We all have to shop for groceries, no?
Being a business-minded type of guy, I have to think that the ‘foodiest’ times of the year (i.e., Thanksgiving, Christmas) are the golden geese for the grocery business executives.
Cut to Christmas and my specific situation on the Sunshine Coast here in British Columbia this year. More specifically, Christmas eve (day) and the Safeway in Powell River.
We had to run out and get some last minute items for Christmas dinner and Safeway was the closest choice for us in Powell River. When we arrived, I observed the following:
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Chaos
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Noise
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Grumpy/festive people
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Uber line-ups
As you probably already know, if you mix the Holidays with grocery stores (any one will do), long lines will result. That much is unavoidable. I have to say, though, I was a little surprised that virtually no one was standing in the ‘cashier in training’ line-up. I seized this opportunity to ‘get in and get out’.
I’m not really fussed about the ‘trainee’ thing. What are they going to do? Type in the code for of laundry detergent instead of granny smith apples? I can live with this. In fact, I support the whole training thing (so does Douglas College, apparently – who knew?!) as the trainees are usually over eager to please and try their best to serve you as opposed to others I’ve dealt with who remind me more of a pissed off Marge Simpson. Not fun.
Anyway…with little inconvenience due to the whole ‘trainee’ title and a pleasant 27-second conversation, we were off. About 3 or 4 minutes later we were loading the car and I saw the same ‘trainee’ busting it out the front doors looking for me. Apparently we had forgotten one of our items and she wanted to make sure we didn’t leave without it. Top marks!
So…we have a ‘cashier in training’ who’s obviously a little nervous (and under-utilized) at one of the busiest times of the year and is trying her best to make sure everyone she deals with is happy. As a customer looking for service, this is gold.
I have to admit, I’m not a huge ‘Safeway fan’ but the way that I was treated by this particular employee at the Safeway in Powell River was outstanding. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch her name (read: don’t remember it) but if you happen to be there, look for the trainee with black hair and a nose ring.
And…if you are fortunate enough to deal with her, be prepared to be served, properly.
darren
I HAVE BEEN SHOPPING AT SAFEWAY FOR YEARS…I HAVE HAD TO BRING BACK ON OCCASION BAD FOOD…AND NOT TO OFTEN, IT HAPPENS. LAST TIME I BROUGHT BACK A BAD BAD WATER MELON I WAS TOLD I DIDN’T NEED TO BRING BACK IN THE FOOD OR EVEN RECIEPT JUST TELL THE CLERK.
LAST NIGHT FOR DINNER MY HUBBY BARBECUED FILET MIGNON AT $15.00 PER TWO STEAKS. SENSING A WEIRD ODOR BUT CONTINUED TO BARBECUE. WE BOTH TOOK ONE BITE OUT OF OUR STEAKS AND WAS TERRIBLY UPSET AT THE BAD TASTE…WE DUMPED THEM IN GARBAGE.
I WENT TODAY AND TOLD THE GAL IN CHARGE AT THE SERVICE COUNTER UP FRONT AND SHE SAID THEY COULDN’T DO ANY THING WITHOUT A RECIEPT, WHO SAVEDS RECEIPTS FOR GROCERIES. I KNOW I DO ONLY WITH LIKE LARGE ITEMS AND SUCH.
I WILL BE MORE SELECTIVE ON MY MEATS AT SAFEWAY FOR SURE. THIS PARTICULAR PIECE OF MEAT WAS VERY MARBLY, AFTER EATING FILETS FOR YEARS THIS IS A FIRST. KINDA SOURED OUR TASTE.
I COULD HAVE BROUGHT THE MEAT IN BUT DIDN’T THINK IT WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED.
THATS ALL…
DONNA KELLY