Need to Find a New Grocery?

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 08/11/2019

Changing locations is daunting. There are a plethora of exciting things to learn and do. One that might not be on your radar ahead of the move is finding a place to source your food. Most people have a favorite grocery store. You know, it's your go-to place because you know exactly where to find things. You get what you need and are in and out in a flash.

If your chain is national, you're in luck, because most modern grocery chains have similar layouts and offer similar, if not the same, product lines. Some chains, however, go by different names in different states. In this case, each brand may have its quirks, local products, and unique layout while still offering some of the nationally branded items. If you have a loyalty card from your current store, comparable "sister" stores may be on a list on the back or the connecting website. Visit the sister store to see if it appeals to your comfort level but check out other local stores as well. Some grocery conglomerations allow you to use your loyalty points interchangeably among all their stores, while others limit access to local stores.

For those that typically shop at farmers' markets, co-operatives, and directly from the source, finding local alternatives may be a little more difficult. Many area farmers' markets list hours and locations online, but you also might discover your local library is a better resource for information.

Some cities also boast small "mom and pop" shops that specialize in regional foods or ethnic products and spices. You might find the best ready-to-bake chicken parmigiana you've ever had at that tiny shop around the corner. And if your taste runs to more exotic fare and African, Hispanic, or Asian markets might have just the specialty items you need.

Check out local butchers, bakers, well, and even candle-stick makers for regionally sourced produce, locally baked bread, and farm-to-table livestock.

And if you prefer a more extensive, one-stop-shop type store, you may find local versions with higher quality goods or locally sourced products than the nationwide brands. Some stores even offer special-order products unavailable from other sources.

Some local stores may offer special events such as cooking classes or live music and outdoor seating with a dine-in option. Plan to explore new culinary experiences in your new home by branching out from the national chain stores to include local produce and spices, ethnic stores, and farmers’ markets.

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About the Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.