Food Lion - Manassas, VA: Taking Shape (Part 4)

Welcome back to the Shoppes of Battery Mill! Today, we continue the Food Lion remodel saga, exploring the changes the store has made in the month since I last visited. Lots of interesting things are here to discover, so stay tuned!

Photos taken March 7, 2020

Colors I feel could have been more fitting would have been blue to match the new logo, or at least green as it was upon opening. Nevertheless, it's nice to see Food Lion freshen their stores up.

Before we delve into the store's latest updates, we might want to pick up a store directory - something that'll come in handy as we try to navigate these topsy-turvy aisles and prepare for the final configuration upon completion.

One thing to note here is the spelling - the street, and the city it leads to are spelled Centreville, versus "Centerville" which is seen among several businesses and street signs in the area. Hopefully Food Lion corrects things next time!

This particular shot is rather standard to the prior configuration, sporting unchanged endcaps and plain shelving. As one can see, the only major changes here involve the temporary holiday shelving to the left, and the aisle markers which we will return to in a moment.

A look at the produce department. While the inviting Bloom backgrounds are gone, reduced to a plain cinderblock atmosphere, we can still rejoice in the variety of fruits and vegetables down at our level to keep us enticed.

A closeup of the previous photo, now showing the further progression of the produce wall's makeover. I'm not sure how the produce department is to look now - but I'm hoping those girders are in good condition!

Out with the Bloom swirls, in with a clean and straight blue stripe! This store is certainly getting its lion's share of the new FL style, all alongside a reset aisle catering towards ingredients. Wine products that previously occupied this aisle have been moved across the store. On the flipside, the wooden flooring and spot lighting from Bloom still remain.

Here one can see the last vestiges of the Bloom color scheme along the walls, with a tan color scheme sporting the previous shelving's residue and a brief wooden slatted portion to the left.
A water fountain, once displayed along the slatted sector, has been ironically exchanged for bottled water. Also interestingly, Poland Spring water is generally sold in the Northeastern United States, however it is not uncommon to see their products spill over into Deer Park territory, as seen here.

Shiny new aisle markers for shiny happy shopping purposes! In the past month since my last visit, Food Lion has rolled out their fleet of new aisle signage storewide. I'll say this is certainly a step-up from the previous Bloom aisle markers!

Next we tab over to the heart of the meat/seafood department. While the cases at this time remain original to their previous conditions, most of the change has been occuring along the walls. The slatted Bloom texture is likely returning to a basic drywall as evident by the insulation material. What's interesting to note is that Lowe's, another North Carolina chain, has become a supplier for the store's remodel. I'm not sure if this has appeared elsewhere, but moving on; I'm curious to see how this section will turn out.

Also, something else from this gallery; check out the photo below for a surprise!

Zooming in on the last shot, we can see a hand sanitizer station located conveniently near the store's seafood coolers/employee door. What's unique about this one, though is its' usage of the Bloom logo -
In all, isn't it something we need during this time?

Food Lion unpaved! As shelves and endcaps waltz across the store, either to their new spot or off into the wild yonder, they have left behind no drought of secrets - as seen here. Both a large Bloom tag and unidentified snippings have remained between the endcap base and the adhesive ground. Definitely needs some cleaning, that is, if this is what flooring Food Lion will go with!

This central aisle in the store is likely under major change in regards to shelving and whatnot. While work continues in the backrooms and main floorspace, stock is being held off as this aisle prepares to be reconfigured. This is likely the previous location of books/general merchandise prior to the remodel.

Here's a look down the store's frozen foods aisle, assorted with a random bargain bin and clad with freezers from before the remodel.

One thing to note is that the store's greeting card collection is parked in the far end of the aisle, located on the wooden floor which once teetered on the edge of this section, health & beauty and prepared foods. Quite an interesting move - but we'll have to see if this will be the case or not down the line.

Finishing our photoset for today, we stand along the front endcaps of the store's aisles skirting alongside the prepared foods department. With the coolers separating the aisles removed, cardboard lining the floor and product displays rearranged, it is no wonder this area has been transformed quite a bit. New lighting continues to come into place; while it isn't the simple row lights as before, the change does provide for some creative benefit.

In the background, we see the front end of the store; as of these photos' taking, the store continues to have the old Bloom checklights and blue design.


Given the rush for supplies and health circumstances, this will be my most recent visit for now. Once things ease out, more photos will be on the way with a glimpse at further remodel work. Stay safe y'all, and 'till next time!

Food Lion - Manassas, VA: Work in Progress (Part 3)

Welcome back to the Shoppes of Battery Mill! The Food Lion remodeling quest kicks into high gear today, and I hope you're here to see what's up this time around!

Photos taken February 11, 2020

The first notable change I saw at this visit was in the signage setup. The 2014 logo has officially made its debut on Northern Virginia storefronts, and it'll probably be a common sight from now on.

Our first interior shot for today spotlights the produce department's walls. Located on the right-hand side of the store, bordering on the natural/organic department, Food Lion continues to sell their usual supply of health drinks within the coolers below. However, I would like to turn the spotlight to the wall itself - what once was a backdrop glued to the wall has now been taken down, leaving the paint behind. Food Lion's new look is to be more simply formatted, with a simple coat and other art materials donning this segment.

One of the main focal points of this remodel are the store's coolers, many of which would be relocated or exchanged for new units based on marked tape. Most of these likely date back to the store's 1997 opening or the Bloom remodel (which likely repositioned spaces and added new ones such as natural/organic coolers).

Below these, however, remained tile flooring that was once prominent throughout the store. The Bloom remodel placed new wood/linoleum tiles storewide above said flooring. Later Food Lions (from the "Millennium"/"Stripes" eras)  retained most of their existing tilework, with the exception of wooden flooring where applicable. With this remodel, it is unclear as to whether the Bloom patterns will remain, or if said fixtures will be stripped for a fresh coat of paint on the original.

The writing's on the (cinderblock) wall - the store number, and some "porduce" {sic: produce} thing to be exact. I am not sure when this was written, however it does have something to do with the shuffling of coolers within the store from what I know.

We turn our attention to the back actionway, where meat and seafood products are largely featured. This has become one of the most active areas of change within the store; a lighting lattice that once adorned this part of the store has been removed, while the signature Bloom wall decor has been peeled off as well. Edging upon the wall, some may notice inset lighting is also being reinstated, some segments of which have not been present since the Bloom remodel. What an interesting turn of events I say!

Our final photo today focuses on the prepared foods department, one that is very much evolving from its Bloom-era form. Gone are the round overhead liners and wraparound coolers, in exchange for light tiles and an open layout, as with other facets of the store. The deli and bakery to the left remain open under usual hours at this point.

Thanks for reading today! As always, we hope you enjoyed this post, and are staying safe in this time of uncertainty. This blog will be continuing to provide more awesome retail content to fill the gap, so as always; stay tuned!

Food Lion - Manassas, VA: Remodel Prep (Part 2)

Taken February 1, 2020, last glimpse of the old sign

Happy Leap Day from the Shoppes of Battery Mill! As a treat for this unique day of the year, we present to you the next chapter in this revolutionary Food Lion saga. This episode is where things actually take off and become noticeable. Without further ado, let us begin!

Photos taken January 22, 2020

We enter the Food Lion remodel saga with a look at their trailer collection to the left of the store. These sorts of trailers are often prominent surrounding retail renovation operations, holding equipment and decor pieces.

One of the most notable harbingers of such a move lies within a banner about the remodel - quite simply as shoppers head to a convenient entrance.

One of Food Lion's latest advertising campaigns creating a more humble look for their stores. In my book, it's definitely awesome to see the chain represent the cities they have stores in.

While this may be a hard hat area, most of it is still open to regular shopping. However, make sure to be patient as you peruse the store's aisles!

Have a taste of refreshment royalty at Food Lion! That's right - in addition to traditional (and slightly less extravagant offerings , the exquisite Royal Crown Cola and its less-striking diet companion are availablbe for purchase.

G'Day, Mate! Would you like to hear all about wines from across the world? Well then, take a stroll down Food Lion's first aisle... and you'll see what it's all about! Jokes aside, this display is a pretty clever collection of greetings from around the world. Wait, was my last sentence still a joke? Hehe...

The lunch meat section with random trays of baked goods in center. One of the most notable changes at this point stems from the lack of a bumper above the cases - in turn exposing the backlight that created the distinctive Bloom effect.

Here we see the effect again across the perimeter row of meat coolers.

This is the back left corner of the store, transitioning product from beer to frozen foods and dairy. Evident by the cube sign, the corridor in the center of the photo As of my following visit to the store (which will be up on this blog soon), Food Lion has completed remodeling the restrooms in advance of the rest of the store.

For our next portion of the tour we wrap back around to the health & beauty section, or moreso the aisle straddling this and the general grocery kind. Within this photo, you may see an assortment of general merchandise products, such as cleaning supplies, gift cards, and an additional selection of health & beauty goods. Also one thing I have to note... all those aisle marker names are shifted... could this have been some early remodel work?

All literature, all the time here in the magazine section. While I have seen this stand at other retailers like Shoppers, it still is unique given the magazines are from a given time, not that of today. Also note the DNI papers - I'm not exactly sure what this move means, however I assume this section will be more difficult to disperse throughout this remodel.

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This photoset would be the last anyone would see this Food Lion as highly reminiscent of Bloom. Next time within this remodel saga, change will certainly be in the air. Stay tuned!

Food Lion - Manassas, VA: Before the Remodel (Part 1)

Hello readers! Today on the Shoppes of Battery Mill, we will be delving into one of the East Coast's retail hallmarks - no, not the gift shop chain, rather one of their most signature grocery chains.

Food Lion - Manassas, VA (#1383)

Photo taken in 2018

Store info

• Address: 9121 Centreville Rd, Manassas, VA 20110
• Opening date: June 9, 1997 (original), April 29, 2012 (return to Food Lion)
• Remodels: Bloom (early 2007), 2020
• Features: Deli, Bakery, Beer, Wine, Food Lion to Go (new)

Opened during a time of rapid expansion for the chain in the Washington, D.C. metro area, this Food Lion stood as a characteristic example of their diverse location philosophy. This store serves the vicinity of Manassas' historic Old Town and other suburban areas within its radius, being a more densely populated yet convenient store to customers. As the city is competitive with additional grocery options, the store was converted to a Bloom in 2007 - something reflected across the D.C. area in general suburban areas. The concept faltered as it subtracted the classic Food Lion experience, prompting a return five years later in 2012. Interestingly however, the Bloom look remains - of which we shall explore today.

 Photos taken December 7, 2019

Today's store tour starts off at the left entrance. This window sticker, dating to the re-rebranding as Food Lion in 2012, lists a classic 7-11 operating time frame. Above we see an advertisement for Food Lion's new curbside pickup program (which we will discuss later).

We first visit the produce department.  The walls are accented with  Another variant of the Bloom package featured a green pattern with the Bloom "flower swirl" logo.

Just around the corner Out of place in a Food Lion? That might have been true when the store first opened, but it certainly hasn't since Bloom came to town. Said concept provided for a wide rollout of natural & organic foods, something that has been more uplifted in recent years.

A little treat for Valentine's, enjoy this floral cooler with a small array of colorful flowers!

Given the store's size, and Food Lion's general lack of service departments in exchange for convenience, their floral selections have never really expanded. Still something enough for whoever you may cherish, I bet.

Here's a side view of both the meat department's coolers and a variety of general grocery aisles. Fun fact - the aisle markers themselves were later additions to Bloom, the store originally featured such signage above endcaps.

The Bloom remodel positioned this department as a major perishable destination, adding an overhead lattice, wood tiles and fresh decor for the service counters themselves which were touted in commercials. Despite these additions, this store did not add counters for both, only adding a live lobster tank that was removed following Food Lion's return.

This edition of Aisle 12 is brought to you by pet products. Get a 13.2 oz can of Pedigree wet dog food for 68¢ when you shop at the Manassas Food Lion.

Chill out and grab a frozen meal within this aisle. While aisle markers are not featured here, various stands of products appear to go along with such freezing products. Coolers featuring beer (and beer accessories) greet customers at the edge of the salesfloor.

This photo serves as our introduction to the store's health and beauty department. Like many other Food Lions, this store does not have a pharmacy - such are only additions to select locations opened in the past 2 years. To compensate, FL offers several rows of HBC essentials, reflecting its convenient shopping motto. This new organizational method was introduced by Bloom featuring clear walkways and low shelves for easy access and view.

Featuring the rather infamous Papyrus font... we see an example of Bloom's health & beauty gooseneck signs. Not too shabby, eh?

Here we see an assortment of frozen products along with the famous Bloom symbol adorning the walls. The plastic liner above the coolers, helping to obscure the backlights, was removed early in the remodel process.

Next, we turn our attention to the prepared foods corner of the store. Service bakery and deli departmtents are surprisingly common within this somewhat barebones chain, and they are often filled with products from both departments at the counters. These functions are somewhat utilized amongst customers, however are not often high-volume. Food Lion has since added on to this function in newer stores with carryout pizza and chicken offerings.

This department also features a select amount of dairy products, evident by the coolers on the right side. The final portion prior to the bakery adds on frozen delicacies including ice cream cakes and the like.

The Bloom era brought more prepared food offerings to the table, adding coolers for to-go foods and a "TableTop" area featuring meals in the vein of rotiserrie chicken for quick shopping purposes. While the reintroduction of Food Lion at this site, a generic "quick & easy" wraparound has been placed, however the Bloom logo remains on the light underneath.

Rounding around the deli corner, we begin packing up our groceries and heading to checkout. As we stand in line, we can observe the various stands of discount product as well as deli assortments to go along with meals.

Adjacent to the store's right-hand entrance, a cartwell is at the ready for shoppers.

An interesting fact about this cartwell is that it actually opens up to the outdoors, leaving the right entrance without a vestibule. With that being said, I wonder if the carts are all nicely secured at night?

For me it's definitely an addition that confirmed Food Lion is here to stay in NoVA. I say this as I believe the chain has been in an odd place in this highly competititve region since around the mid-2000s. Expansion was eschewed for the Bloom and Bottom Dollar conversions, helping somewhat to boost the chain given the traditional concept did not sate the diverse shopping needs of area customers. The discontinuation of the Bloom brand several years later prompted closings, some of which were dispersed over the years, including the divestitures with the Ahold Delhaize merger.

With less of a margin to grow, there was thought that FL would be winding down their presence - that is, until Food Lion invested in this feature. I believe the stores will stay open as to my knowledge, the Haymarket, VA store, which closed in October 2019, did not feature such operations. This particular setup was installed over the previous summer and opened in September. Unlike several other curbside pickup options requiring the installation of mobile applications, Food Lion has simply chosen to provide customers a simple phone calling procedure in order to initiate the process.
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Surprisingly, since this photoset has been taken, Food Lion has finally initiated a remodel. This store has also been joined by a Woodbridge store and select Delmarva stores, some of the first new investments to these stores since the exit of Bloom and Bottom Dollar. We've yet to see if all of the region's stores (from Pennsylvania to Southern Maryland) will undergo such refurbishment - until then, I will have more photos coming up detailing this location's process. See ya then!