Hunter’s Shop n’ Save Rebuild

[Grady223]

I understand the projected reopening of Hunter’s Shop n’ Save will but sometime in June. This is wonderful news! Anyone have current pictures of its status? We are Wolfeboro area islanders and miss it terribly.

[camp guy]

I don't have any pictures, but I can tell you that the level of activity on the site is crazy busy. There are pieces of equipment everywhere, construction workers everywhere, and all aimed at the some-time-in-June opening date.
The "new" store is larger than before, and will be equipped with the latest and greatest technology available.
Yes, everybody is anxiously awaiting Opening Day.

[tis]

There are pictures on FB.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by camp guy

I don't have any pictures, but I can tell you that the level of activity on the site is crazy busy. There are pieces of equipment everywhere, construction workers everywhere, and all aimed at the some-time-in-June opening date.
The "new" store is larger than before, and will be equipped with the latest and greatest technology available.
Yes, everybody is anxiously awaiting Opening Day.

Yes, drove by the other day, and it's impressive from the street. I do not have a sense for how much larger, but I hope they are able to maintain the homey feeling of the old place. It was just big enough for a full shop, without the overwhelming abundance/crowds of most supermarkets

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by tis

There are pictures on FB.

Link? Can't locate them. Thanks

[tis]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

Link? Can't locate them. Thanks

This is the only one I found but I know there are some after this. Try "Wolfeboro Community Group" for more and " You Know You're From Wolfeboro, NH if" also because I thought there were some there.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1858...%20%27n%20save

[patman]

Pictures as of today

[FlyingScot]

June seems optimistic. Anyone with actual knowledge?

[tis]

They are hiring help for a June opening.

[BrownstoneNorth]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

June seems optimistic. Anyone with actual knowledge?

Daniel Craffey, who's the owner, has been posting consistently on the Wolfeboro Community Group Facebook that he expects the grand opening to be on June 20. The most recent post I noticed was April 1: “June 20, see you there.”

This is the link to the group but you have to be a member to read the posts: https://www.facebook.com/groups/830382647075496

[tis]

"Hunters Shop N Save last update before 6/20 @ 10 am grand opening. Beautiful refrigerated Cases are being installed now, shelving comes next week, siding should be done soon, sewer hook up soon , parking lot curbing and paving soon. Decor package is being manufactured and installed next 4 - 5 weeks . Still lots to do but on schedule. Thank you again for your patience. Our employees are excited to see all our old and new customers again!"

This is from Daniel Craffey and he says it's the last update.

[patman]

As of today

[tis]

We just went by. It looks great, doesn't it? Maybe even better than it does in your pictures.

[TheTimeTraveler]

I was by yesterday as well and it does look fantastic!

The only downside I see is that I believe available parking will be an issue during peak business times in July and August. I don't believe enough parking spaces will be available if the new Hunter's store does more business than the old Hunter's store did.

Available parking spaces likely will also hurt Walgreens (as well as Hunters) during peak periods.

[tis]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

I was by yesterday as well and it does look fantastic!

The only downside I see is that I believe available parking will be an issue during peak business times in July and August. I don't believe enough parking spaces will be available if the new Hunter's store does more business than the old Hunter's store did.

Available parking spaces likely will also hurt Walgreens (as well as Hunters) during peak periods.

You know it is closer to the street than it used to be so it certainly does look like it has less parking but it does have as many parking places as it did before if not more.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by tis

You know it is closer to the street than it used to be so it certainly does look like it has less parking but it does have as many parking places as it did before if not more.

Well I am not real good with math but I don't know how you can have the same amount of parking if the new building is longer and wider than the previous old A&P building (Hunter's). Unless the lot size has grown you most definitely won't have "more parking spaces than it did before"........

The month of July will be the real test!

[Descant]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Well I am not real good with math but I don't know how you can have the same amount of parking if the new building is longer and wider than the previous old A&P building (Hunter's). Unless the lot size has grown you most definitely won't have "more parking spaces than it did before"........

The month of July will be the real test!

Parking is always something that Planning Boards look at as part of site plan approval. One way to "gain" invisible parking is to provide employee parking offsite. You can also gain parking by moving outdoor product sales e.g. plants, somewhere else, or agreeing to remove snow instead of storing it on site. I don't know what they've done here, but I expect it will all work out.

[tis]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Well I am not real good with math but I don't know how you can have the same amount of parking if the new building is longer and wider than the previous old A&P building (Hunter's). Unless the lot size has grown you most definitely won't have "more parking spaces than it did before"........

The month of July will be the real test!

They bought a couple of building in back of them and also Walgreen's (the building not the business) so they are going to have more parking in the back. Not sure if it's still in the works but they were talking about a drive through at Walgreen's. Of course drive throughs are frowned upon in Wolfeboro.

[FlyingScot]

On track for June 20!

24 full time employees kept on the payroll--the owner is a stand up guy

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...71586a5c6.html

[tis]

We saw the power truck there today hooking up electricity. That has to be a good sign, right?

[KPW]

Originally Posted by patman

As of today

If you look at the fence, it looks like the same amount of parking on that side.

[Lil' Barndoor Guy]

Is there going to be parking at the rear of the building?

[tis]

Originally Posted by Lil' Barndoor Guy

Is there going to be parking at the rear of the building?

Yes. Because they moved it closer to the road. They had to get special exception for the building because in the downtown area buildings are supposed to be 5' from the sidewalk and it was set back a lot further with the parking lot in the front.

[patman]

Sorry no pictures, but drove by yesterday and the parking lot is paved and striped. Some signage is up, but it's not quite 100% yet. I noticed they put up big "Wolfeboro, the oldest summer resort in America" lettering on the white panel on the side of the building between the loading dock (walgreens corner) and the front entrance. Looks like the sign at the town line on rt 28.

[bobkatfly]

Driving by, it looks like shelves are stocked

[tis]

Opening Thursday.

[Mr. V]

How are the prices there?

Wolfeboro is a pricey place, generally, so I'd expect shoppers have to pay a preimium.

[KPW]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

How are the prices there?

Wolfeboro is a pricey place, generally, so I'd expect shoppers have to pay a preimium.

They said they will have the same prices as the local Hannafords.

[hilltopper]

Originally Posted by KPW

They said they will have the same prices as the local Hannafords.

If Wolfeboro's Hannaford prices are like Meredith's Hannaford summer prices then yes, Hunter's shoppers will be paying a premium.

[tis]

They said the same as Alton and Ossipee. But since when haven't prices gone up in the summer?

[TheTimeTraveler]

I visited the new Hunters yesterday (grand re-opening) and thought they did a nice job on the rebuild.

The new store is bigger than the old store and better laid out, yet it is still a relatively small store when compared to other modern supermarkets. A good addition to Wolfeboro for sure.

Interestingly enough they no longer offer full sized shopping carts. I found it interesting that all they offered were the upper shelved half sized shopping carriages. Not sure why other than they take up a lot less space in the entrance area.

Parking was fine and there is a new parking lot at the rear of the store but ONLY accessible by the rear side street. NO rear entrance available to access the store so you do need to walk around to the front to get in if you park in back.

Let's wish the Hunter brothers success with their new store!

[tis]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

I visited the new Hunters yesterday (grand re-opening) and thought they did a nice job on the rebuild.

The new store is bigger than the old store and better laid out, yet it is still a relatively small store when compared to other modern supermarkets. A good addition to Wolfeboro for sure.

Interestingly enough they no longer offer full sized shopping carts. I found it interesting that all they offered were the upper shelved half sized shopping carriages. Not sure why other than they take up a lot less space in the entrance area.

Parking was fine and there is a new parking lot at the rear of the store but ONLY accessible by the rear side street. NO rear entrance available to access the store so you do need to walk around to the front to get in if you park in back.

Let's wish the Hunter brothers success with their new store!

Hunter brothers? The Hunter's done own it any more.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by tis

Hunter brothers? The Hunter's done own it any more.

I wasn't aware that the Hunters had sold out.

That said, let's wish the new Hannaford much success in Wolfeboro.

[tis]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

I wasn't aware that the Hunters had sold out.

That said, let's wish the new Hannaford much success in Wolfeboro.

I lose track of time but it was several years ago. Sally has a store downtown now. Daniel Craffey is the owner and also own Grant's which is in Glen.

[FlyingScot]

Sadly, I have to disagree with Time Traveler. It now feels like a "normal" supermarket. I liked it when it was homey and did not mind the space-limited selection.

Unfortunately, they have not used the increase in space well--there does not seem to be more variety between value-priced products and interesting or premium products as exists at Heath's (just for example). Rather they just have more middle of the road products in a no longer quaint setting.

Store seemed loud and lighting and sound system need to be tweaked, but maybe these are things they will figure out over time. I did not know about back parking lot; front parking lot is extremely difficult to navigate if you enter at the north opening.

I will probably try again in a month, but I think I now prefer Harvest

[tis]

Flying Scott, the back lot was full of workmen and equipment so you couldn't park there. We couldn't find a parking space so tried to go out there but no luck. The store was so busy I could barely get through to get the few things I needed. When it calms down I will look around more.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

We just returned from a preview of the new store. We were very impressed, and happy that their prices on most items seem to be in line with Hannaford stores elsewhere. I thought it was well laid out….it’s not huge, but I get overwhelmed in places like Market Basket, which is enormous, so my opinion, for what it’s worth is that it’s a win for the Wolfeboro area. 🎉💥🎉

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Sadly, I have to disagree with Time Traveler. It now feels like a "normal" supermarket. I liked it when it was homey and did not mind the space-limited selection.

Unfortunately, they have not used the increase in space well--there does not seem to be more variety between value-priced products and interesting or premium products as exists at Heath's (just for example). Rather they just have more middle of the road products in a no longer quaint setting.

Store seemed loud and lighting and sound system need to be tweaked, but maybe these are things they will figure out over time. I did not know about back parking lot; front parking lot is extremely difficult to navigate if you enter at the north opening.

I will probably try again in a month, but I think I now prefer Harvest

This was my experience also, although the store is beautiful and there are many benefits, right now it has lost its home town feel. One thing I always appreciated about Hunters (when the Hunters owned it especially), was they had a wide selection of items used by people who cook. I am a "Hannaford's" shopper though, so I am glad those items are again closer than Alton or Ossipee.
I have noticed that Harvest has "upped" the selection of expensive items (such as cheeses), and I hope they continue to thrive. There is room for more than one grocery in town.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

They have done a great job of turning the old worn out store into a modern and clean, inviting supermarket. The produce was beautifully displayed, fresh and clean, and we were really impressed, especially given that the place has been open for only a week! We hope they do well, and judging from the parking lot, they are off to a great start. When I want a store that’s charming and old, I visit a country store. For everyday shopping, give me spiffy, clean and modern.
JMHO

[fatlazyless]

Does the new Hunter's Market in Wolfeboro have self check-out stations or has it stayed with cashiers and bag-ers?

You know the Market Basket in Plymouth, opened in May 2021, doesn't have any self check-outs and uses a cashier and a bag-er while the nearby Walmart and Hannaford rely on self check-out with a monitor person. (Hey buddy, you missed that second frozen pizza that's under the first pizza, underneath there? ...... )

[camp guy]

To FLL - yes, Hunter's has both self-checkouts, and cashiers with baggers. The cashier stations are more prominent than the self-checkout stations, and this is by design. Hunter's has always been about people.
To some of the earlier posters who had negatives to say, I hope you actually have been to the new store to see all the improvements. Someone posted the Hunter's only had small shopping carts - NOT TRUE, there are actually three sizes.
Any time a business opens there is an adjustment period needed to settle-in to the new surroundings, and I am sure it is no different with Hunter's. Everything, absolutely everything is new, so even the returning employees will need a little time to settle-in.
I am not involved with Hunter's in any way, only a satisfied customer.

[sunfishman]

Someone mentioned that you must walk around the block to get to the rear parking. Not so, there is a walkway to the rear through which one can wheel their cart. To park your car there, you must drive around to the rear street. no big deal

[tummyman]

From what I have heard from many, Market Basket will not go to self checkout. The cashier and bagger are part of their culture.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by tummyman

From what I have heard from many, Market Basket will not go to self checkout. The cashier and bagger are part of their culture.

One reason to eliminate self checkout: There is too much theft.

Target and other retailers invested heavily in self-checkout options during the pandemic to limit human interaction and mitigate the spread of the virus as well as to save on labor costs. However, some studies have found that self-checkout enables more customer theft.

A 2023 LendingTree survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers found that 15% of self-checkout users purposely stole goods. Forty-four percent of self-checkout thieves also said they would do it again.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

One reason to eliminate self checkout: There is too much theft.

Target and other retailers invested heavily in self-checkout options during the pandemic to limit human interaction and mitigate the spread of the virus as well as to save on labor costs. However, some studies have found that self-checkout enables more customer theft.

A 2023 LendingTree survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers found that 15% of self-checkout users purposely stole goods. Forty-four percent of self-checkout thieves also said they would do it again.

Great society we live in isn't it?

Sad...

Dan

[The Real BigGuy]

It is, after all, “all about me!”


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