New Seasons Market

This review is based on my experience last night. I frequent both this store, and the Hawthorne Fred Meyer down the street, largely depending on what I need (Fred Meyer has more of a selection), and frankly, what side of the street I’m driving down.
I came in last nigh (1-​27-​2016) for some ingredients for a southwest salad I was making for dinner. Mainly needed produce, salsa, and chicken. Upon walking in, I noticed the free sample lady, there is often one there, sampling salsa. I needed salsa. Why not? So I stodd there for a sample. She began kindly enough, explaining the different flavors, etc. There were two small bowls of salsa, and a large powl of tortilla chips. After listening to her speech, I reached for a chip…
Her: «Um…excuse me. That’s my job. I can’t just have you putting your hand in there.»
I was surprised. In sample situations, sometimes it’s help yourself, and sometimes they hand the food to you. Obviously it was an honest mistake and a condescending scolding was not necessary.
She handed me the chip, I dipped it in the salsa…
Her: «Do you mind using a spoon? That’s why they are there?» Then she laughed (not ha ha, but like «I can’t believe what an idiot you are» and mumbled under her breath.
At that point, I turned around and just walked away. I got some of my produce, obviously did not buy any salsa, and was so angry and just left and got the rest of what I neeeded at Fred Meyer.
I’m a middle aged woman and I have had my share of experiences with customer service, both good and bad, and also in the middle. This was bad. Rude. Condescending.
For a store that has «the friendliest store in town» painted on the side of their building, I would expect better.

I really enjoyed the selection. I actually do prefer a smaller grocery store, and I felt that their selection of products was very thoughtfully curated. Most things were a little pricey, but I think those things would be expensive anywhere. If you look around for sales you can usually find something good. We found some stumptown on sale, and were able to grind it in the store.
So here’s the thing, the signs at the front say their staff is friendly but oh my goodness, I was approached at least 5 times to ask if I could find everything I needed. I started to wonder if this was actually Sephora and they were paid on commission?! Maybe they thought I was planning to shoplift, because I look young, didn’t have a cart (I was only going to buy a couple things), and I had my very large purse with me? I really don’t know. I guess «overly friendly» isn’t really a good reason to downgrade a rating, which is why I still give them 4 stars.
Something I really did appreciate is that at checkout you can type in your email address and the receipt will be emailed to you instead of printed. I’m really working on ways to reduce my paper waste so this was great for me. (Also did you know that most receipt paper is lined with BPA? That’s what gives it that plasticky feel.)

Yes, the deli food is a mere shell of its former glory, and the salad bar has mostly wilted lettuce these days, but, hey, I still shop at New Seasons Hawthorne all of the time because it’s convenient and I can get organic produce there, as well as healthy organic meats, and non GMO grains products.
This said, I would like to write about the holiday shopping experience in this particular store. Today, I went in looking for a few Chrismas things to give as gifts to my parents. They are very liberal Christians who don’t belong to any specific religious sect, but they like having some traditional Christian stuff in their house at Christmas time.
I looked all over the store and couldn’t find a thing. It was chockfull of snowmen, santa claus, reindeer, etc. But no foodstuffs, candles, or decorations with a Christian theme. Even the greeting card section was devoid of any traditional baby Jesus in the manger cards. I did find a card with Bigfoot wearing an elf hat, and a bear dancing around a Christmas tree. But not one Christ-​oriented card.
So I asked an employee in the front of the store if she knew of a Christmas display with Christian-​oriented packaging and decorations. She was so sweet and nice. She said, «I’m sorry, sir, we don’t carry religious things here.»
I had to laugh good naturedly because we happened to be standing next to a huge Jewish Hannukah display with three sizes of menorah, several stars of David decorations, together with lots of different Hannukah place settings and other openly religious paraphernalia.
«What do you call this stuff?» I asked with a smile, pointing to the prominent display of glittering menorahs.
She glanced at the big display next to me. «Oh, that’s different. It’s Jewish.» She said this completely innocently.
«Well what do you think a bunch of menorahs and stars of David are?» I asked.
She shrugged.
«So they aren’t religious?» I asked.
«Not really,» she said with a look that seemed to communicate a sentiment like, «Oh boy this guy is going to grill me. I’d better be careful what I say.» In other words, even though my face was smiling and friendly, and my voice was pitched in a way to be agreeable and nonthreatening, the topic made the employee very nervous to discuss.
After that mildly awkward moment, the gal very nicely led me around the store and showed me all of the reindeer and santa clauses and pine trees and other non-​Christian «Christmas» goods.
On my way to another store to pick up a few gifts for my liberal Christian parents, I couldn’t help thinking that Portland is about 3.5% Jewish, according to an article in the Oregonian that I read last year.
This made me ponder the point: A mere 3.5% of the population was offered an openly religious display in the main entrance of New Seasons, whereas not one Jesus or Christian-​oriented item was allowed to be displayed, even in a back corner of the store, because anything Christian was considered inappropriately «religious.»
Well over half of Portland is Christian, especially when one considers the Eastern European and Hispanic people that have moved here during the past decade.
I took a picture of the Hanukah display in front of the store with sunlight shining on it. The vast majority of patrons walking into the store were greeted by this religious offering. It was so large that I couldn’t fit the top and bottom into the picture.
Quite a few bright blue Star of David items were at the top of the display (out of the picture). As we all know, the blue Star of David is not only considered Hebrew, it also figures prominently on the Israeli flag, so the symbol is nationalistic as well as religious.

Heard New Seasons Market had the original recipe for Bohemian Bakery’s famous Banana Whipped Cream cake.
If you grew up in the Portland area in the 60’s, 70’s and maybe even the 80’s you should remember Kienow’s and Bohemian Bakery’s banana whipped cream cake. The banana whipped cream cake was a family favorite.
Anyway, I took a chance and ordered the cake for a very special birthday celebration. My mother’s 80^th to be exact.
I requested purple and pink flower decorations. The first thing the gentleman informed me was that they do not decorate cakes. Hmmm… what kind of bakery is this? They did offer to write on the cake in chocolate frosting. Okay… I’ll have to figure out a way to get the cake decorated.
When I picked up the cake, I was in shock how bad the writing looked. MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT! I was heartbroken given the special occasion. The lettering was off centered and your could see the trace marks. The sides of the cake were bare. I could only hope that it tasted good.
Well…luckily the cake was pretty much the way I remembered it. I received several compliments about the cake.
Suggestion: Maybe New Seasons should consider adding a cake decorator to their team.

This is a smaller New Seasons than the one i shop at. I liked it though. They had what i was looking for and the people were helpful and friendly.

Whenever I visit my sister, I find myself popping in here at least once or twice during my stay. While it’s not the most expansive of grocery markets, I do enjoy hitting up their deli and butcher area. I was trying to put together a charcuterie plate for us to chow on, and the butcher was kind enough to let me try some of the different meats and help me pick out a few. Funny thing that happened while I was in there… A girl trying their kale salad said it was «too kale-y»…Yeah.
Another day I went in, I ordered the Build Your Own sandwich. Though it took a little while, it was an incredibly delicious sandwich! I would definitely choose them over any Jimmy Johns, Subway, any chain sandwich shop any day for a quick sandwich or to build a charcuterie plate, though I don’t know if I’d do some serious shopping here.

This store is debilitatingly cold! I thought it was just me until I read a comment card stating the same thing. If for no other reason, fix this issue, for I shouldn’t have to brinģ my winter coat to shop when it is 90 degrees out. Total waste of resources!

I usually wouldn’t bother with a review of a grocery, which seems a bit mundane, but this place really irritates me. I’m giving them two stars because I do like a few of their products and they sometimes have great sales. They also have one baking product I can’t find anywhere else. However, in addition to the overall high prices, the have the WORST customer service ever. At one time, they were friendly, but not any longer. Most of the cashiers are cooler than thou and give off that «you are not as cool as me» vibe. There was a time a few years back when New Seasons really did have the «friendliest» staff in town. They now have the rudest staff in town. On one recent visit, I went to the body care section and discovered a product I wanted was out of stock. The body care person asked if she could help me and I said, «Oh, I wanted this item but it looks like you’re out of it.» She replied, «Oh, that’s a great product but we’re out,» then turned and walked away. That was it, nothing. She could have offered a time when they might have it back in stock, called another location, suggested other helpful products, etc, but no, nada. Not exactly great service. Then, when I went to check out, the cashier looked pretty unhappy and stressed. I smiled and said, «Hi, how are you?» She let out a deep sigh and mumbled, «I’m ok.» Not exactly a breath of fresh air. Then there’s the male, European cashier at this location who is just plain rude and snobby to everyone. One day I was right behind an older gentleman who was buying a loaf of expensive, gluten free bread and was trying to make conversation about it. This particular cashier gave him a rude, dismissive response and made it clear he didn’t want to talk to him.
I’ve had similar experiences at the store on Division. On my most recent visit there, my cashier and bagger were engaged in a conversation about someone they knew. When I tried to interject, they treated me as if I had committed a huge faux pas. How dare I intrude on their conversation?
However, when I shop at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, the cashiers are always very friendly and go out of their way to make me feel welcome. They even ask me about myself! So guess who’s getting most of my shopping dollars now? Sorry, New Seasons, you lose.

The staff her embodies the Portland, «too cool for school» attitude. For example, today I went in to by a coffee and a scone. I brought my little card to the register and the cashier didn’t say hi or hello. He just started to ring me up. The first thing he said to me was «$ 4.99». I gave him a twenty and he said «a penny is your change». I said thank you and he said nothing.
This isn’t an isolated incident. We live around the block and our neighbors and I joke about how incredibly rude «the friendliest store in town» is. It is sad when you can get better customer service at the Fred Meyer.
The only reason this didn’t get 1 start is because for some weird isolated reason, the team that works at the pastry case and the coffee bar are really friendly. Some how their level of friendliness hasn’t spread to the registers, meat counter, or deli. Sad.

Wow! This place is crowded! Perhaps I went at a crowded time but my goodness, I was lost just trying to walk around.
They have what most grocery stores have: bakery, deli, produce, meats, etc. But this one is different. It’s like whole foods in that it has all the specialty items organic, gluten free, everything. But they have a lot of local things at this store! How great, go local! (I mean whole foods does too but this is a little more) Even though it’s a chain, it does feel like your neighborhood grocery store. All the employees are real nice and will help with what you need.
My favorite part? The Deli and Bakery. Mouth. Watering. Goodness. Check it out.
The only downside is that it is expensive for groceries. This would be where I would go when I want a munchie treat ;)

The organic food and veggies are great everybody knows that — it’s just a matter of justifying the extra expense on everything — to be honest I find most of the employees at this location to be a bit rude.
I will shop here if I’m close or just need chicken or chopped meat —

Less selection than Division. I also got home tonight to find my favorite marionberry cheesecake bar with green moldy edges :(boo.

This new seasons doesn’t have a cook on the deck that makes omelettes like the one on Williams it’s okay though but the one on Williams is still my favorite. I will always go to that one I don’t give a shit how close I live to this one. yeah I had to give this one a four star instead of a five star most new seasons are five star but with them not having a cook I couldn’t get my five stars still a great place tho

Recently I ventured to New Seasons with my mother. However, I was dissatisfied with the store before even arriving. My mother, on the hunt for halibut, asked if I would call to make sure they had it in stock. Being the apprehensive and obedient son I am, I immediately called the store. They picked up immediately and said that it would take «one sec» to transfer me to the fish department. After wasting three minutes of my life I asked «hello?» and received no response. After two more minutes I reached the boiling point. I have enjoyed most of New Seasons’ products in the past, but I guess the service is something that needs to be worked on, as well as their judgement of a «second.» Happy shopping.

This market was described as a version of Whole Foods. So true in regards to the selection of food and products but also the price. Just like Whole Foods, it’s a great place to check out different brands that you may not find in regular markets like Vons but you will definitely pay for that.
I loved the cheese and wine selection. Just wish there was more wine selection under $ 10.
I would come here to add to my grocery shopping but I’ll stick with Fred Meyers for my everyday items.

This place is pretty cool it fits right in-​between Trader Joes and Whole Foods. as in great products like TJ’s and a ton of local products but, $$ like WF:(

I don’t understand how this place charges a premium on non premium items and people pay it. What about the small store, limited selection and indifferent service should inspire me to pay $ 10 for an $ 8 sixer of beer?
Obviously my fellow Unilocalers can’t do math– that is an extra 20% mark up on the mark up other stores are charging.
Here is a quick math lesson for everyone– mediocre store + high prices = 1 star review

New Season’s tries to be everything to everyone. It wants to be Safeway, Fred Meyer, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods all at the same time. In it’s lost identity, some of it’s defining characteristic emerge.
Some of their food is priced well and others are not. They have a very large selection and you can get anything from processed Midwest ag garbage to splendid whole foods. They have various home essentials, like toothpaste.
Their freezers have large organic selections and they have plenty of soda, soup and snacks. Their cheese selection is huge.
Unfortunately, much of their cheese is overpriced and a large part of the selection can be found more cheaply at Fred Meyer. Their pre-​made meals are had to heat and heating the macaroni has been an epic battle.
Their Alpenrose chocolate milk and Applegate hot dogs were priced appropriately.
They have a huge gourmet dessert selection and lots of lunches to make like with Whole Foods. But New Seasons charges a large premium for nearly everything in sight. People who want to save money for a large selection will enjoy Fred Meyer. People who want petitions and to eat things that cater to their silly pseudosciences will likely enjoy Whole Foods more.
Not to mention, the adjacent Fred Meyer is a wonder of itself and a crown jewel.
The answer here is to look and see that some items are best gotten here, but more often it’s better acquired elsewhere.

This review is only for the meat/​butcher area.
I bought loose chorizo and italian sausages this week. When i cooked both, I found large chunks of garlic in them. I love me some garlic, but it should be in a small dice throughout the meat, not in chunks so large they are still raw after the meat has been cooked. Does someone in meat department have the knife skills of a three year old or perhaps they lost their knife and decided it would work to smash the garlic into large chunks? Even worse and more likely — someone is lazy and unprofessional. Totally unacceptable.

I love me some New Seasons but this one, even though it is on my way home, is my least favorite.
When I grocery shop, I am that person who is not in a hurry, who really takes the time to look and think and backtrack a few times… forget all that here. ESPECIALLY at rush hour. No way. The last thing I want at the end of my day is to be herded around the store and then to give myself a headache trying to get back onto Hawthorne. Ugh.
Even with the small cart, the aisles are crammed. This is more like the New Season’s express in comparison to the roomy NE Portland or the Happy Valley locations and I do not like to feel rushed, especially when my little bag of groceries is going to set me back $ 60.
I often find gifts at New Seasons but this location does not feature any sizable gift section. Their bath and beauty products are likewise limited as is their bread selection. Will not do a full shopping trip here, just the specialty items that I can’t get elsewhere.
I often forgo this location all together and hit up Zupan’s.