I’ve been singing the praises of Wild Olive since the Grand Opening. In December of ‘09 it was announced that an organic market would open on 125 Street at Fifth Avenue. This was great news for those of us in Central and East Harlem as we were forced to shop at Pathmark or a smaller chain, where prices often do not match the quality of the product.
This review is a compilation of multiple visits since the grand opening date. I wanted to get a sense of the service over a period of time instead of the fluff of a Grand Opening.
The store is conveniently located, with a bus stop directly in front, and the 125 Street 2/3 and 4/5/6 subway stations a few blocks away in either direction. A huge plus is the store opens early and closes at 9PM, giving those who work outside of the neighborhood an opportunity to shop without having to rush. The store is clean, organized and calm. You can actually shop in peace and not spend an hour in the check out line!
Out front you have a selection of fruits and vegetables. Inside, despite it’s size the store packs a pretty good punch. Store is well laid out so you can shop for your protein, then it's accompaniments.
You have large display cases with various cheeses, vegetables. I’m a person who watches every cent. The had items, like haricots vert, green beans priced at $5.99 compared to $7.99/$8.99 at other markets.
The spices and herbs are plentiful and very well priced. Plenty of organic and healthy cereals, fruit juices and baby food. They also offer green cleaning products.
They have a small selection of fish and packed meat and poultry. This is suppose to improve, but as of right now, the selection has gotten worse.
My first few trips the stores overall selection was good and as the manager informed me they are trying to customize the market to the community. I drink a particular type of juice, they didn’t have it my first trip, I inquired about that juice and two weeks later my favorite juice was in stock.
The market also roasts their own coffee and a better price than Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts; bake their own break and have several prepared items. The Ribs and Quiche, for example, are excellent. They also have their own line of nuts and organic snacks.
My experience the product mix has gotten better as they added items that I want.
The staff is all local and this is the second store for the owner. The staff is overly helpful. I need an item and I didn’t know where it was located, instead of the “it’s over there” followed by a hand gesture, one of the associates said, “let me get that for you”. Another day, I needed eggs, but as a single person, I only need a half dozen, so I asked can they be broken in half. Not a problem. Now they stock eggs organic and brown in 6 packs.
The stores downfall for me is the lack of meat and the frozen products. The Ice Cream and sorbet selection has been hit or miss or either I’m shopping at a time where inventory is low. As stated earlier they are learning the community and we should begin to see more/better meat selections shortly.
During the first month the store gave out a reusable bag for each $25 bucks you spent. I gave a few to neighbors.
Someone has taken a chance and brought a store to Harlem that improves the communities overall quality of life and I honestly hope that our community can support this store.
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