Supermarket Swap WHO HAS THE RIGHT PRICE AT BARRACKS? by Katie Rothery and Rebecca Otis Grocery shopping is a fine art. Just spend your afternoon watching little old ladies selecting the shiniest apple from the pile or the perfect dozen eggs, and you'll agree. Unfortunately, as college students we have neither the time nor the patience to devote to mastering the skill of grocery-getting frugality. Instead, we spend a few hurried moments in frantic search for a 24-roll package of toilet paper so that we don't have to return to the palace of linoleum floors and fluorescent lights for at least three weeks. So where should discerning Wahoos go to stock their pantries, refrigerators, and (eventually) stomachs with perishables and non? It all depends on what you're looking for. Searching for the evasive bargain of edible enlightenment, we equipped ourselves with the squeaky metal carts of our favorite Barracks Road supermarkets. We took notes on everything from frozen guacamole to paper plates. Our first inclination was that between Farmer Jack, Kroger, and Harris Teeter we would easily be able to determine which store had the best bang for the buck. We soon discovered, however, that there is little variation in price among the three. Yet each store offers a unique grocery shopping experience, especially for us ... the novice shoppers. Hands down, Farmer Jack isn't lying when they say that their prices are "cheap cheap cheap." It is our observation that the Jack excels in the area of basic necessities, such as milk, eggs, produce, and condiments. Shoppers can expect consistent low prices on national brands, as well as daily double and triple coupon savings. While Farmer Jack has less shelf space and overall area than its Barracks competitors, it boasts a less crowded small-town atmosphere and quaintness. Loyal customers return every week for a low-key shopping experience. At the risk of sounding a bit degrading, we must assert that Kroger is the epitome of the generic grocery shopping experience. The atmosphere is incredibly Anytown, USA, but the store itself has merits. It arrived at a close second for everyday shopping bargains, especially considering the huge inventory of generic alternatives to national brands. And we found that checkout totals can be less than anywhere else for the average college shopper, unafraid to jump off the commercial bandwagon. Harris Teeter appeals to a new age of over-sized, eclectic grocery stores, where you don't have to know what you want when you walk in the door. Shoppers can expect greater variety at a slightly higher price. The VIC program and additional 5% discount for student card-holders helps to defray the cost of this urban-like shopping experience. Even with these discounts, overall checkout totals are the highest in the Barracks area, but what persevering shoppers have come to understand is that you get what you pay for. If you are looking for cleanliness, selection, and speed, Harris Teeter surpasses its competitors. Now for specifics. Harris Teeter and Farmer Jack have excellent produce sections. Harris Teeter has more variety and better organic fruits and vegetables, but the Jack has better prices and locally grown foods. As far as produce is concerned, Kroger simply lacks in pricing and selection. What's up with that? Perhaps Kroger is so busy perfecting their amazing supply of generics that they have to let the produce slide. Shoppers who are looking for cheaper alternatives will not be disappointed with the price or the taste. Farmer Jack's generics give the store a competitive edge as well. Harris Teeter falls into a distant third with its pricey, bland generics. Avoid the pasta at all costs. Harris Teeter counters its lacking supply of generics with an amazing deli and salad bar, complete with an in-house dining area equipped with a television. The area is well-kept, and there are clean public bathrooms nearby. The Kroger and Farmer Jack delicatessens pale in comparison. Much to the dismay of the recently established University Alcohol Task Force, all three stores cater to the inveterate late-night Wahoo beer run. Each has a wide variety of domestic, imports, and microbrews in bottles, cans, and kegs, as well as an extensive wine selection. Most intriguing of the three is Kroger's "mix and match" six-pack for $7.49. Now for the nitty-gritty. Our quest down the aisles of edibles took some strange turns. For instance, one of our first discoveries was the cigar section in both Harris Teeter and Kroger. The selections are comparable, but Kroger's prices are more reasonable. Next, we stumbled upon an intriguing dichotomy: of the three stores, Kroger is the only one without pre-rolled sushi, but it's also the only one with an accessible section for contraceptives. You can purchase condoms at Farmer Jack, but you have to request them at the customer service desk, amid other ogling customers. Harris Teeter neglects to sell contraceptives on the premise that it is a "family-oriented" establishment. Ironically, Harris Teeter boasts the most comprehensive of beer and wine selections. Of the grocery stores at Barracks Road, there is no one that surpasses all others. What is sacrificed on one side of the shopping center can be made up on the other. For a speedy, inexpensive shopping experience, we recommend Kroger. But to avoid a monotonous diet, we suggest splurging and sprucing up your shelves with a visit or two to Harris Teeter -- especially if vegetarian or international cuisine is what you crave. And for those of you who wish to avoid bumping carts with other shoppers or just want to feel warm and fuzzy when you buy your groceries, head on into the Jack. Our best advice is to watch for specials, clip a few coupons, and sign up for a VIC card. Take your time and shop wisely, dear Wahoos.

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