:51

@AnnaSW1

Is the price actually much different to anywhere else? I shop in Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury's and I never really notice much difference
This. If you steer clear of the premium stuff and go for basics or brands whose cost tends to be the same wherever you go, I don't find Waitrose to be expensive. If anything, for a basic shop, I'd say Sainsbury's was dearer.
FaceyRomford · 06/05/2021 00:53

@LovelyIssues

It is a snobbery thing Hmm I don't care what anyone says. I shopped their once and the quality was no better than Aldi
Presumably you weren't buying fruit or veg.
AnotherSunrise · 06/05/2021 00:59

It's not snobbish it's just a better shop with a wider range of products

Bibbetyboo · 06/05/2021 01:06

The same items will cost the same in Waitrose as in Tesco or Sainsbury’s etc. Waitrose has a big selection including lots of nice things so if you pick nice things it might cost more.

It’s not inherently expensive though and it’s not snobbery to shop there. Quality stuff. I always find Tesco more of a con in their pricing and Waitrose often better value. Only have an Aldi near my parents and obviously not the same selection.

In non covid times, to save money you need to not be loyal to any one shop and shop around - if not in the same week then week to week so that you can stock up on offers at each one.

AllThatisSolid · 06/05/2021 02:28

Sliced chicken. Cost me £7 for two

Well, obviously the thing about Waitrose is that as soon as you walk in there, they force You to buy 4 bags of groceries without looking at the prices.

Honestly OP your post is nonsensical. Pre-cooked sliced chicken- any sort of processed food - is going to be comparatively pricey.

No one forced you to buy all buy that crap.

Losttheequipment · 06/05/2021 02:44

I’m another lockdown (Morrison’s to) Waitrose convert. They had stock, there was better distancing and they clean the trolleys, baskets and self-service tills. For what I buy it’s not much more expensive and it’s worth the more pleasant shopping experience for me 🤷‍♀️ And yeah, I’ve tried Aldi, the fruit and veg is really poor.

Harmonypuss · 06/05/2021 04:31

Give me Asda and Tesco any day, I can't see the point in paying Waitrose prices.

About 7 years ago someone gave me a gift card for Waitrose/John Lewis, no idea why because the nearest stores are at least 10 miles in the opposite direction to where I usually shop, so I'd have to make a special trip to use it. Then one day about 18 months later my son needed some ingredient for college that could only be found in Waitrose, so I made the special trip armed with my gift card to get it. The petrol cost me more than the item I made the trip for. I spent about £2.50 from a £25.00 card and have never been back since. Now I'm told that even if I wanted to use it, it would no longer be valid, so in fact that £2.50 item actually cost £25.00.

Pixxie7 · 06/05/2021 05:33

I don’t shop there but my mother does I don’t think it’s out of snobbery but convenience it doesn’t get as crowded as other places, also she lives alone so shopping bill not that big.

FangsForTheMemory · 06/05/2021 05:49

I shop there because they sell a couple of things I can’t get anywhere else.

AlternativePerspective · 06/05/2021 05:51

It’s interesting that it’s apparently ok to be disparaging of Aldi/Lidl and say anything about waitrose prices and people don’t like it.

We have a waitrose nearby and it’s a horrible dim place. Interestingly to get to it via public transport you have to go round the building through a horrible dark alleyway so users of public transport definitely not encouraged. I thought I’d try and shop online there one day but they never have delivery slots available. Ever.

Also interesting that Waitrose in Sevenoaks tried to block the building of an Aldi there.

We have a Lidl as well and tbh you can’t get to that easily by public transport either. But the one time I went there I was pleasantly surprised, and if I could get to it I would probably go there more (I don’t drive).

We don’t have an Aldi here so I can’t comment on that. Where my parents live though there are 5 of them… Shock

And for the people who say that waitrose has less people, that’s because most can’t afford to shop there.