No, prices can't compare to Market Basket. Union labor keeps prices high.

Market Basket in Billerica because it is easier to get to than the store on 110.

I live near the Shaw's on River Street in Mattapan. I avoid it at all costs. There is not a butcher on site available to cut specific requests. There are never enough cashiers and never people dedicated to parking bags. The costs are high, and routine items available in other stores, i.e rice crackers are frequently not available.

God forgive me for repeating myself over and over about this, but here I go, anyway: While Shaw's used to be a good place to shop back in the early 90's, I know of no one who would shop there now, given the choice. They just stopped being what made them so prosperous in the beginning and that was low prices and good service. A bigger concern is what is going into that empty plaza on Boston Road? Why is it still empty? I heard about the zoning issues, etc with Stop and Shop and how they are the owners of the land...I know, I know.. But even with that, I, personally, am more concerned with what goes in there, because right now, we have nothing. Seems like a luxurious question given that our shopping options are limited to the CVS soup/frozen food isle. ;) One can not even buy a loaf of - LOL again - Wonder Bead there anymore!! Although, I have discovered the Oriental Grocery Store on Summer Street and thank God in Heaven that we have them! But it would be nice to have a full size, grocery store about. Okay, I had my tirade. I'll shut up now.. :)

Market Basket has the lowest prices. As far a the old plaza where Stop N Shop used to be why don't they put in a Trader Joe's and another frozen yogurt shop.

Market Basket in Billerica for me ... less traffic to get there, clean place and friendly. Have never shopped at a Shaw's and only at S&S when they were located where the now depressed area is but even then, only for quick, necessaries ... S&S is also way over the top in pricing. Marie, the discussion about using that space has gone on and on in this Patch and we have no solution because S&S is so stubborn. I did notice signs up in the windows of both the old S&S and Marshalls, however, stating a search for someone to lease. Who knows? Something good may come along but don't hold your breadth for any kind of grocery. My hope springs eternal for the space vacated by Aubuchon as the greatest space for a treasure-full of options.

I like Shaw's in Stow because it has items that I can't find at other stores. The store is clean and it is like neighborhood supermarket; walking distance from senior housing and assistance living. Osco Drug is inside Shaws which is convenient. I have driven to Stow for the sales. Fruits when available from local farms are sold at Shaw's, Roche's Donelan's and farmer markets.The honeydew melon from S&S was not ripe; I know better not buy fruits from MB (bananas ripes on outside never turn ripe inside). Warehouses are up in Vermont. Shaw's have independent small stores in MA I would hate to see them go.

Buy in bulk at BJ's, Hannaford for other things. I would never buy produce or meat at Market Basket, the freshest there looks like the stuff they just took off the shelf at Hannaford. Occasionally stop in at Stop and Shop but they are much more expensive. Market Basket is always too crowded and parking is a pain. The old stop and shop/marshalls needs a bulldozer, the building is useless to anyone as it is. Trader Joes would be a good adition to Chelmsford but with one in Nashua, Burlington and Acton they have the area covered pretty good.

Jim ... the first MB you come to after turning right coming off of 129 ... in the same little plaza as JoAnn Fabric, which I often frequent also. Just about 10 minutes from my home and very convenient. One last thought re: the Aubuchon vacancy ... my hope is for a good Italian bakery with crusty, chewey bread ... a few groceries thrown in. "Tis a devout dream of mine, a bit of Little Italy in Chelmsford!

Market Basket Westford mostly, Sometimes Stop and Shop Chelmsford...I try to bulk shop Costco and BJ's. It depends on the deals and savings as well as the quality in the products you seek.

I shop at Market Basket

Thanks for your comment, Anna, that empty plaza is just "maddening!" I'm actually from Cambridge, so I'm used to sights like that. I only recently relocated to Chelmsford, and must admit, when I spotted that abandoned plaza, I could have LOL "hissed!" It's what folks like me travel out here to avoid! But thank you. I'll shut up now.