The price is right
With so many options for groceries, it's hard to find quality, convenience and good prices
M. Grace Casella
Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: Focus
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When choosing where to grocery shop near DePaul, convenience, price and food selection are major factors. However, in the Lincoln Park area, there is no such thing as a one-stop shop if you're hoping to get all three.
By comparing four of the most frequented stores around campus, students can take a closer look at where to go for different items. Because sometimes it is all about saving those hard-to-come-by dollars, and sometimes not having to trudge two miles in the snow is worth all the money in the world.
First up is Dominick's, located at the corner of Fullerton and Sheffield Avenues. While this store is the most convenient for students living on or near the Lincoln Park campus, the prices are not very competitive. This location had the second highest total on the shopping list (results below) and offers a limited selection of products. Just travel a few miles down to the Dominick's located on Clybourn where the selection is much larger and prices are cheaper.
DePaul senior Marcus Wekenmann, who lives in Lincoln Park, avoids shopping at Dominick's whenever possible, but finds himself shopping there for convenience.
"Dominick's has a monopoly on that corner. They have horrible customer service, prices, and selection," Wekenmann said.
To Wekenmann, convenience of getting to the store is most important since he does not have a car. When he does have a car, however, he would rather shop somewhere with cheaper prices and a good variety.
Similarly, sophomore Courtney Muir, who lives in Lincoln Park, mostly shops at Dominick's because it is closest to where she lives but would prefer to shop elsewhere.
"I have to pick and choose items [at Dominick's] depending on price," Muir said. "I would rather shop at Aldi or Treasure Island."
Even students who do not live on campus are bothered by the high prices at this Dominick's store. Senior Amanda Haddad lives at home so her parents do all of the grocery shopping. When Haddad does need an occasional item or two she heads to Dominick's. However, seeing those prices compared to the prices her parents pay for groceries does not make Dominick's her first choice grocery store, aside from its convenient location.
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