Matthew M.
Yelp
Smack in the middle of the best and most walkable neighborhood in the city, Phinney Ridge (98.6% walkable score according to Apartment Finder), is Ken's Market with a below average selection of what you would normally get at Fred Meyer, Safeway, Haggen's, Albertson's, etc. I came here looking for acidophilus milk, which nobody seems to have any more, and it's so important for your body and digestive system and immune system. Okay, I can live with that.
But the PRICES.
STICKER SHOCK. WOW. For a moment, I thought I was back in Alaska.
-- 1 Gallon regular Milk, $4.29. Fred Meyer, $1.79 usually on sale.
--1/2 Gallon regular milk, $2.99. Fred Meyer $1.99.
--1 each regular (Tillamook) Yogurt, $1.55. Fred Meyer, Safeway, 10/$6.00 or 60 cents each.
--1 Gallon Organic Milk, $7.99. Fred Meyer, Safeway, $5.99
--Dave's Bread, 1 loaf, $6.99. Fred Meyer, Safeway, $4.99.
--Ice Cream, Dreyer's, 1.75 Quarts, $6.99. Fred Meyer, Safeway, $4.99, 2 for $6.00 on sale.
etc.
--12 oz. box cereal, $5.29. Fred Meyer, 36 oz. bag $2.99 on sale for the same thing (corn flakes, frosted flakes, mini-wheats, etc.) 12. oz box at Fred Meyer, Safeway, $2.79 average.
etc.
So Ken's charges about 30% to 100% more than fair market prices, and in the case of yogurts, THREE TIMES what other stores are charging. Laughable prices (go ahead, mark this review as funny I will agree with you). I will not be returning here EVER. I will go to where the shopper is not RIPPED OFF. Even 7-11 has lower prices on milk and Ice Cream, so for a larger store to be beat by a convenience store is inexcusable and indefensible.
RIP OFF PRICES. Yet, this place still has a following, and I can't comprehend why people intentionally like to pay 30% to 100% more for exactly the same thing if only they drive a mile away to either Fred Meyer or Safeway. People that do these kinds of things like paying comically high prices really make no sense to me, but they must have a reason to do it. Maybe too lazy to drive down the street, I don't know. It's really too bad, though, if they lowered their prices they would have more business.
Parking is atrocious. Only a few off-street parking spots, and Ken's has to share the bank parking lot across the street. If it wasn't for that shared parking, Ken's would lose even more business.
Later today, I went to Fred Meyer and it was busy, as usual. Probably explains why there was only four or five other shoppers at Ken's.
Why pay more? I know, I know. Loyalty, etc., but I just can't buy it.
Have a nice day anyway.