"sf" > wrote in message
...
> 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 people in
> 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 lunch
and when they go to the restroom. That is consistent with the low service
rating Safeway received in Consumer Reports recently. I've never been
offered a produce taste anywhere. In the Moraga Produce market I just
mentioned, they have sample plates all around.

Kent

On Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:20:30 -0700, "Kent" >
wrote:

> At our Safeway all the employees frown all the time, I think even at lunch
> and when they go to the restroom.

Maybe the sourpuss attitude is just your Safeway, maybe it's a
reflection of the customer's attitude.

> That is consistent with the low service
> rating Safeway received in Consumer Reports recently.

Maybe they forgot to read and reflect the report. I can only say my
experience is different from yours and I have several Safeway's to
choose from.

> I've never been
> offered a produce taste anywhere. In the Moraga Produce market I just
> mentioned, they have sample plates all around.

I'm not talking about sample plates, I'm talking about good old
fashioned open a box or cut whatever it is that's being discussed with
the customer and give a taste. The produce person at the big Safeway
nearest to me does that.... and sells a lot more because of it. I
also noticed that their fish counter, the one that mimics an old
fashioned fish monger, responded to something I said a few weeks ago.
I told the counter person that I wanted to buy wild caught,
sustainable (North American if possible) fish and that's what all of
them point out now w/o me asking - it's also clearly noted as such on
the tags.

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:20:30 -0700, "Kent" >
> wrote:
>
>> At our Safeway all the employees frown all the time, I think even at
>> lunch
>> and when they go to the restroom.
>
> Maybe the sourpuss attitude is just your Safeway, maybe it's a
> reflection of the customer's attitude.
>
>> That is consistent with the low service
>> rating Safeway received in Consumer Reports recently.
>
> Maybe they forgot to read and reflect the report. I can only say my
> experience is different from yours and I have several Safeway's to
> choose from.
>
>> I've never been
>> offered a produce taste anywhere. In the Moraga Produce market I just
>> mentioned, they have sample plates all around.
>
> I'm not talking about sample plates, I'm talking about good old
> fashioned open a box or cut whatever it is that's being discussed with
> the customer and give a taste. The produce person at the big Safeway
> nearest to me does that.... and sells a lot more because of it. I
> also noticed that their fish counter, the one that mimics an old
> fashioned fish monger, responded to something I said a few weeks ago.
> I told the counter person that I wanted to buy wild caught,
> sustainable (North American if possible) fish and that's what all of
> them point out now w/o me asking - it's also clearly noted as such on
> the tags.
>
> Food is an important part of a balanced diet.
>\
>
I didn't know that about the produce nibble. I haven't ever seen anyone
getting a nibble in the two Safeways near us. I've purchased mussels
recently at the Safeway. One clerk was very nice. One was overtly indignant
when I asked him to make sure the mussels were closed. BTW, mussels are
$3.79/lb there, for cardholders. Steamed mussels and mussels with pasta are
both great dishes.

Kent

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.

On Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:16:39 -0700 (PDT), "
> wrote:

>
> 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.

Thank you, Megan. You should know!

--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.