Clearview IGA

This is my local almost-​supermarket and, I must say, I do love knowing it’s around. This is not a 20 million aisle supermarket that makes your feet hurt by the time you get to the milk fridge, nor is it a cutesy little local green grocer out of a storybook. It has about 5 aisles containing all the basics and a few random items you might not always expect. There are about 2 trolleys for the whole store and I have never seen anyone use them — you just don’t need to.
For some reason, this place has really grown on me. It’s not the place to come when you want to do your weekly shop, especially if your tastes are anything beyond the ordinary. But it is a great spot for stocking up on little things as they run out like milk, tea bags, snacks, pet food, frozen cheesecake… the everyday stuff.
I think I like the fact it’s miniature, I feel like a little kid playing shops while I’m in there. The fruit and veg section is mini, the aisles are mini, the freezer is mini and you’re never struck by that feeling of being totally lost and caught in the consumerist machine that the bigger supermarkets project. But you still have the wonderful benefit of supermarket shopping which is being left alone. I know enthusiastic shop assistants can be great sometimes, but as far as I’m concerned, grocery shopping is never one of them. If I need help I can ask, otherwise I am perfectly capable of locating and choosing between cans of baked beans by myself.
All in all, it’s a cute place with exactly the right amount of ‘being left alone’-ness and ‘not feeling like a cog in a machine’-ness. I’ve had to take points off for its lack of decent chai selections, though.