Dear Wegmans,
You’ve been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I had the enormous pleasure of growing up within not just one, not just two but three of your locations all within 10 minutes or so of my home. Your snacks filled my K-12 lunchboxes. The toast I had for breakfast, the peanut butter I spread on it, the OJ I washed it down with, you provided all of it.
Walking into your store is like visiting an old friend’s home. Or, more accurately, a family member. Your slogan is so right Wegmans when I’m there I really am family. Wait no, I think that’s Olive Garden? Anyway, you are my family, Wegmans. My uncle Weggie maybe, or perhaps papa Wegs. I just looked it up. Your slogan is “eat well, live well.” I think it is? Your website isn’t super clear about it but anyway, that’s not important. You don’t even need a slogan Wegmans, your character says more about you than one ever could.
I feel strange when I go to other grocery stores. Not just because their layouts aren’t familiar, not just because their shelves aren’t as well stocked, but because they’re not you. When I visit my boyfriend who lives on Long Island, a place yet ungraced by your presence, we go to a store that claims to be king. King Cullen. Psh. Impossible.
You are the one true king of all grocery stores, Wegmans, I dare say of all stores even. If you start selling clothes I will have no reason to shop anywhere else. Why would I? Surely Wegmans clothes would be superior to any other clothes. Wegmans anything is superior to anywhere else’s anything. Auntie Weggle (do you like that name better?) you are a magical place.
Deciding on a college was a tough choice. I applied to a lot of schools but do you know what it was that won me over? The thing that was the final push to make the choice I did? Well, Wegmans, you know who's right next door to SUNY Brockport?
You are, Wegmans. I could walk there if I felt so inclined, usually, I drive but perhaps someday I’ll make the pilgrimage on foot. It would be a bit of a haul but the thought of arriving at your open doors would put a spring in my step.
I love you Wegmans. It was your 100th birthday a few days ago. Happy belated birthday Wegmans, I went to your party, I had your cake, it was delicious. No surprise there. It was a Wegmans cake. Live 10,000 years, Wegmans. I want my great-great, great-great-grandchildren to know the joy of a Wegmans sub. I want their kids to try the pumpkin bread pudding when it’s in your fresh food bar, season permitting. I want their kids to indulge in a few Wegmans O’s, the clearly superior cream filled cookie. Yeah Oreo, I said it.
And they will all be part of the Wegmans Shoppers club. All of them. And they will love you as I have loved you. Never change Wegmans. You are pure, you are wonderful, you are perfect.
See you soon.
