MANILA, Philippines - There are some people who think that grocery shopping is a tedious chore. They drag their feet to the supermarket, rushing from one aisle to another in a huff, hoping to get things over and done with as soon as possible. Perhaps they feel that this activity is a necessary evil, one that they have to engage in to put cooked food on the table.
But if you're like me, you know that grocery shopping can be loads of fun. With a spring in your step, you enter the cool selling area, wander through the rows and rows of merchandise, check out a new item here and there, taste new products from a promo booth, discover discounted specials and generally enjoy an hour or two in retail heaven.
That glorious grocery shopping experience is taken up several notches higher at the newly renovated Shopwise Araneta. Given new life since it was built in 2004, it sits comfortably at the heart of the Fiesta Carnival in Cubao, one of Araneta Center's most prominent landmarks.
RSCI President Donnie Tantoco remarked at the store's recent relaunch: ''Shopwise Araneta redefines supermarket shopping for our customers in the North with the new concepts we have brought in --- from the carefully considered store layout and merchandise arrangements, the branch's new design and renovations, to the latest product and food offerings we have.''
Indeed, once inside Shopwise Araneta, people may discover that it is bigger than what they expected. The aisles are wider, the floors are comfortable to walk on, the lights are brighter, the displays are more attractive, the merchandise layout is friendlier and it is easier to find items.
And speaking of items, there are products here that may not be available in other supermarkets. God bless the Rustan Group for sourcing such high-quality merchandise and making them available to the Pinoy shoppers. (Granulated Splenda by the kilo packs for diabetic baking needs, I found you!)
The goods are easier to find because Shopwise has grouped related products in their relevant Solution Centers ''according to the solution they offer''. So, you can browse for your preferred products in their own little nooks. Aisles are numbered and labeled clearly and efficiently so you won't get lost. And if you are still directionally challenged, friendly and courteous store personal will show you the way; they may even personally take you to the actual aisle that you are looking for.
Aside from the regular grocery items, there is also a Pharmacy for medical needs. Then there is Playwise, paradise for active kids and great relief for parents who can leave their children there with trained staff while they go shopping.
Going beyond the usual, Shopwise offers a range of home appliances and equipment, along with fashion retail items for casual wear, wardrobe basics and trendy pieces.
Now, if you don't want to go shopping on an empty stomach, or if your stomach empties while shopping, there is a choice of dining outlets available to silence the hunger pangs. Reminiscent of the popular 1950s retro diner with its bar stools and jukebox is the Shopwise Soda Fountain, which serves American classics like burgers, hotdogs, milkshakes, sodas, floats and French fries.
The ''first-of-its-kind'' Mongolian grill within a supermarket is the Mongolian Stir Fry. For a reasonable price, diners can create their own bowl of stir-fried goodness from a selection of freshly chopped vegetables, meats, seafood, poultry and various sauces.
Going Japanese? Walk to the Sushi and Sashimi counter to sample fresh sashimi and sushi.
And then there's Le Gourmet Deli, where you can take your pick of cured deli meats, sausages, cold cuts, hams and cheeses. Also available are sandwiches, grilled sausages cooked on the spot and special deli or cheese platters.
Shopwise VP for Marketing Frances Yu summed it all up: ''When you shop at Shopwise, you are not just shopping in a supermarket. With all the retail and dining choices available, it is also a chance for family bonding. That is why grocery shopping is no longer a chore; it becomes a pleasurable experience.''
Shopwise Araneta is located at the corner of Gen. Aguinaldo and McArthur Streets in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. For more information, visit their website at www.shopwise.com.ph or like them in http://facebook.com/shopwisesupercenters.
