Gibson’s Food Mart & Bakery

It’s a shame that a shop that has been part of Oberlin for so long has declined in its ability to serve the community well. They are so overstocked with things that don’t sell that it’s not uncommon to find expired goods on the shelves. I’ve eaten cupcakes and chocolates purchased from there that tasted far from fresh. No charm or ambience to speak of. Many items are very overpriced. The concept of an old-​school style general store is nice in theory, but it doesn’t seem to be working in practice. Embracing new business models and technology can be a great thing for small local businesses, and I feel that Gibson’s would benefit from a more streamlined approach to the convenience store. Seriously, what convenience store doesn’t accept card payments? Wouldn’t exactly call that convenient.

These updates auto load my last review, so in case it doesn’t save the old, it’s below.
I can’t tell if they read these reviews or not. Some of the complaints I had in my last review were addressed, but they are bringing in a new wave of rude.
I’m developing a habit of Aladdins, then Gibsons for ice cream. They do have a good selection of healthful desserts, and a lot of stuff crammed into the store.
They addressed some of the cleaning issues that were present before, but these people are so rude. Walked in, three people behind counters. The cashier just glares, the ice cream person doesn’t acknowledge, and the third person by the candy doesn’t even notice someone walked in.
Getting to the register after selecting our items, the cashier literally says nothing but the price. She asks the other person ignoring us how to do it (how I infer she is new), rings it up, and says the price. I asked for a receipt to get the name but their 1978 register doesn’t include that.
Every time I am here, these people seem to get ruder, hate their jobs more, and further go out of their way to disregard the customer. If I had ANY other choice in service, I would go there. Heck, I may start pilgrimaging to Walmart to avoid this place.
Previous Review:
Downgraded to 2 stars. Taking more time to look around, this place is a bit of a mess. They do have a good selection of foods for alternate diets, and things to grab real quick instead of going all the way out to walmart.
Their cases aren’t very well kept. Produce section is not kept. What really irked me was that of three associates standing around the counter, not one greeted either of us as we came in. Nor as we walked by a second time… and had little to say as we checked out.
This place will survive because it fills a void for groceries in the town, and their prices will easily keep them afloat. I’ll still come here as well, for dessert, but they really have a lot to work on. There isn’t anywhere else to go… so they’ll be here!
Original Review:
This is tough to review. In one way, it’s a 4 star– then again, it’s a 2 star.
I love the alternate diet options here. From fresh bread, to chocolates, to a ton of groceries, they have MANY animal free options. It’s also nice there is a little shop in town, and one doesn’t have to drive 15 minutes to the Walmart just out of town. The store also has a surprising amount of stuff inside– all the necessities, alcohol, and tasty treats.
Their fresh stuff doesn’t all seem the freshest. Their employees are not exactly the most pleasant– the one in the store portion didn’t have anything to say, and I tried to be nice and make some small talk, and she wasn’t about it. The person behind the counter wasn’t very aware of their fresh products. For how much they advertised their alternate diet foods, the associate had no clue about it. I just gave up… The store was clean, but not fresh, and had some very very economy focused signing. As in, made of masking tape… You’ll see better on the images.
So I’m going with the 3. This place needs some help, but it isn’t fundamentally broken, and they do offer a lot.

We visited the shop on a Saturday, and the employees outnumbered the customers. Two of the employees were clearly new and in training, and the third employee was at best indifferent. I’m sure that the timing of our visit, i.e., before the return of the students, had a lot to do with the breadth of selection of baked goods, but the quantity of items for sale was not impressive. We opted for ice cream cones, and were directed to the other side of the store. We were rather brusquely asked «what do you want?» My answer, as it almost universally is, is a quality product, polite and efficient service, and a fair price. On this day, Gibsons delivered on only one of those. The ice cream was of good quality and eminently enjoyable, and we took advantage of the outdoor seating across from the picturesque town square and park. I was hoping for an iced Americano to have afterwards, but it turned out that it would have required a group training session with the two new employees, so I opted for the pre-​brewed iced coffee instead. If you are looking for quaintness, or a long-​standing relic that Oberlin students would remember through the decades, or a piece of local flavor, you will find that here. If you are looking for the freshest and most delectable baked goods, or a perfectly crafted espresso drink, let your search continue.

I know the owners and they are incredibly friendly and hardworking people. Delicious sweets that I purchase from them every visit!

Some of the employees are very rude and many food items are past their expiration dates so be sure to check if you buy one of their overpriced items. Also, there are sometimes flies and gnats in the pastry counter/​display hovering around and sitting on top of the donuts and cookies.

Gibson’s is a wonderful old-​time general store kind of place. When my son was sick in an empty house with no food on hand, I knew Gibson’s would come through with a delivery of soup and fruit, and they did. A great resource in Oberlin.

My son goes to Oberlin College and we always have Gibson’s send him a birthday package from Mom and Dad. They are always courteous and deliver his package on time even in the snow.

I think this place is awesome. My wife says it reminds her of NYC delis, though I wouldn’t know. I grab lunch here a lot when I don’t have time to sit down somewhere else. Employees and owners will learn your name if you come in often. The baked goods are great when they are fresh, and the prices are plausible for the kind of business it is. Small town charm is off the charts once the employees know who you are.
The biggest downside, IMO, is that the wine selection is pretty… let’s say Midwestern. (I am from a town where the average wine list has 4 sweet Chardonnays, 2 Merlots, and some white zin: I know whereof I speak; I recognize my people.) The nearest liquor store suffers from the same problem, so it may be a supplier thing.
Some of the other reviews make it sound like I get better service than a student would, which I guess wouldn’t surprise me that much. Fortunately I haven’t experienced anything but great service, so it gets 5 stars from me.

Gibson’s Food Mart and Bakery is unfriendly, rude, and ridiculously overpriced. The ONLY plus of Gibson’s is their large selection of products. I understand that they have been part of Oberlin for over a century but the way they rip off college students along with their terrible service is inexcusable. It’s unfair of me to say that everyone at Gibson’s is rude– the owners are very unfriendly and unwelcoming, everyone else who appears to have been hired to work there are always pleasant and kind. One time I went in looking for Burt’s Bees lip balm after purchasing items in Ben Franklin next door (I walked into Gibson’s holding the things I had bought over at BF) and was ACCUSED OF STEALING. I know I should have put the items in my backpack before walking into Gibson’s but I forgot and only remembered when I was inside the store. I figured it would look more suspicious if I stopped and stuffed the items in my backpack inside the store so I decided to keep them in my hands. After looking around and seeing they didn’t carry Burt’s Bees, I headed back towards the door and the guy at the counter said «MA’AM, you need to pay for those.» I held up the birthday card for my mother and the other little knick knacks I had purchased at BFand asked «DO YOU EVEN SELL THESE THINGS HERE? I was just at BF and we can both walk over there and talk to them if you’d like. I paid for these things there, I didn’t steal them from here.» I walked out of the store and now absolutely refuse to be a patron there. I’m not sure if my experience was a result of racial profiling but I have heard from other students who are not white that they have been treated rudely and regarded with suspicion as well. Considering the unpleasantness of the owners and the high prices for cheap/​average goods, going to Gibson’s is not worth it.

They’ve got everything, including very friendly staff. Tremendous beer selection, some decent wines, good sandwiches and every othr thing you might need as far as groceries are concerned. It’s kind of a del/​bakery/​grocery/​beer/​wine store. I love this place. Almost no need to go out to eat except you don’t want to miss the Feve!

On a midwest trip I stopped by Oberlin The ice cream was good. But when I asked if the about the coffee (ie. i’m tired and need strong coffee), the sassy clerk said they had 2 kinds, locally roasted that was in a old school glass pot, and starbucks in a thermos. I asked which one was stronger? He said he did not know. I asked did you follow the directions on the starbucks bag? The coffee was luke warm, and WEAK!!! bluck one sip and in the trash.
The midwest still has the worst coffee in the world. I also went to 7 other small college towns all with terrible coffee.

From what I gather, this is a downtown Oberlin institution. I went a few times during a brief pass-​through at the College/​Conservatory. As recommended by friends and locals, their whole wheat donuts are quite delicious. I also thought their blueberry donut was tasty. Nothing mind-​blowing, however. This is one of the few grocery stores in the area from what I hear thus explaining their wide produce, beverage, and everyday item selection. The (presumably) college student staff were nice, but one of the more senior female staff members wasn’t too friendly. I also saw her snap at one of her younger staffers only because she used the same paper bag to place chocolates and a donut for another customer. It was a little awkward to observe. I still believe this is a good place to check-​out if you find yourself in Oberlin. It’s definitely a place for those with a sweet tooth.

if you aren’t a vegetarian, you will not regret the $ 3.19 lunch sandwich on a hard roll. IT’S SO GOOD. this coming from a new york city girl who grew up on deli sandwiches. I’m telling ya. also cake donuts. A fall day with a cake donut is a perfect fall day.

I was fortunate enough to steal some of Gibsons offerings from a co-​worker of mine in PIttsburgh. How the chocolates got here, I have no idea. However, I do know that I ate the whole box of caramels and chocolate covered strawberries. One day, I hope to make a road trip to this mecca of chocolate-​deliciousness and shake the hand of the genius who concocted such delicious treats. Maybe even get my hands on some of those brownies everyone raves about.
Ohio has no soul, but Gibson’s sure does!

Ok, it may have been here forever, so so has the food they stock on their shelves. I’ve found expired food, even expired food that should last a while in a pantry (like pringles potato chips). Wouldn’t dream of touching the perishables. And everything is very over-​priced. They don’t accept credit cards, but they do accept checks.

I haven’t been in Gibson’s in many years, but my father graduated from Oberlin in 1928, and the «young Mr. Gibson» then was the very elderly Mr. Gibson occasionally seen there when I graduated in 1973, with a new youngish Mr. Gibson behind the counter. I hope Gibson’s is still run by a Gibson!

Gibson’s is an Oberlin Parent’s Best Friend…
Yes, it’s a little dusty and certain things are priced a little higher than the big box stores, but Gibson’s is probably the most important merchant in Oberlin. They offer long hours and provide the things students need most within walking distance of campus. And, for a parent from afar, they are a godsend. One year they delivered 2 dozen freshly baked cupcakes to my daughter’s dorm room on her birthday. This year, I’m having them deliver an interesting assortment of goodies. Delivery charges are very reasonable. Gibson’s is the kind of old-​style local merchant who truly provides customer service. Long live Gibson’s!

These other reviews are crap–
Gibson’s is a mainstay of downtown Oberlin, and has been, in this same spot since 1905. For the town, it provides newspapers, donuts and baked goods, ice cream and cigarrettes, and 12– and 24– packs of beer that are available until 11:00. There are other groceries there as well, but at high rent so only go if you have to.
If you are just stopping by Oberlin, be sure to stop by Gibson’s and check out the picnic tables in front for a spot of local culture– it is right in downtown Oberlin across from Tappan Square and the Agave restaurant.

Avoid the chocolate in their display case. They are often old and stale. The only good thing about Gibson’s is that they are open late so it really helps during exam period. Bad things: overpriced, does not accept credit/​debit cards, and their grocery selection is limited.

The Gibsonian Institution. The peanut butter brownies, when fresh, are worship-​worthy. The whole wheat donuts are venerated by some but I found them not so appetizing. Store needed a good cleaning, and I mean a serious, scrape out the freezer floor cleaning, thoughout my career. They were open late, had a little of everything, and probably saved many lives during stressful exam periods. Owners were to the right of Jerry Falwell, though.