Downtown San Jose is now home to The Market, a well-designed and unique grocery store operated by Safeway. Occupying almost the entire ground flood of The 88 (2nd & San Fernando), the new store is impossible to miss. The feeling that you are embarking on something new actually begins in the parking lot. Unlike any other grocery store in San Jose, you park in a garage directly below the Market and ride an elevator to the center of the store. However, what really makes The Market different from your cookie cutter Safeway is a strong focus on ready-to-eat foods. You'll find a fully stocked Delicatessen, fresh baked pizzas, a Sushi Bar (yes, that's right, a Sushi Bar), the entire Signature Cafe catalog, and even a Tully's coffee shop inside the store... all supported by plenty of seating both inside and out.
The focus is clearly on instant gratification. As packed as the new store was this weekend, within 10min you could easily walk in, grab everything you need for dinner, and be on your way. The 6 self checkout stands and 6 (at least) manned checkout stations played no small part in this. The idea is that instead of doing all of your grocery shopping everyone week or two, you could swing by The Market every couple days... grab whatever fresh food you're in the mood and either take it home or enjoy it right there in the store. The concept is very well suited at an urban lifestyle and I'm sure is destined for success. I also need to mention that I have never met friendlier staff at a grocery store before, they really make you feel welcomed there.
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