To think Waitrose is a rip off?

[RoxyMoosic]

I do often pop into my local Waitrose, namely because it is the closest supermarket to my house, and on my route home from work. However I don’t really see what it’s selling point is.

I tend to buy branded things, and these are almost always more expensive than the usual supermarkets, unless on offer which admittedly does make it worth a visit.

My local Waitrose is a former Somerfield, so it’s a convenience store layout trying to be a full blown supermarket. The aisles are too narrow, and it’s full of mums with big buggies and elderly people dawdling with trollies.

Theres almost always a queue at the checkout, again because there’s not enough room for a proper sized self checkout area.

The fresh produce and own brand items don’t seem to be noticeably nicer than say Sainsburys, whereas M&S is most certainly a cut above the regular supermarket.

If I want nice or ‘posh’ my go-to is M&S. I just don’t see why it seems to be so revered as the epitome of middle-classness. Seems to be a rip-off to me.

Same, just got back from there 😃

I always struggle with the Waitrose fruit, so prefer M&S if going specifically there for fruit.
However the cooking / ingredients section at Waitrose is much better, as is the fresh veg.

Basically, horses for courses. Shop where you want / depending on what you need that day.

It is much more relaxing in my local Waitrose compared with our local Lidl (always horrendous queues), Tesco or Morrisons.

Waitrose (and m &s) own brands are
Good value
For money imo.

It’s selling point is that it sells people to anyone who wants to shop there 😂
I far prefer it over M&S, I find Marks has so much prepared food that it’s hard to get just the basic ingredients to cook properly. Loads of ready meals and premarinaded meat, not much in the way of just plain food.
It may just be my local one like this, I don’t really shop there for this reason. I like our Waitrose as it’s not as huge as the other supermarkets in the area and the ingredients are of a good quality.
Plus interesting ranges of things and nice cheeses for a supermarket.

not sure what you mean by branded items...

there are a lot of brands available in waitrose that are not available in Tesco or Sainsbury's. they tend to be on expensive side, but many are worth it

if you mean the standard brands eg. fairy liquid, yes more expensive in waitrose.. i wouldn't buy those items from there

the fruits and veg is much better than sainsburys, but maybe not m&s. it all depends what you buy.... the organic offerings are more varied I find.

it could be that your local store is a bit crap tbh

i never think of M&S as a proper shop. It’s aisle upon aisle of grim UPF-ready meals. Proper cooks go to Waitrose.

My M&S is great for 'real' food. Must be area dependent. My local one is massive, yes lots of UPF but also lots that not.

@longdistanceclaraclara I agree- I've had very few ready meals from there I would describe as 'grim' - and I like cooking!! Waitrose is better for cooks ingredients- M&S has better chicken and fish. The idea of everyone cooking from scratch every night and it's all amazing - well I have several friends who do actually cook from scratch most nights-they are lovely friends but blimey they can't cook tasty food to save their life - fresh yes, no UPFs - good- er no!! I long for them to offer me an M&S quiche, with some veg or coleslaw and salad etc

I disagree. Waitrose is way better quality than Sainsbury's or Tesco's and more ethical too. Their use by dates are longer, and we've never had anything go off, unlike Sainsbury's. Their own label stuff is generally excellent

They are never (along with M&S) involved in dodgy food stuff recalls.

You're doing it wrong. Skip the branded stuff, Waitrose own brand is just as good if not better. We prefer their baked beans, butter, washing powder, gravy granules, crisps, flour, ketchup, mayo, and many other things. In fact I cannot think of any branded stuff we do buy there!

It's raison d'etre is to be a class indicator for the middle classes. I never go unless I want something very specific that no one else sells.

Same. And re the 'more expensive' - the last few weeks I find that I'm buying the same and actually spending a bit less. Plus they do good deals - that's the first bit I check when I go in.

I love Waitrose. Their branded items were price-matched to Tesco’s years ago and their own brand products are far better quality than anywhere else. They’re great for fruit and veg though I think M&S are slightly better quality. My heart rate doesn’t go through the roof when I step through the door (like it does in Tesco!) but then my local one was built as a Waitrose. Certain items are ridiculously priced but no more so than Tesco or Marks. Fortunately, I am able to shop around though so can pick and mix my supermarkets! Just shop in Marks if you prefer it!

I love Waitrose. I get an Ocado delivery twice a month as it’s so convenient but if I am going to an actual shop I go to Waitrose as I can get all the stuff I need from there.

I am not British so I don’t understand this reverse snobbery or the obsession with “branded” products.

i also sometimes go to Lidl but would struggle to get everything I need from there. Lidl in Europe has a better range.

I think it's a well known fact that they're the most expensive supermarket.
I presume you don't have to shop there.
I'm all for Aldi myself - great products at great prices (no I don't work for them!!)

Thank you, I’ll look later this week!

Waitrose isn't badly priced compared to other supermarkets on own brands. Who buys brands unless you rich. Just been to asda and shocked how expensive it is on none brand

I really like Waitrose. Excellent, professional service from the staff, a wide variety of fresh and other quality foods and efficient, prompt, polite delivery for my main shop. I probably get 75/80% of my groceries there with top-ups from excellent ethnic food shops nearby plus M&S foods (again, mostly promotional items).

If I could get groceries delivered from LIDL or ALDI most of my money would go there, but their locations (at least near me) are inconvenient for someone without a car.

Also most of my purchases are from their own Essentials range and I make use of the regular promotions for items I use every day anyway. 🌹

Agree OP .I genuinely find the bread stale and own brands nothing to get excited about.Sainsburys and Tesco are the main supermarkets for me. If I want a treat I go to M&S . Not sure why people on here are being so arsey 🤷‍♀️

I love waitrose, it's the best! Much larger and more diverse range than m&s, their fresh produce and own brand are fab. My local one is massive, with wide aisles and generally a good shopping experience.

It’s definitely gone downhill post Brexit. I find M&S cheaper and better quality. Having recently visited supermarkets in Australia (which used to be far more limited than Waitrose etc) - it suddenly became blaringly obvious that the UK is falling way behind on food range and quality. It was incredible! I felt like the little match girl

Their essentials range is really good, I agree. They sell little fairy cakes, perfect for giving DS2 his medicine on, for about £1.30 for a pack of 12. Sainsbury's sell some similar for a similar price but the Asda equivalent is £2!

We're having hake for dinner. My favourite white fish and all of £3 a pack.

Just go elsewhere then , problem solved .

My Waitrose is nothing like this. It's bright with lots of natural light and wide aisles. I love that Waitrose don't overload you with too many choices of one item, unlike tesco and other supermarkets.

The staff are always pleasant and and there is always a member of staff available, unlike bloody Morrisons.