The market at the corner of Foxworthy and Meridian avenues was remodeled less than a year ago and expanded its deli and bakery counters, making it a full-service operation. The PW at Cherry has gone the other way, eliminating its deli and flower sections. It has also phased out specialty items such as self-rising and wheat flours and has gone to a "no frills" approach. The market now offers reduced prices on PW's brands, Western Family and Special Value.

"We couldn't continue to run both stores the same way and still make a profit," Mike DeJesus, PW director of operations, said. "So instead of leaving the community, we decided to change the format in which we operated."

The market at Foxworthy and Cherry avenues is just three minutes away.

"What we are offering here is a different type of shopping experience," he said.

Manny Aiello, PW assistant manager, said that the changes to the Foxworthy Cherry store are part of the re-merchandising.

The deli, flower shop and specialty items were all phased out during the last week of September, but customers are still asking where they are.

"Customers miss the deli," Aiello said. "They miss the chicken they used to buy around dinner time and the sandwiches for lunch."

Aiello and DeJesus said the item most missed and still frequently requested is Treat Ice Cream.

"Although our other location does carry it," Aiello said, "the requests for it are so great that we have considered bringing it back."

Another frequent request that may return is the variety of cheeses the deli used to have, Aiello said.

The men are also looking at other ways to improve their customers' shopping experience.

"We are offering our customers coupons at the check-out stand that are good for our Foxworthy and Meridian location as well," DeJesus said.

Management has received both negative and positive feedback since the change, DeJesus said, but the positive comments have been greater.

"Many of our customers are impressed with the cleanliness of the store," Aiello said. "They like what we have improved more than anything else."

Maria Sanchez, a Willow Glen resident and longtime customer, said she came to this store because it was less crowded. When she walked in after the changes, the first thing she noticed was the open, clean look. She does, however, miss the deli.

Jim Reilly, a regular customer and Willow Glen resident, said he is OK with the new look.

"I'm here picking up stuff for a school meeting and not much has changed," he said.

Although the specialty items are gone and there is no longer a deli counter, DeJesus said, the store's friendly service and staff have not changed.

"We have the same familiar faces working here and most everything else," DeJesus said. "We just want the customers to give this new look a try."