Editor:
I just wanted to vent to someone on the subject of Bella’s Market in Wellington not providing basic staples on its shelves — no deli meat, no eggs, little-to-no produce etc., etc., etc.
I recently read an article about the very same things in the Bella’s store in Akron (on the Eastern Plains) and those residents have an even longer drive to shop at a “real” grocer (20 miles) than we do in Wellington (10 miles).
My wife and I have been loyal customers of theirs and other businesses in town and it is frustrating and frankly downright maddening that they can’t provide us with a decent grocery store! This town is growing and needs a commitment from a real grocer.
I honestly think the town needs to dump them and bring in an Albertson’s or someone that will give us what we need and someone to be proud of when deciding to shop there. And, if not, I WILL spend my money in Fort Collins!
Jim Hauter
Wellington
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I agree with Jim’s letter. I was in there 30 minutes ago and the store is pathetic. I took pictures because I feel most people wouldn’t believe that a store could be so poorly stocked. I am done spending my money there. It is not a big deal to me to shop in Ft. Collins but I am worried about my senior and low income neighbors that aren’t as able to make the trip. Bella’s clean up your act! I’m done with you but there are others that rely upon this store.
Couldn’t agree more that Bella’s has been floundering. However, being a realist, I can’t help but think that maybe our town is just a bit on the small side for a bigger chain to plant roots in the area. 10 years from now? Different story. Until then, we’ll most likely have to settle for a smaller chain.
Nick, Albertson’s was just an example of a well run grocery store and since they were forced out of their N. College location by Sooper’s maybe they’d be interested? Bottom line is this town and area deserves a commitment from a good grocer and Bella’s isn’t it. I could care less if they are a small chain or not as long as they stock their shelves! Also, I would think that a respectable grocer would see our obvious potential.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to petition some grocery store chains through their websites / phone numbers to show that there is some interest in another grocer here in town. I tend to agree with Nick that Wellington is probably still a bit on the small side for one of the bigger stores to invest here, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
It is nice to think that you can run and get quick items from Bella’s Market and have the piece of mind that you are shopping local. What is worse, is finding three items there, and having to run to the other stores in FTC to complete your trip. What is going on that we are a growing town and no one wants to provide basics???
And… WHERE IS OUR PARK???????