The Common Market

After researching the best store with the fairest prices for vitamins we chose The Common Market. We were visiting Frederick and went to this location. Lately I’m more conscious of my surroundings and I realized after leaving my German white presenting partner I was being "eyed" by a manager. He made a straight be line for me offering me a bag for the bar of soap I was holding with a bottle of vitamins. Based on the fact that the only way he knew I needed it is if he had been watching me for some time. I then walked down another isle. Was reviewing a face lotion product without touching it but decided to not be later for brunch went to go find my partner. The same manager had come back down the aisle only to pivot as if he was organizing something in the same isle. I found my partner and then something caught my eye. I noticed the front of store manage coming down the aisle only to pivot when my partner walked towards me. I find to the most heartbreaking reality of my life these days. Especially knowing it’s not a behavior I can change or skin color I can change. More importantly I shouldn’t be made to feel like I need to. Shame on those who profiled me and at the same time don’t even know my name. Do better.

You will definitely want to purchase a one-time membership if you want to shop here often. My parents bought their membership back when the only location was out at Buckeystown Pike, and it is still good and active. Is CM more expensive? Maybe. AND I'm able to easily get food her, despite my food allergies. It probably isn't more expensive than Whole Foods, and maybe only a little more than Wegmans. But there is a lot available here you likely won't find at Wegmans, and this place *always* smells amazing (which can't be said for all natural food stores unfortunately).

My mom and I purchased French green lentils from the bulk foods section. We then bought $20 of additional ingredients from our local grocery store and spent several hours making a large batch of lentil soup (15 servings). Even after the soup simmered for 3 hours (3 times as long as it should've needed), the lentils never cooked/softened, and we had to pour the soup down the drain. We've made this recipe at least half a dozen times, but always with pre-packaged lentils rather than bulk, and it has always turned out perfectly. The only logical conclusion is that the lentils being sold at this store must be old/expired. We will not be buying any bulk foods (or anything else, for that matter) from this store again!

Clean store. Helpful and friendly staff. Adequate amount of dry goods, frozen, fresh and produce. Have never purchased meat here, can't vouch for that. Good place to get smoothies and takeout sandwiches. Nice area to eat inside or outside when weather permits. Always shop here when needing anything vegan or organic; especially glad they sell avocados from Mexico year round. Local business, don't mind supporting and you don't have to be a member to take advantage of some of the the savings. Would return and recommend.

It's so easy to shop here. It's pretty quiet, I've never felt cramped or over crowded, everything is easy to find (it's so sensory friendly). The cashier's and stockers are super pleasant and make conversation. Even customers tend to be a little more polite and concientious here. They use sturdy paper bags instead of plastic. I like that there are coupons displayed on the service counter and there is a community bulletin board by the bathrooms. They have a lot of grocery (and bakery) options for different dietary needs/restrictions. They carry some of the harder-to-find supplements and more natural/organic toiletries. Overall, just a great store.

Bright, spacious, well organized, beautiful! Amazing selection of produce and bulk items. Staff is phenomenal, and simply incredibly helpful. I loved the Common Market on 85, and I love this one too. This is where I get most of my soaps and oils. They carry so many items from local farms and producers. The first trip it's overwhelming because there is so much to take in, but on the second trip you'll be good to go!

It is nice to have a grocery store in this part of Frederick again. The prices are a bit higher than I expected. Selection is good, and check out the bulk-items section for sugars, coffees, spices, flours, and more. This is a medium sized store, plenty of parking, clean inside. Membership is voluntary and costs $200 yearly, it is not required to shop here at all.