Joe V’s Smart Shop

I’m not a fan of this discount bulk shopping store. They don’t keep their carts stocked, their prices really are not much better than Wal-​Mart or other grocery stores, the selection of items is not better than other stores, plus they don’t take credit cards. I really do not see any reason why I will ever return here.

For those of you who don’t know Joe, let me explain. Joe V’s is owned by HEB and it caters to people who normally shop at stores such as Food Town or Seller Bros, however it is formatted similar to Aldi where they only accept cash and NOT CREDIT CARDS. Here is breakdown of some of the key points:
–They sell a lot of HEB brand products (such as Hill country farm and HEB brand) except with lower prices (example: Organic Milk 2% for ~$ 2.68, Chobani Greek Yogurt ~$ 0.98, Large box of organic spinach ~$ 4.98, Avocado ~$ 0.50 each, Orowheat brand whole wheat bread ~$ 2.69, large jar of HEB pickles ~$ 1.55). If you ask me, that’s pretty cheap. Krogers and Wal-​mart usually sell the same size organic milk 2% for ~$ 3.50 and if they decide to have a sale it is $ 2.99.
–Again, this place accepts CASH ONLY (and some government subsidy cards I think).
–They have all the basic items you may need, but not as large of a selection as a normal HEB or Wal-​mart.
–GREAT CHECK OUT SERVICE. As I was checking out, I noticed that 11 of the 14 lanes were OPEN! If this was a Wal-​mart, only 2 would be open and they would force you to do self-​check out.
–During checkout, I noticed a lot of people try to help the cashier by bagging their own items. I don’t mind this since the prices are so low already. Keep passing me the savings!!! Once the cashier is done though they help.
Be expected to run into some people shopping in their pajamas or wife beater t-​shirts, but you’ll see this at Wal-​mart anyways. It isn’t always the case though if you shop on Sundays since everyone usually dresses nice to Church.
Overall this is a great place to shop for your basic grocery needs if you have cash on hand and don’t want to spend a lot.
Note: Just because this place usually has items cheaper doesn’t always mean it’s the cheapest. It’s still smart to shop around and buy things while on sale.

OMG… I don’t use a Lone Star card, so I guess I’m not supposed to shop here???
This store is part of the HEB chain and is geared toward neighborhoods with those on public assistance… at least that’s what I gather. Most of the products are in bulk, priced fairly cheap and there are very few name brand products. They also sell random items like Mexican brand toiletries and dresses. Because you always need a new moo-​moo before you cook dinner each week.
Parking lot is a mess, people are a mess and the store is a hot damn mess. You’ve been warned.

This store is awful. The low prices go hand in hand with poor service, awful music overhead, and birds flying & shitting in the store.