Monday, July 12, 2010

Checking Out Z Mart Dollar Plus Food Store

I followed up on a tweet from HStreetDC and decided to stop by this new establishment that is located at 806 H Street. As you probably gleaned from its name, this is a dollar store. Many of its offerings are typical of other dollar stores in the area, except that it carries a more extensive selection of food items. In addition to the normal canned soups, you can also buy staples like flour and sugar. They've only been open two days, and it looks like they are still pricing many items. I picked up a bottle of Kikkoman Soy Sauce that didn't have a price tag and it ended up running me $1.29.  The clerk, who I think may have also been the owner, introduced himself as Muhammad. He was all smiles, and eager to talk about the newly opened business. The plan appears to be to undersell the Rite-Aid across the street. He was a young guy and very friendly. Consider stopping by the next time you need a few kitchen items and don't want to brave the lines at Safeway. They also had a good selection of cold sodas.

17 comments:

jamie said...

Interesting. I hope they do well, but I also really hope they stop trying to fight Fashion One for the worst paint job. If you check out the paint behind their sign, you'll see it looks like a drunk did it, and forgot a few coats.

Campy said...

Cool. What's the story with H Street Pharmacy a few doors down?

inked said...

I haven't been by there yet.

curmudgeon said...

What's the deal with the painted sign/banner at the former site of the Majestic? Anyone know?

Michael said...

Also, what's the deal with the new 7-Eleven going in at the H Street Connection?

Derek said...

@Michael~ They are constructing the interior for the 7-11 and are expected to open around Labor Day. Also, they will be open 24/7 and are committed to the neighborhood. They will have a regular clean up of the area around their store too. At least that is what the owner told me.

I watched them paint the Z-Mart and I don't think they were drunk, just...

Rayful Edmond said...

There's also a 7-11 going in at the NY Ave Metro.

Source: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2010/07/08/7-11-tidal-wave-approaching-d-c/

Anonymous said...

If you think the Z Mart Dollar Plus is an improvement to H St. you clearly have very low standards.

inked said...

11:07,
I just don't think every dollar store is necessary dragging the Corridor down. Some people like dollar stores, and they can be handy if you just need a few things. I try to check out new businesses that might be of interest to readers. I'd gotten some questions about Z Mart.

There's really no need for you to be a creep about it. If you don't like the place just don't shop there.

Tom A. said...

On a similar note- I visted the Aldi in Baltimore County (Randallstown) earlier today. I was NOT impressed at all. You have to pay 25 cents to use a cart- they are connected similarly to the carts you have to pay to use at airports. The jarred, canned and boxed food was mostly still in the boxes with the fronts cut out so you could grab individual items.

It sort of makes the food section at a Target seem like a Whole Foods.

I'm thinking a new store at Heckinger Mall would be nicer, but be forwarned! It was NOTHING like the store pics on their website.

The selection and prices WERE both pretty good, however.

Anonymous said...

Careful Tom..you mentioned whole foods and target in one sentence. Prepare to be flamed by yuppie haters

Sarah said...

Tom A. -- Your description of aldi is hilarious. You do understand that what you describe are principle features of their business model? The costs are kept down by keeping it warehouse-like and the cart system is an efficiency mechanism as well.

Anonymous said...

It doesnt cost you twenty five cents to get ashopping cart. You get your quarter back when you return the cart. Which is better than leaving it in the parking lot like everybody else does.

Alan Page said...

what are the hours for z mart?

Tom A. said...

Sarah, I had NOT been to an Aldi before, nor had I examined their business model before going in. I just wanted to check it out since they are coming to Heckinger Mall. It's not bad at all, but wil not be an improvement to the corridor. In fact, when people hear Aldi- I thnk many will think "ghetto." Many home owners in the neighborhood are looking for businesses that will bring in more middle class residents. I think most people do not want more dollar stores, checking cashing places, and liquor stores.

diane said...

On a totally different note. My 3 year old granddaughter was visiting for several days last week and wanted ice cream (what's new-LOL)it was warm and we walked to Ritas for custard (which BTW is great) Emily ended up with blue raspberry water ice and loved it. We sat down inside and visited with some other folks from the neighborhood while we were all enjoying our purchases. PWI may be nice and the lady more than friendly, but I was very happy to be able to sit and enjoy our stuff and not walk around letting it drip all over. I am sold on Ritas..

Tom A. said...

Huh, just read a comment that I completely disagreed with before realizing it was MY comment from 3 years ago!

I'm a huge fan of the new Aldi, and I go there at least 2x a month for dry goods.

And in my defense, the Randallstown store IS a dump compared to the shiny new store we have in NE DC.