On Apr 23, 5:20*pm, "Kent" > wrote:
> "sf" > wroteinmessage
>
> ...
>
> > On Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:09:22 -0700, "Kent" >
> > wrote:
>
> >> I think Safeway's exorbitant prices are pretty uniform everywhere.
>
> > Agreed.
>
> >> Their service is pretty marginal. Everyone frowns, unlike Trader Joes.
>
> > I have to disagree on both of those points. *I think we consider
> > Safeway to be sub par service to Trader Joe's because we see fewer> people stocking shelves at Safeway and therefore have fewer peoplein
> > the aisles to ask for assistance. *The smile factor is the same as is> the style of service once you find someone to help... and I've never> seen a produce employee at TJ's crack open anything to offer tastes on
> > the spur of the moment.
>
> At our Safeway all the employees frown all the time, I think even at lunchand whentheygo to the restroom. That is consistent with the low servicerating Safeway receivedinConsumer Reports recently. I've never beenoffered a produce taste anywhere.Inthe Moraga Produce market I justmentioned,theyhave sample plates all around.
>
> Kent

It is part of the customer service program. If you ask the produce
clerk if the oranges (or whatever) is sweet, they are required to
offer you a sample. And there are mystery shoppers to test this.
Stores with low scores end up receiving a lot of visits from district
managers. Service is a very big deal.