between the miles and the way you can stack the fuel awards they now get 95+% of my grocery business as well as anything else I can get there that qualifies. I used to go to Freds and Safeway about 50/50 before the new and improved fuel rewards started. Im pretty frugal with mile gathering but its not really on my mind when getting groceries. Safeway is less crowded and open anytime. Freds is crowded and things are in no particular rhyme or reason to their layout
I echo this. I have an Albertsons, QFC, Safeway, and Freds within walking distance, but I shop almost exclusively at Safeway. The miles and fuel bonuses are a factor, but I also appreciate the service. I like that most newer Safeways are laid out the same.