Chaotic opening

We knew this would happen, so we decided to visit the store the following Monday, traditionally “Lazy Monday.”

The Landers Superstore opened on March 14 with a 5-day sale and this brought chaos in all directions leading to the superstore on Daang Hari in the Alabang/Las Piñas area. Tales of woe were told, like cars waiting for one hour to get to the parking area or to drop off or pick up shoppers at the main entrance due to horrendous traffic, as well as standing in very long queues at the check out counters. Two of our friends gave up buying anything and had pizza instead at the big dining area. That was after the hour it took them to park their car.

We knew this would happen, so we decided to visit the store the following Monday, traditionally “Lazy Monday.” True enough, the crowd had thinned out even while the parking area was still full. We entered easily and found a handful of calm shoppers, pushing their carts  leisurely, as they went around checking out the merchandise.

It is a huge place, done entirely like a warehouse, simple and functional. Yet it was rather difficult to find what was on our list. There are no signs so we wish they had the initiative to print a map which could direct buyers to specific sectors. Many items still did not have price tags. The staff are few but good and cooperative, thankfully.

From the freezers we got Australian sukiyaki beef tagged at P517.75 and New Zealand sirloin steak at P559.75. We also took a pack of frozen pork teriyaki  and chicken nuggets, the latter a favorite at home. They come with sauces. We would have been happy with the convenience these frozen foods offer but for one sour note. We cooked per instructions the pork teriyaki thinking we would enjoy lunch. But no, the pork was bulok na (already spoiled).

We will call the attention of Landers to this. What a disappointment for a store to carry spoiled items on its first week of operation. They have to have a better quality control system. The chicken nuggets though, which we cooked a day later, were good and tasty, as were the chicken sausages.

We barely had the chance to check the seafood selection but we noted that pampano was at P548 a kilo. Nor did we have time for the fruits and vegetables. Hopefully on out next visit.

 US chocolates are plenty – name your favorites, they are there. They come in big packs and unless one does not mind more intake of calories, these are good buys. There are more things they offer, but we missed seeing any toys for children like stuffed toys, etc.

We presume Landers in this area is still gearing toward full operation. We will continue to watch out for this. We might have to write a Landers Part 2.

Cheers for a happy Sunday!

* * *

E-mail me at [email protected].