“(skip to the fourth paragraph if you don't want to deal with my droning on and on, waxing romantically about the essence of this very store) Bodegas. The very word connotes a certain feel that can be summoned in practically any of these sorts of businesses. Whether it's in the hustle-bustle of NYC's Puerto Rican diaspora, or in an isolated bodega in Eastern Oregon that caters to a conglomerated latino/chicano population, or in this culturally Mexican "La Esperanza" (preferring to use "Tienda"), here on TLH's westernmost rim, the patron can still expect a microcosmic convenience store that has existed throughout history. Think of it as "The General Store" of our Western Expansion. Anyway - enough of my romanticizing the role of Bodegas/Tiendas. TLH does not have many bodegas/tiendas. Those I'm familiar with have set up shop largely outside and to the West of Capital Circle. There was one on South Monroe (adjacent to Nick's) that opened and swiftly closed months later - this was only a couple of years ago. Nonetheless, you still can find the occasional tienda such as this one. I don't have a drop of Spanish / Hispanic blood in me - BUT - here's my street cred: I grew up in the streets of Madrid all throughout elementary school and first year of middle school. So... - I've got that going for me. The Bodega/Tienda notion is fundamentally a Spanish one and I pretty much grew up in these. Those in Old (and New) Madrid are almost the same as these. They only vary by scale. La Esperanza - Tienda Mexicana serves up casera food throughout the week. There are particular offerings on particular days. If this interests you, you'll just have to acquaint yourself with the schedule. I don't know it well enough to recount it here. This store has a broad range of uniquely Mexican (and Central American) staples and products. there is a refrigerated section - but it's largely for non-perishables. I don't believe you'll find produce/groceries here. I would say this place is a novelty for most of us but a true oasis for many of our Mexican brethren among us - whether first generation, pre-first generation, or nth generation. I say this because you'll find easy ways of sending money back to "the old country" - and many conveniences that would attract Mexican ex-pats here. Additionally, you'll find a good number of Viva-Mexico apparel/knicknacks (e.g., soccer shirts, pinatas, etc.). I'm a sucker for Bodegas/Tiendas. You'll find me out at Silver Lake Meat Market (out on Highway 20) at least once a month because I can't find morcilla anywhere else. Puerto Rican morcilla isn't at all Morcilla de Burgos - but it certainly does well in a pinch. Anyway - come on and check this place out. Satisfy your explorer/adventurer's side. Heck - just come and enjoy it!”
“Gas prices are all right prices on the inside of the store are great as well and considering that the express Lane shut down the store across the street also it's only competition minus the Dollar general but with All odds in its favor it still would have turned out to be a pretty good store anyway....”
“Polite and fast cashier and workers. Always stocked up and has a great variety to chose from in all sections of the store. Needs some tidying up every now and then but it is a good spot to shop.”
The Cincinnati-based supermarket giant will open about 110 new stores in fast-growing markets by 2029 and introduce three updated store formats, executives told investors Oct. 20 at the company’s Investor Update in New York. Kroger already runs about 2,700 stores in 35 states. The formats come in three sizes, a bit like small, medium and large, matched to each market. Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger’s executive vice president and chief merchant and marketing officer, walked through the lineup.
Walmart shoppers want a head start on the holidays, and money explains a lot of it. Some 44% of respondents call affording the holidays their top stressor, and 61% say holiday costs shape their shopping mood. Asked what would make the season easier, 70% picked lower prices and 57% picked more deals and promotions. Convenience ranks lower: 30% want one-stop shopping across categories, and 20% want faster delivery.
Walmart wants your groceries at the door before the ice cream softens. On May 29, the retailer said its 30-minute-or-less delivery had reached 33 U.S. markets, adding a wave of new cities across the Northeast. Shoppers in those areas can order from more than 100,000 items, everything from fresh produce and baby formula to pet food, electronics, cold medicine, and prescriptions. Behind the scenes, the service leans on Walmart's store network and an algorithm that factors in order size, available drivers, and distance from the store.
Trader Joe's keeps adding stores, and shoppers keep showing up. The California grocer has marked nine more locations as "opening soon," pushing its expansion into new corners of the country. The grocer also took first place in the American Customer Satisfaction Index's 2026 supermarket rankings. It has held a spot near the top of that list for years.
Target is rolling out its most ambitious store overhaul in more than ten years, with plans to remodel over 130 locations and open 30 new stores across the country this year. The retailer is also putting money into supply chain technology upgrades to keep pace with how shoppers buy today.
