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Surely by now you have heard the
stereotype that Americans all believe "bigger is better."
While that certainly doesn't apply to everything, you will quickly
come to realize, that in Cedar Rapids (and America in general), the
new Super Centers that are popping up all over the landscape are the
place you need to go if you want anything from food to clothing. |
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Of course, with the wide variety of
things you can find under the roof of a "super center", it can be a
daunting task to find that simple jug of milk or box of cereal.
And of course, in America we wouldn't want to make that simple for
you at all, the challenge of finding things just makes life more
exciting! So, some advice.
Where to Shop? Super Centers
vs. Dedicated Stores
First off, WHERE do you go to get
necessary items such as food and bathroom (restroom) supplies which
we all need? In most countries a simple market will do the
trick, but not here. Welcome to Super Center shopping!
Here in Cedar Rapids you will find such national chain stores as
Wal-Mart, Target, and K-Mart. These stores truly have
everything under one roof ranging from food to toys and electronics,
some now are even incorporating vehicle service centers into them!
But, while the all-in-one idea may seem nice, it can actually be a
very frustrating place to go if you know exactly what you
want and don't need to shop for anything else. On the other
hand, if you're just shopping for the fun of it, or just need to
waste some free time, these big stores can be a fun place to go and
look for the cheap prices on all kinds of cool stuff.
Finding Food
| For food, you could go to one of the
city's Wal-Mart or Target Super centers and just use the "grocery"
portion of it, or you can change pace and visit a true grocery store
which only deals in food and other necessities. The Iowa-based
chain store Hy-Vee is our main local grocery store that carries
everything from candy to full service meat markets. So if food
is what you need, check out a nearby Hy-Vee, you'll find it much
easier to get what you need and get out quickly than if you head to
the big super centers. |
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If you do choose the larger super
centers, be careful with your money
management. There are a lot of little "things" you could
spend a lot of money on if you're not careful!
Gas Stations and Convenience
Stores
Also, in America, many of our gas stations (convenience stores) will
offer simple food items for sale. Some things you can buy at
these stores include milk, bread, candy, pop, chips, and other
snacks. Often times, though these stores are usually very
close to where you live, the food items they sell can be much more
expensive. That fits the general American tradition that if
it's easier for you, it also costs you more money.
So, where to go to find these wonderful
shopping centers you may ask, well we'll tell you:
Nearest Hy-Vee Grocery Store:
20 Wilson Ave. SW
From Kirkwood CC, take Kirkwood Blvd. North to Wilson Ave. (approx 3
miles). The store is on the left at the 4-way stop sign.
Nearest
Wal-Mart Super Center:
3601 29TH Avenue SW
From Kirkwood CC, take Kirkwood Blvd to Highway 30. Get on
Highway 30 WEST and get off at exit 220 (Edgewood Rd) Go north
(right) for approx half a mile, the store is on the left, next to
Target.
Nearest Target Super Center:
3400
Edgewood Rd SW
Kirkwood Blvd. Get on
Highway 30 WEST, exit at exit 220 (Edgewood Rd) Go north
(right) for approx half a mile, the store is on the left next to
Wal-Mart. |
