My very first job as a teenager was working as a bag-boy for Wegmans, in Greece NY. Back in early 70's. My step mother's summer cottage is next door to one Danny Wegman, son of the founder (not a snobby pretentious castle, just a nice cottage actually. ) Took my girlfriend to visit Rochester this summer, and thing she was most anxious to see was their largest Wegmans in Pittsford where my sister lives. She can't wait to stop shopping at F**d Li*n and Gi*nt, and buy everything at Wegmans. May have to shop at 6am to avoid initial crowds. An acquaintance works for competing store (um, largest chain in the area) and says that they are very concerned about this one measly store from Wegmans. They have sent groups to from here to scope out Wegmans and see what's coming. I've noticed local grocery store in Ashburn trying to put on a new face and offer new things that have a smattering of Wegmans touch. (It won't work guys...) They are shaking in their boots, waiting for this store to open. Not to mention the smaller stores. Now, living in Ashburn just 3 miles down the road from new store in Sterling - I'm watching every brick they put into the building as I drive past. They just put the WEGMANS sign on front - and back! - of the store this past week. Smart idea, so that traffic on both directions see it. Is it that much better than other stores? Come by and see for yourself. One thing they do very well, which I haven't seen mentioned: they have regular meetings with customers to find out what works, what they want. They tailor their new stores to the market, and they adjust. They don't take their business for granted. Some people in upstate NY travel 100 miles to shop there. (No, I don't still work for Wegmans. But I can't wait till they open!!)
