I am updating my review to 4-stars (\"Yay! I'm a fan.\") for the following reasons:\n\n*) No more loyalty cards. All special pricing will be given regardless of whether you have a loyalty card or not. Finally, some common sense!\n*) Self-service checkouts are always in good shape and popular, and there are enough full-service cashiers on hand to handle demand.\n*) I have spoken with enough employees at this store to make me convinced the corporate culture at Albertson's has been recently amended to include a mandate to employees something to the effect of \"Get to know your customers and be real about it...and be friendly!\" because I feel like I'm a community member at this store now...not just a customer.\n*) I have seen a significant level of increased staffing (which is a double-edged sword...cost vs. profit etc) but any store willing to increase staffing and encourage community rebuilding earns my business, and Albertsons is doing just that...earning my business. I know it's a faith-based proposition similar to the Kevin Costner epic \"Field Of Dreams\" where the mantra was \"If You Build It They Will Come\", and increasing staffing is a risk in any business. I personally like to reward risk-taking by businesses especially if it means lower prices to me, and I will let my patronage speak for itself.\n*) Prices are getting ever-so-slightly more competitive... and that's worth its weight in gold to me as I am a value shopper. I was very hesitant at first about beer and alcohol prices and generally \"full-price\" they are high, but when on special you can get some almost-reasonable prices on beer and alcohol.\n*) Produce section is still being maintained at a high level, and though prices are significantly higher than the non-union grocery outlets, I feel it is worthy of mentioning that I admire the produce section. Hey, store manager, keep the wheatgrass if you can afford it. It's a nice touch. I'll buy it if you have it. And the kale. And the gala apples. Bananas are competitively priced (usually like fifty-nine cents a pound). Yeah, I'm liking the produce section.\n*) Service deli is looking more attractive too, though when I say that I mean 2-drink attractive instead of 3-drink attractive. 8-piece chicken (fried or grilled) $6 is acceptable. \"Signature\" brand  $8 per pound of roast beef is (*sigh*) better than nothing.... grr. \n\nI get it, you need to break even. \"Signature\" brand is cheaper than Boar's Head but that's like saying \"I'll cheat on my husband which is cheaper than getting divorced\". And you're like \"Huh?!\". Think about it. The value equation is the most important aspect of running a consumer non-cyclicals business (aka 'duh grocery store\") and the facts are clear: lower prices to reasonable levels and consumers will choose you over competitors with perceived higher prices because you give a better \"deal\". $11 per pound for roast beef that used to cost $3 a pound on sale is absurd. \n\nI'll remain positive in this update and allow my patronage to speak for itself. I hope this Albertsons becomes more successful and helps to stabilize the community in the direction this store is currently taking. Thank you, Albertsons.\n\np.s. I really dig the fact your store employees take the time to talk to me! That really means a lot. And the environment is good (temperature, air flow, music, etc). Starbucks is a +++. It's a nice touch to have a group outside the store exit manning the barbecue, though not my thing it definitely contributes to the community! Keep up the good work, Store Manager! And you know what would really drive sales and profit, Store Manager? A ---salad bar--- to compliment your ---wings bar--- and your ----olive bar---. Just something to think about.