Much like the lines that form outside of Apple or Best Buy stores when a new product is released, people are camping out in anticipation of a supermarket chain, Wegmans, opening its doors for the first time in Chapel Hill Feb. 24. The line, wrapping around the building and consisting of about 50 people, is an expression of the local hype that has surrounded the store after years of construction delays.
“I am, like, super excited for Wegmans to finally open,” said Bella Hong, a UNC junior who has been 12th in line since she started camping out a week ago. “I’m planning to be one of the first people in the store to make sure I don’t have to wrestle those stay-at-home moms for the Wegmans Organic Italian Classics Wood-Fire Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza. When it comes to affordable, keto junk food, those ladies can really throw down.”
Wegmans will also offer jobs to many local residents, including students at East.
“When I started working here two weeks ago, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Margot Radcliffe, a senior at East. “Even though we haven’t officially opened yet, though, the experience of just setting up has been amazing. They tell you when you start out that Wegmans will be like your family, and they’re right. Actually, this is better than my real family, because I’m getting paid.”
Oliver Perez, a local supermarket critic and self-proclaimed healthy foods expert, expressed enthusiasm that Wegmans would bring dietary options that hadn’t previously been available locally.
“Let’s face it, we live in Chapel Hill,” Perez said. “It’s not like you can already think of half a dozen stores off the top of your head around here that cater to a similar health and sustainability conscious demographic. Places with a large selection of organic, vegan, gourmet, etc, food are basically unheard of. Because of this, I think Wegmans could radically alter everyone’s lifestyles.”
People living in the University Heights area, where the new Wegmans will be located, have voiced concerns about the already overcrowded roads being overwhelmed by the increased traffic the store will generate. However, the most prominent complaint by far is FOMO around the supermarket’s grand opening.
“I really want to be there for the Wegman opening,” said Michelle Weaver, a Chapel Hill resident, “but my daughter’s wedding is scheduled for the same day. I’m conflicted about it, but I’ve decided that between a life-changing family milestone and Wegmans, Wegmans is just too important for me to miss. I’m sure my daughter will understand.”
When contacted, Wegmans declined to comment on the story, but asked that the newspaper remind readers to “come visit Wegmans from Jan. 24 to Mar. 2 for an OPENING-WEEK-SALES-EVENT of LIMITED-NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN-DEALS, which will also be extended from Mar. 3 until the end of time.” They also stressed that this article “is not intended to be promotional material in any way, but if you show it to us as you walk through the door, we’ll give you 10 percent off on all of our organic zero-calorie flavored sparkling water varieties.”
Photo by Jenny Blass/The ECHO
