Top 10 Store Checks of 2016, part 1

I took about 10,000 photos this year, not counting my kids, cats and dinner, from about 250 retailers. You could call me a bit of a store check junkie. So what really stands out and makes a Top 10 list?

I picked stores that I talk about weeks and even months later. I'm leaving out my trip to Switzerland, Austria and Italy from this list because I'm sticking to just the U.S., stores you can easily see for yourself.

Here's the first installment of this year's Top 10 Store Checks:

10. Raley's Farm Stand, Sacramento, Calif.

This wasn't necessarily a store, but a tent at the Farm to Fork festival in downtown Sacramento. What made it a fantastic experience was that Raley's Family of Fine Stores made it a true farmers market, featuring local vendor partners selling their wares directly to consumers. This was a fun, interactive way to showcase local produce available at supermarkets.

Obviously this display wasn't shoppable, but it was a cute demonstration of local mushrooms. Raley's private label packs were right next to this.

The best thing about this display? This is how these tomatoes are merchandised in-store.

Greg from Durst Organic Farms handed out samples and shared info about the farm.

Selection was limited, but there were some gorgeous local favorites.

9. Angelo Caputo's, Chicago.

Vince Ottolino, produce manager at this Chicago landmark is well known and beloved by his shoppers, and after walking through this classic Chicago-style retailer, it was easy to see why this store is so popular. Huge displays of high quality, low-priced produce was a major attraction. The house pastries and coffee were a nice bonus.

Say hi to Vince! He's a produce rockstar.

Believe it or not, we're not even in the produce department yet. This is just the entryway.

Merchandising is pretty simple here, but every single display was plentiful.

I can't tell you how many times I've shared this photo this year.

8. 3 Guys from Brooklyn, Brooklyn, N.Y.

The “guys” gave us a tour of one of the last open air produce markets in Brooklyn. While the big, beautiful displays are 3 Guys' foundation, the company has a robust social media program boosting it to “cult” status, according to local media.

Meet Philip Penta Jr., one of the "guys". He says they're open 24/7, so no worries about re-stocking those outdoor displays every morning.

3 Guys relies on social media and in-store promotions to attract customers. The top seller? Roma tomatoes.

The assortment is a mix of discount and high end items like these Chilean peaches and bunched specialty grapes.

3 Guys added a small organic section inside earlier this year, promoting with signage throughout the store.

Want more? See part 2 here.

And part 3 here.

Top 10 Store Checks of 2016, part 1