“I like it. It’s much easier to get around,” said Kathleen Trent, an employee shopping before heading home to the Hill District after her morning shift. “The other customers seem to like it too and business seems to be picking up.”
Trent said she’s seen some customers coming down the hill from Bloomfield and Garfield since the Bottom Dollar store closed in December.
Cramer, a Duquesne University alumnus who’s spent more than 20 years in the grocery business—the last 10 as SuperValu’s Central Region Retail Technology Manager—said he’d love it if customers came down the hill, but he’s not banking on it.
“I hope business comes down the hill, but I’ve tried that drive to the store a couple of different ways, and it’s tough. The roads are narrow and winding, and at rush hour, it’s really slow,” he said. “Frankly, I’m working on keeping the people from Lawrenceville shopping here, instead of going over to the Waterworks.”
Part of that plan involves not only the expanded fresh produce section, but also the introduction of a Wild Harvest Natural and Organic products section that should appeal to the younger demographic helping to transform the neighborhood.
Cramer, and his wife have also expanded the store’s meat, floral, full-service deli and bakery departments, and are introducing a Dollar Aisle for their value-conscience shoppers.
All this means more work for stock clerk Shane Washington of East Liberty. But that’s fine with him.
“I like it, I’m moving constantly, never get bored,” he said. “I’ve got the best job here.”
The remodeled store also offers double coupons up to 99 cents and weekly specials. Customers who sign up for a SHOP ‘n SAVE Perks Card receive special discounts, along with “Pump Perks” savings on fuel purchases at more than 130 Sunoco gas stations.
To officially celebrate the expansion, on Feb. 12, the Cramers gave away gift cards to random customers, and two received a pair of tickets to an upcoming Pittsburgh Penguins game.
(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
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