According to a press release from the company, the reorganization plan calls for installing programs to modernize its finances and renovating its pricing system. Despite the company s financial problems, the local Niwot store s only major change is the temporary closing of the pharmacy. For the time being, it will remain closed, but as for permanent plans, I assume it won t stay closed, said Mark Wagner, the manager of the Niwot branch. I do know we haven t received any complaints from customers. Steele s main local competition comes from the Safeway store in south Longmont, and the King Soopers stores in Longmont and Gunbarrel.
Some customers say the prices are worth the convenience.
I ve never noticed a substantial difference in their prices, but if it is slightly more expensive than King Soopers or Safeway, it s definitely worth having a grocery store right here in town and to not have to drive fifteen minutes to pick a few things up, said Sherri Phillips, a Niwot resident. Another customer agreed with Phillips thoughts on convenience. It may not seem like a big hassle to drive fifteen minutes to go to an established chain store, but when you re busy, it s nice to have a store in your neighborhood, said Mary Mitchum. Wagner said he believes the store is competitively priced, but said it is sometimes difficult to compete with the bigger chain stores of King Soopers and Safeway. For the square footage we have available, I believe we do an excellent job, said Wagner.