I don't know what to think about Fresh & Easy. Maybe I like the concept more than the execution. I can't always tell what's on sale or where the sale items should be. They do have a clearance section but it's hit-or-miss. You can get some pretty good -and interesting -meals there (be careful to check the expiration date). But then around a corner -whoa- another clearance section?
The self checkout doesn't really bother me, particularly when the staff helps bag your stuff. The stores are always clean and there seem to always be friendly employees around to answer questions. I like the prepared meals.
I have to agree with Holly regarding this chain's identity crisis. They seem to want to be a healthy alternative to grocery stores, but do sell the Big Company boxed cereals and stuff- just not enough grocery store items to allow me to my biweekly shopping. Maybe that's the problem I have with this store- it seems a bit disorganized, fragmented and lacking, which is how I feel when I shop there. But I'll continue to go once in a while, as it does kind of fit into the healthy, fresh foods motif, à la Trader Joe's/Whole Foods/Sunflower Market.