Based on looking at the website, ciceros.co.uk presents itself as an online supermarket for Italian food lovers and expats in the UK, aiming to deliver authentic Italian products efficiently. While the site features a wide array of grocery items, it also prominently advertises products that are not permissible, such as alcohol. This inclusion of forbidden items within its offerings means that, from an ethical standpoint, particularly for those adhering to strict guidelines, ciceros.co.uk cannot be recommended. The presence of alcohol alongside other food items compromises its overall suitability.
Overall Review Summary:
- Website Focus: Online Italian delicatessen and supermarket.
- Product Range: Wide variety of Italian groceries, including fresh food, pantry staples, and cleaning products.
- Ethical Compliance (Key Issue): Fails due to the prominent sale of alcohol, which is forbidden.
- Delivery Claims: Next-day delivery available within the UK.
- Authenticity Claims: Products sourced directly from Italy, 100% authentic.
- Customer Service Indicators: Trustpilot integration for reviews, “Get Help” section, newsletter sign-up.
- Reward Program: Points earned for every £4 spent.
- Recommendation: Not Recommended due to the sale of impermissible items (alcohol).
While ciceros.co.uk makes strong claims about authenticity and convenience, the undeniable fact is its direct offering of alcoholic beverages. For many, this isn’t just a minor detail; it’s a fundamental deal-breaker. A platform that aims to serve “food lovers” but includes items that are explicitly forbidden essentially disqualifies itself from being a genuinely ethical option. It’s a bit like a health food store also stocking tobacco products – it undermines the stated mission. The site’s convenience and product variety are overshadowed by this significant ethical lapse, making it unsuitable for those seeking to maintain a principled lifestyle.
Here are some alternatives that focus on ethical, permissible product categories, offering a similar level of quality and convenience for various needs, without the ethical compromises:
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- Key Features: Extensive range of groceries, including organic and specialist dietary options, strong focus on fresh produce, efficient delivery slots.
- Average Price: Competitive with major supermarkets, often offers deals.
- Pros: Wide selection, reliable delivery, excellent fresh food quality, often has unique or specialty items.
- Cons: Delivery slots can book up quickly, minimum order value for delivery.
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- Key Features: Specialises in organic food boxes, ethical sourcing, supports sustainable farming, offers a wide range of organic groceries beyond boxes.
- Average Price: Premium pricing due to organic and ethical focus.
- Pros: High-quality organic produce, supports ethical supply chains, convenient delivery of curated boxes.
- Cons: Higher price point, less variety than large supermarkets for non-organic items.
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- Key Features: Focuses exclusively on ethical and eco-friendly products, including food, household goods, and gifts. Strong commitment to fair trade.
- Average Price: Varies; generally fair for ethical products.
- Pros: All products align with ethical principles, wide range of categories, supports good causes.
- Cons: Not a full grocery supermarket; more niche.
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- Key Features: UK’s largest organic food retailer, offers a vast selection of organic groceries, health foods, and supplements (focus on non-consumed items for ethical compliance).
- Average Price: Higher end, reflecting organic certification and quality.
- Pros: Comprehensive organic selection, strong emphasis on health and natural products, online delivery available.
- Cons: Pricey, some product categories might not be available online.
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- Key Features: UK’s leading health and wellness retailer, offers natural foods, free-from products, and ethical household items.
- Average Price: Mid-range to premium depending on product.
- Pros: Focus on healthy and natural choices, frequent sales, good for specialty dietary needs.
- Cons: Not a full grocery store, limited fresh produce.
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- Key Features: Premium supermarket known for quality produce, ethical sourcing, and a wide range of speciality foods. Strong online presence and delivery.
- Average Price: Generally higher than mainstream supermarkets.
- Pros: Excellent quality, wide variety including high-end products, good customer service.
- Cons: More expensive, delivery slots can be competitive.
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- Key Features: A wholesaler that supplies independent food retailers, but their website can be a good source for finding local ethical suppliers. Focus on artisan and quality products.
- Average Price: Varies widely by product and retailer.
- Pros: Access to unique, high-quality, and often locally sourced products. Supports small businesses.
- Cons: Not a direct consumer platform, requires searching for individual retailers.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Ciceros.co.uk Review & First Look
Based on a thorough review of its homepage, ciceros.co.uk presents itself as a dedicated online Italian delicatessen and supermarket serving the UK market. The immediate impression is one of a well-organised e-commerce platform, striving to evoke a sense of authenticity and convenience. The site clearly positions itself as a gateway to Italian culinary experiences, offering a range of products from fresh sausages to popular biscuits and cleaning items.
Initial Impressions and User Experience
Upon landing on ciceros.co.uk, the user is greeted with a clean layout and appealing banners showcasing various product categories, such as “Freshly Made Italian Sausage!” and “Italian Cleaning Products!” This visual presentation is certainly inviting, suggesting a diverse offering. The navigation is intuitive, with clear links for “Log in,” “Register,” “Wishlist,” and “Basket” at the top. The stated mission, “to open up the world of Italian Food for anyone, no matter where you live in the UK,” is prominent and aims to resonate with Italian food enthusiasts and expats. The site highlights key selling points: “SHOP,” “DELIVERED,” and “ENJOY,” simplifying the customer journey.
Transparency and Credibility Indicators
Ciceros.co.uk integrates several elements to build trust. They mention “50+ years of experience,” claiming this expertise ensures “100% guaranteed authentic and genuine products.” This is a significant statement, aiming to reassure customers about the provenance of their goods. Furthermore, the explicit partnership with Trustpilot and the display of an “Excellent” rating from the platform are strong indicators of transparency regarding customer feedback. Trustpilot is a globally recognised independent review platform, and its inclusion suggests the company is open to public scrutiny. However, it’s crucial to remember that a positive Trustpilot rating primarily reflects service and product satisfaction, not necessarily adherence to specific ethical guidelines that might be important to certain consumer groups. For instance, the presence of alcohol directly contradicts the ethical stance important to many, regardless of Trustpilot reviews.
Product Categorisation and Breadth
The homepage effectively showcases a broad spectrum of products. Categories like “Pasta,” “Fresh Food,” “Sweet & Savoury Snacks,” “Canned Fish & Meat,” “Soft Drinks,” “Coffee Beans,” “Jam, Honey, & Spreads,” and “Herbs & Seasonings” are readily visible, implying a comprehensive Italian grocery selection. What’s more, a “See all brands” link points to a substantial list of well-known Italian brands such as Mulino Bianco, Barilla, and Kinder, lending further credibility to their authenticity claims. However, the inclusion of “Alcohol” as a distinct shopping category on the homepage is a critical point that requires immediate attention for ethically conscious consumers. This is not a subtle omission but a deliberate inclusion, placing it on par with essential grocery items.
Ethical Review of Ciceros.co.uk
When evaluating an online platform, especially one dealing with consumables, ethical considerations become paramount. For many, particularly those guided by specific religious or moral principles, certain products are strictly forbidden. This review critically examines ciceros.co.uk through such a lens, specifically focusing on the presence of impermissible items.
The Prominent Issue: Alcohol Sales
The most glaring ethical concern on ciceros.co.uk is the explicit offering of alcohol. The homepage itself features a “SHOP NOW” link directly under “Alcohol,” indicating that this is a core product category, not a peripheral one. This is a significant red flag for anyone who adheres to principles that forbid the consumption or facilitation of alcohol. For individuals committed to avoiding such items, even the availability on a platform they might otherwise use for groceries renders it unsuitable. It transforms a potentially useful grocery service into one that compromises their values.
The Impact on Ethical Shoppers
The presence of alcohol means that the platform cannot be considered a truly ethical option for a large segment of the population. It forces customers to either navigate around forbidden items or, more likely, to seek alternative platforms entirely. This isn’t merely about avoiding purchase; for many, it’s about not financially supporting or enabling businesses that profit from the sale of forbidden goods. The convenience and authenticity claims of ciceros.co.uk are severely undermined by this ethical compromise. While the site might be convenient for some, for others, it represents a direct challenge to their moral framework.
Beyond Alcohol: Other Potential Considerations
While alcohol is the most prominent issue, an ethical review often extends to other areas. For instance, do they sell any products containing pork that isn’t clearly labelled, or other non-halal meats? While the site mentions “Italian Sausage,” it doesn’t immediately specify the type of meat, which could be another concern for specific dietary requirements. Transparency in ingredient lists and sourcing for all meat and processed products would be crucial for a comprehensive ethical assessment. However, the alcohol issue alone is sufficient to categorise the site as non-compliant for a significant ethical consumer base.
Ciceros.co.uk Cons
While ciceros.co.uk appears to offer a wide array of Italian food items and a convenient online shopping experience, there are several notable drawbacks that discerning customers, particularly those with ethical considerations, should be aware of. These cons significantly impact the overall recommendation for the platform.
Ethical Non-Compliance: The Sale of Alcohol
As previously highlighted, the most substantial con is the explicit sale of alcohol. This is not a hidden product; it is a visible category on the homepage. For consumers who adhere to religious or moral principles that forbid the consumption or trade of alcoholic beverages, this instantly renders ciceros.co.uk an unsuitable platform. It means the entire business model, by including such items, falls outside the acceptable ethical boundaries for a significant portion of the global population. This is a fundamental flaw that overshadows any convenience or product quality the site might offer. A consumer seeking a truly ethical shopping experience will find this aspect unacceptable.
Lack of Explicit Ethical Certifications
Beyond the alcohol issue, the website provides no clear information or certifications regarding broader ethical sourcing, fair trade practices, or environmental sustainability. While they claim “authentic Italian products,” there’s no mention of how those products are sourced, what labour practices are involved, or their environmental footprint. In an age where consumers are increasingly conscious about the origin and impact of their purchases, the absence of such information is a notable oversight. For comparison, many ethical retailers proudly display certifications like Fairtrade International or Organic Soil Association.
Potential for Non-Halal Products Without Clear Labelling
While the website offers “Fresh Food” and “Canned Fish & Meat,” there’s no immediate, prominent information about halal or kosher certifications. Given that Italian cuisine often incorporates pork, the lack of clear labelling for meat products could be a concern for those with specific dietary restrictions. Customers would need to individually scrutinise every product description, which adds an unnecessary burden and increases the risk of inadvertently purchasing non-halal items. For a platform aiming to serve a diverse UK customer base, clarity on this front would be essential.
Limited Customer Support Information
While there’s a “Get Help” link, the immediate visibility of comprehensive customer support options (e.g., live chat, dedicated phone number, typical response times) isn’t as robust as on some larger e-commerce platforms. For new customers, or those encountering issues, immediate and clear access to support channels is vital. The “Get Help” section might lead to an FAQ, but direct contact methods are not immediately apparent on the homepage, which can be a minor inconvenience. Jtrfitting.co.uk Review
Ciceros.co.uk Alternatives
Given the significant ethical concerns, particularly the sale of alcohol and the lack of explicit ethical sourcing information, it’s essential to explore alternatives to ciceros.co.uk for consumers seeking an online grocery shopping experience in the UK that aligns with strict ethical and dietary principles. The focus here is on platforms that offer a broad range of general groceries and household items, or those with a strong ethical backbone, avoiding the problematic categories found on Ciceros.
Major UK Supermarkets with Strong Online Presence
For general grocery needs and reliable delivery, major UK supermarkets offer extensive ranges and often have their own ethical sourcing policies, though these need to be reviewed individually. They typically allow for easy filtering of products based on dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, free-from, though often not specifically halal unless a dedicated section exists).
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- Features: The UK’s largest supermarket, offering an immense range of products from fresh produce to household goods. Extensive delivery network and click-and-collect options. They have sections for ‘Free From’ and ‘Vegetarian/Vegan’ foods.
- Pros: Huge selection, competitive pricing, widespread availability of delivery slots, Clubcard rewards.
- Cons: May still carry impermissible items, requiring careful selection; ethical sourcing policies vary by product.
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Sainsbury’s Online Groceries: Oliverharrisonlondon.co.uk Review
- Features: Known for quality fresh food and a strong own-brand range. Offers Nectar points loyalty scheme. Good coverage across the UK for delivery.
- Pros: High-quality produce, good variety, convenient delivery, Nectar rewards.
- Cons: Similar to Tesco, still requires careful navigation to avoid impermissible items; ethical credentials can be broad.
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- Features: Strong emphasis on fresh food, with many items sourced directly from their own farms and abattoirs. Offers a ‘Food to Order’ service for special occasions.
- Pros: Focus on fresh, often British, produce; competitive pricing; good delivery network.
- Cons: Like other major supermarkets, includes impermissible items; specific halal options may be limited or require detailed searching.
Specialised Ethical and Organic Retailers
For consumers prioritising ethical sourcing, organic produce, and a generally “cleaner” product range, these alternatives often provide a more reassuring shopping experience. While they might not be exclusively “halal” certified across the board, their broader ethical focus often reduces the likelihood of encountering problematic items, and they are generally more transparent about product origins.
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- Features: Leading organic food delivery service in the UK. Specialises in fruit and vegetable boxes, but also offers a wide range of organic groceries including dairy, bakery, and pantry staples. Strong commitment to ethical and sustainable farming.
- Pros: All organic, strong ethical stance, convenient recurring deliveries, excellent quality fresh produce.
- Cons: Higher price point due to organic nature; less variety than a full supermarket for non-organic items.
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- Features: Similar to Abel & Cole, focuses on organic fruit, vegetable, and meat boxes, alongside a wider selection of organic groceries. Known for their farm-to-door model and transparency.
- Pros: Direct from farm, high ethical standards, fresh organic produce, community-focused.
- Cons: Primarily box-based, can be more expensive than conventional shopping.
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Ethical Superstore: Trilogycs.co.uk Review
- Features: An online marketplace dedicated to ethical and eco-friendly products across various categories, including food, household, health & beauty. They clearly label products based on various ethical criteria (e.g., Fair Trade, Vegan, Organic).
- Pros: All products are ethically screened, wide range of ethical brands, good for conscious consumers.
- Cons: Not a full grocery supermarket, might not cover all daily food needs.
Local & Speciality Halal Retailers
For those specifically seeking halal-certified products, the best alternatives are often local halal butchers, grocery stores, or online platforms dedicated to halal food. These are growing in number across the UK. A quick online search for “halal supermarket UK” or “online halal grocery UK” can yield more specific results. These platforms inherently prioritise permissible ingredients and sourcing, removing the need for customers to painstakingly check every label. While not always as broad as a mainstream supermarket for non-food items, they excel in their core offering.
How to Cancel Ciceros.co.uk Subscription
Based on the information available on the ciceros.co.uk homepage, there’s no prominent mention of a “subscription” service in the typical sense (e.g., recurring weekly deliveries or a membership fee). The site appears to function as a standard e-commerce platform where customers place one-off orders. Therefore, the concept of “cancelling a subscription” as one might with a service like Netflix or a monthly meal kit box doesn’t directly apply here.
No Apparent Subscription Model
The text on the homepage describes a transactional model: “SHOP,” “DELIVERED,” “ENJOY.” It talks about “Shop from the most popular Italian food brands” and “safely deliver your Italian food package directly to your door as early as next day.” This language suggests individual purchases rather than a continuous, automatically renewing service. While they offer a “reward program” where you earn points for spending, this is typically a loyalty scheme linked to purchases, not a paid subscription requiring cancellation.
Newsletter Unsubscription
The closest thing to a “subscription” mentioned is the newsletter: “Sign up to get all the latest trends, news and offers straight to your inbox.” Crucially, they also state: “You can unsubscribe at any time.” Mindfulnesscollection.co.uk Review
If you wish to stop receiving marketing emails from ciceros.co.uk, you would typically do this in one of two ways:
- Via the Email Itself: Look for an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any marketing email you’ve received from ciceros.co.uk. This is the most common and direct method for opting out of newsletters, and it’s legally required under data protection regulations like GDPR in the UK. Clicking this link should take you to a page where you can confirm your unsubscription.
- Through Your Account Settings (If applicable): If you have a registered account on ciceros.co.uk, log in and navigate to your account settings or preferences. There might be an option there to manage your email communication preferences, allowing you to opt out of marketing emails.
Cancelling an Order
If the query is about cancelling a placed order, that’s a different process entirely. For standard e-commerce, order cancellation policies are usually detailed in the “Terms and Conditions” or “FAQ/Help” section. Typically, you can cancel an order if it hasn’t been processed or dispatched yet. You would need to contact their customer service directly through the “Get Help” section to inquire about the possibility of cancelling a specific order. The exact procedure and timeframe for order cancellation would be specified in their terms.
Ciceros.co.uk Pricing
Based on the homepage text for ciceros.co.uk, while specific product prices are not displayed, there’s enough information to infer their pricing strategy and how they aim to position themselves in the market. The site emphasises value and convenience, aiming to make authentic Italian products accessible.
General Pricing Philosophy
The website states its mission is to enable customers to “shop from the most authentic Italian products at affordable prices.” This suggests a commitment to competitive pricing, particularly when compared to other sources for imported Italian goods or specialist delicatessens. The term “affordable” implies they are not positioning themselves as a high-end luxury retailer, but rather as a mainstream option for Italian groceries. Signomatic.co.uk Review
Value-Added Elements
Ciceros.co.uk highlights several elements that add value to the customer experience, which indirectly relate to the perceived pricing:
- Free Delivery For all orders above £100: This is a clear incentive for larger orders. For customers planning a significant grocery shop, reaching this threshold means saving on delivery fees, which can make the overall purchase more cost-effective. For smaller orders, delivery charges would apply, increasing the total cost.
- Rewarded As You Shop: “For every £4 you spend you’ll earn 1 point.” This loyalty scheme suggests a long-term value proposition for frequent shoppers. While the exact monetary value of a point isn’t specified, such programs generally offer a discount on future purchases, effectively reducing the net cost over time for loyal customers.
- Next-Day Delivery: The promise of “delivered straight to your door efficiently and as early as next day” adds a premium service element. While not a direct price component, the speed and convenience often factor into a customer’s perception of value for money.
Comparison to Other UK Grocers
Without explicit prices, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but we can infer their market position. As a specialist importer of Italian goods, their prices for unique Italian brands might be higher than generic supermarket equivalents. However, for those specific brands, they likely aim to be more competitive than small, niche delicatessens.
- Mainstream UK Supermarkets (e.g., Tesco, Sainsbury’s): For common items like pasta or tinned tomatoes, ciceros.co.uk might be slightly more expensive, but it would offer a wider selection of authentic Italian brands that major supermarkets might not stock.
- Speciality Italian Delicatessens (physical or online): Ciceros.co.uk likely aims to be more affordable, leveraging economies of scale as an “online supermarket” rather than a small, artisanal shop.
In essence, ciceros.co.uk positions itself as offering a good balance of authenticity, convenience, and affordability for imported Italian groceries, with incentives for larger orders and loyal customers. The actual affordability for an individual would depend on their specific shopping list and frequency.
FAQ
What is Ciceros.co.uk?
Ciceros.co.uk is an online Italian delicatessen and supermarket based in the UK, offering a wide range of authentic Italian food products and household items for delivery across the UK. Opticalking.co.uk Review
Does Ciceros.co.uk sell alcohol?
Yes, based on its homepage, Ciceros.co.uk prominently features and sells alcohol as one of its product categories, which is a significant point of concern for ethically-conscious consumers.
Is Ciceros.co.uk suitable for ethically-minded consumers?
No, due to the explicit sale of alcohol, Ciceros.co.uk is not suitable for consumers who adhere to ethical guidelines that forbid the consumption or trade of alcoholic beverages.
Are the products on Ciceros.co.uk authentic?
Ciceros.co.uk claims that its products are “100% guaranteed authentic and genuine,” stating they are sourced directly from Italy and backed by “50+ years of experience.”
Does Ciceros.co.uk offer free delivery?
Yes, Ciceros.co.uk offers free delivery for all orders above £100. For orders below this threshold, delivery charges would apply.
How quickly does Ciceros.co.uk deliver?
Ciceros.co.uk states that they deliver “as early as next day” for orders placed on their platform, aiming for efficient and timely service. Regtransfers.co.uk Review
Does Ciceros.co.uk have a loyalty program?
Yes, Ciceros.co.uk has a reward program where customers earn 1 point for every £4 spent, designed to reward frequent shoppers with potential future benefits.
Can I cancel my order on Ciceros.co.uk?
The website’s homepage doesn’t provide direct information on order cancellation. Typically, you would need to contact their customer service via the “Get Help” section to inquire about cancelling a specific order before it’s processed or dispatched.
How do I unsubscribe from Ciceros.co.uk emails?
You can unsubscribe from Ciceros.co.uk’s newsletter by clicking the “unsubscribe” link typically found at the bottom of any marketing email you receive from them.
What types of products does Ciceros.co.uk offer?
Ciceros.co.uk offers a diverse range of Italian products, including pasta, fresh food (like sausages), sweet and savoury snacks, canned fish and meat, soft drinks, coffee, jams, honey, spreads, herbs, seasonings, and even Italian cleaning products.
Is Ciceros.co.uk affiliated with Trustpilot?
Yes, Ciceros.co.uk states that they have partnered with Trustpilot, an online review community, and display an “Excellent” rating from the platform on their homepage. Mydivanbed.co.uk Review
Does Ciceros.co.uk sell halal products?
The website does not explicitly state that it sells halal-certified products, and given its general grocery nature and the presence of non-halal items like alcohol, consumers seeking halal options should exercise caution and verify individual product certifications.
What payment methods does Ciceros.co.uk accept?
The homepage doesn’t explicitly list accepted payment methods. Typically, online stores accept major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and often PayPal, but this would need to be confirmed during the checkout process or in their terms and conditions.
Can I find popular Italian brands on Ciceros.co.uk?
Yes, Ciceros.co.uk lists a wide range of popular Italian brands such as Mulino Bianco, Kinder, Molisana, Barilla, and many others, indicating a focus on well-known and loved products.
Is there a minimum order value for delivery on Ciceros.co.uk?
While free delivery is offered for orders over £100, the website does not specify a minimum order value to place an order, only the threshold for free delivery.
What are the main benefits of shopping on Ciceros.co.uk?
The main benefits highlighted by Ciceros.co.uk are access to authentic Italian products, convenient next-day delivery, competitive pricing, and a rewards program for frequent shoppers. However, the presence of alcohol remains a significant ethical drawback. Doughnuttime.co.uk Review
Does Ciceros.co.uk have a physical store?
The homepage information suggests Ciceros.co.uk operates as an online supermarket, with no mention of a physical retail location.
How does Ciceros.co.uk ensure product quality?
Ciceros.co.uk claims to source products directly from Italy and guarantees “100% authentic and genuine products,” backed by their “50+ years of experience” in the Italian food sector.
Are there any discounts or offers available on Ciceros.co.uk?
Yes, the homepage features a “SPECIAL OFFERS” section and encourages users to “Shop from the OFFERS ⭐ collection,” indicating that discounts and promotions are periodically available.
What are some ethical alternatives to Ciceros.co.uk for groceries in the UK?
Ethical alternatives include major UK supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons (with careful product selection), as well as specialised ethical and organic retailers such as Abel & Cole, Riverford Organic Farmers, and Ethical Superstore, and dedicated online halal grocery stores.
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