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BJs
DC Metro locations
This is hands down my favorite wholesale clubs! Easier to navigate and far less crowded than the oh so popular Costco. Plus, unlike Costco, BJs carries Pampers. BJs also has a generous offering of different wines for diverse palettes. I was pleasantly surprised that I could pick up much needed spirits in addition to diapers. They really do go hand in hand. Their product selection is on par with Costco. BJs is typically less crowded than your local Costco. They also have competitive prices on electronics, baby books, toys, greeting cards and more! Don’t forget to check out the mattress selection when Junior is ready for a bed. They offer self-checkout and take all major credit cards. Pick up a soft pretzel at the food counter for your little one before you start your journey. Note, get a one day pass on the web.
Costco
DC Metro locations
Costco is a homerun for new moms and humans everywhere. The store boasts a huge selection of EVERYTHING. Hosting a party, Costco has a great selection of food, dips, heat and serve appetizers, prepared foods and amazing cakes! Check out the excellent selection of toys. During Christmas, they carry many brand name items. Similar to BJs, they have great deals on twin mattresses for your little ones. For babies, they carry Huggies not Pampers. Their Carters gear for babies and toddlers rocks and you can't beat the price! My only gripe is the shoppers! Getting in the door, through the aisles and past the checkout counter resembles the "Running of the Bulls" in Pamplona. Plus, they only take cash, check, ATM or Amex, no Visa or MasterCard. Keep your sanity and go during off hours!
Giant Food Market
DC Metro locations
Local, reliable, nice staff. Giant is an old favorite and one of the oldest, most trusted grocery chains in the DC area. They consistently deliver a solid offering for all of your grocery needs. Giant gets high marks for their Peapod service and prepared foods. Try the Panini sandwiches. Yum! Noteworthy, Giant has a kids club that offers online games, activities and specials for your little one.
Harris Teeter
Check website for DC Metro locations
This grocery store has long been one of my favorites in the DC area. Harris Teeter has a great store layout, competitive prices and an awesome prepared food section. The chain is relatively new to the DC area and, in my opinion, has edged out competition like Giant and Safeway. The staff is always hospitable and the store was always spotless with wide aisles to easily navigate your path with an active child. They have a great selection of everyday products. Noteworthy, Harris Teeter offers an Express Lane service that allows you to order online and then pick up your groceries at a designated time. The concept is awesome. Even though you are avoiding the aisle to aisle "shopping experience", you still can run in pick up your order and grab a rotisserie chicken for dinner. Brilliant!
Mom's (My Organic Market)
DC Metro locations
Totally green and totally local. These folks are an altruistic group that believe produce can change the world. Well sort of… MOMs practices what they preach and the store reflects an unwavering commitment to our planet through the sale of quality organic products. The store that I visited was filled with a super friendly staff that ALWAYS walks your groceries to the car. That kind of help is always welcomed with a toddler. Noteworthy, the majority of MOM's prices are better than Whole Foods; however, I have found some mainstream organic beauty products and essential oils were less at Wegman's.
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Safeway
DC Metro locations
You know the drill, Safeway has been a staple for Metro DC residents. Multiple stores, great fresh fruits and vegetables plus an awesome assortment of prepared foods. Safeway is nice destination and the club card brings a lot of additional savings to your trip to the grocery store. Noteworthy, my only pet peeve with Safeway is the staff or lack thereof. I am often in express checkout lines forever. Plus I gave up on their evening Rotisserie chickens. They always seem to waiting on another batch around 6pm. Still, if this the store that is closest to your home, they are great for everyday essentials.
Trader Joe's
DC Metro locations
Bohemian Grocer with a commitment to all things organic is how I would best describe Trader Joe's. Upon entering you soon realize this is more local market than grocery chain. A thoughtful offering of organic and regular products abounds from the aisles. Friendly employees greet you wearing a smile and a Hawaiian shirt. Toto we're not in DC anymore. This small grocer continues to expand its offering with new store fronts across the DC Metro area. You will become a believer when you see the line up of exceptional gourmet cheeses, organic produce and an impressive wine selection! Noteworthy, you won't find many mainstream brands adoring the aisles, but shelves are stocked with products that are great for adults and kids. Prices are very reasonable. You can go green without breaking the bank!
Wegman's
DC Metro locations
Wegman's is simply the best! I fell in love with the store when it opened a mile from my house. Think high end, gourmet restaurant meets everyday needs. They have an amazing wine cellar, incredible prepared foods, a sinful bakery and a lush floral section. Plus, the decor and kitchen items are always unique one-of -kind finds. From the specialty cheese department to the extensive offering of organic food and products, I adore everything this store offers. The folks at Wegman's are warm and friendly. They have always been so nice to my little one. From the extra slice of cheese they offer Junior to the overhead train located at the back of the store, Wegman's makes shopping with a critter a lot easier.
Whole Foods Markets
DC Metro locations
www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
Attention please, you have reached "Organic Heaven". Let's face it; no one can touch Whole Food Markets for its unwavering organic offering. If you are going green and have the wallet for it, this is your grocery store. In addition to it unrivaled selection of organic goods, they also boast an amazing prepared food section. The store also has a love for wine. In the new Fairfax store, there is a wine tasting room with 80 wines on tap. Naturally an extensive selections of competitively priced wines are available to purchase. Noteworthy, my only issue is the absence of mainstream items and the high prices. It is quality, but you are most definitely paying for it!
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