Midwest Grocery Stores: Where Food and Fashion Collide!
I moved to New York City from Wisconsin a decade ago, but these Midwestern grocery stores still hold a special place in my heart
After a decade in NYC, I’m still obsessed with Midwestern grocery stores.
Grocery shopping in the Midwest – Talia Lakritz/Insider
Ah, New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of! But let me tell you, as a former Wisconsinite, there’s something about a Midwestern grocery store that puts a sparkle in my eye and a skip in my step. While the Big Apple may have its charms, nothing compares to the sheer magnificence of Meijer, Piggly Wiggly, Sendik’s, and Metro Market. These grocery wonderlands are a fashionista’s paradise, offering a delightful blend of food and flair.
You might be wondering what makes these Midwest grocery chains so extraordinary. Well, size matters, my friends! According to a 2009 analysis by New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, grocery stores in the city are half the size of the average US grocery store. That’s right, New York City supermarkets are tighter than a pair of skinny jeans, with a measly 1.5 square feet per person, while their Midwestern counterparts boast a luxurious 3 square feet per person. Talk about elbow room!
Not only are Midwest grocery stores more spacious, but they also cater to your local cravings like no other. With an abundance of cheese, brats, and other delicious regional delights, these stores are a fashion-forward foodie’s paradise. But wait, there’s more! Meijer, the Midwestern superstore chain, is like Walmart on steroids. It’s massive and has everything you could possibly imagine—fresh groceries, apparel, sporting goods, electronics, pharmacy items, home-improvement tools, and even garden supplies. It’s like stepping into a Smorgasbord of style!
A Meijer store in Wisconsin – Talia Lakritz/Insider
Now, let’s talk about Metro Market, the cosmopolitan cousin of Kroger. These upscale stores not only offer the usual grocery and pharmacy aisles but also have a plethora of freshly prepared items, such as sushi and charcuterie platters that would make even Anna Wintour weak at the knees. And let’s not forget the dining area, adorned with a stone fireplace and large windows that bathe the space in sunlight. It’s like having a fashion show while savoring your sushi roll!
Metro Market in Wisconsin – Talia Lakritz/Insider
If you thought Sendik’s was just another grocery store, think again. This family-owned gem will transport you into a world of funky boutiques and gastronomic grandeur. The produce section will leave you in awe, with its vibrant colors and tantalizing freshness. And have you seen those chocolate-covered cherries from Door County? They’re the fashion-forward treat you never knew you needed! It’s grocery shopping with a flair, darling.
Sendik’s – Talia Lakritz/Insider
Last but not least, we have Piggly Wiggly, the sassy Southern belle of Midwest grocery stores. With its selection of Midwestern delicacies like cheese curds and kringle pastries, it’s a haven for foodies with a fashion-forward palate. And let’s not forget the ultimate accessory—a walk-in beer fridge! Who needs a clutch when you can have a fridge full of ice-cold beverages? Plus, Piggly Wiggly knows the importance of practical yet stylish kitchen gadgets, like a cheese-shaped cheese container. Now we’re talking fashion!
Piggly Wiggly – Talia Lakritz/Insider
So, my fellow fashionistas, if you find yourself in the Midwest, don’t miss out on these grocery store wonders. They’re not just places to grab your essentials; they’re fashion-forward havens that will elevate your grocery shopping experience to haute couture levels. From Meijer’s vast array of products to Piggly Wiggly’s eccentric charm, each store has its own unique flair. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the Midwestern grocery fashion show, you’ll never look at grocery shopping the same way again.
Now it’s your turn, dear readers. Have you ever visited a Midwest grocery store? What’s your favorite fashion find in the produce section? Share your stories and stylish shopping tips with us below!
