With party city closing, we were searching for somewhere to fill up helium balloons for a birthday party. Rosalie and her partner were so amazing with their help by filling up our third party balloons and even making sure the heights were adjusted properly. They wrapped them in trash bags so they wouldn't float up and block our vision in the car too. We were so impressed by their proactive and friendly service. They will be our go to for future parties. read more

Safeway - Birthday party balloons (bought online but helium from Safeway) - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I arrived at Safeway at about 5:15 on a Wednesday afternoon. Entered the parking lot from the Castro Valley Boulevard entrance and parked on that side. On the way into the store, I grabbed a shopping cart from a cart corral in the parking lot. Following behind another customer and her children, we found that the southernmost doors to the store were locked. No signage, just locked with customers inside. I knew they did this at night, after dark, but at 5:15 with bright sunlight outside? So we had to walk across the front of the store to the northern entrance. I was on a mission. One of my groups was having a potluck and I was going to bring something that no one had ever brought before. Ice cream! But to make it easy, no scooping, just sandwiches, drumsticks and fudge bars. It can be a crap shoot when buying ice cream from a supermarket. You don't know how well the ice cream has been handled. While the carton might feel solid, there's no way to tell if the ice cream has gone through temperature cycles. I did my best to make sure that the cartons that I chose felt solid. Pasteboard will often show signs of temperature deviations. I put them in my cart and rushed up to the checkstands. I got into a 15-items or less line with one customer being checked out and one other customer in front of me. Remember, all I have is ice cream. And of course, the first customer had questions that required the assistance of customer service. We finally got checked out and before I walked away, I asked the cashier if the south exit doors were locked as well. And she didn't know. According to her, whoever makes the decision just does it and doesn't inform staff. Maybe she's correct, maybe she isn't. I know that when I'm in a management or supervisory role, I always make it a point to let me staff know how to answer questions that customers might ask. Door locking should be set as policy with specific times on signage so the customers are aware. With consistency, customers with mobility issues will know which side of the parking lot they should park on. Ever since Safeway no longer owned Safeway (it's owned by Albertson's), customer service has practically disappeared. And I don't blame the employees, scheduling and training come from the top down. Yes, margins in the grocery industry are quite tough (I've worked in it), but squeezed margins when combined with decreasing customer satisfaction are a formula for disaster. And please, Safeway Customer Service, do not respond to my comments by asking me to fill out a form for more clarity so you can properly address my complaints. That's just creating more work for me. My comments are clear. Invest in some secret shopper reports to see what we, your customers, see and experience. Then make an investment to fix the problems. read more

I struggled with whether it was worth it to write this review, but after my third terrible trip to this location I feel the need to offer some constructive critiscism in case the ever read these, and to forworn future shoppers of what to expect. Pros - Central Location, large selection, and decent signage. Cons - "Shoppers" filling mobile orders for their drive-up service who get actively annoyed and in some cases actually huff and eye roll at being asked if someone can scoot past them in an aisle. Two checkout lines to service everyone who can't do self checkout (which is limited to 15 items, so you know most people) leading to lines that can run up to half the store length on busy times. Yesterday's wait was a particularly hellish 15 minutes, and I was lucky as there were at least 10 people behind me who's waits would be longer. No baggers, so your poor cashier is stuck doing both parts of the job, making said lines longer. Paper bags with no handles that are very thin, and so are both hard to carry and prone to ripping. People selling candy at both entrances and exits who bark things like "hey you you hey hey hey " coming and going, and don't take the first three no thank you's to mean no. So if you have time, patience, and your own shopping bags this place is adequate. Otherwise be prepared for general annoyance. read more

I ordered 15 chocolate bar on Sunday, paid for it and scheduled to pick up on Tuesday evening. on Tuesday 4 PM they called me. saying that the chocolate is out of stock and my order is canceled. I don't understand what is the point of placing order and pay for it. I paid it on Sunday. They should have hold my item because I already pay for them and I will pick them up. I don't see what is the purpose of placing order then , it just make no sense at all read more

When I was checking out. I told the cashier. I don't know how to use my Safeway app. To get the discount. He immediately said no worries! I'm here to help you! I said well ok! I just didn't want to hold up your line. He said we will work together. And the line will go very quickly. Do, he looked at my phone. He said you're right where you need to be. I will just zap the cell. And wala we were fine. I said ream work made the dream work. We laughed and I was out of there in no time nice. I also, attached a picture of the cutest pumpkins. read more

Safeway - December 21 cute little pumpkins - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Surprisingly good American Chinese food at the hot bar. It was on par with your typical American Chinese restaurant. They had the American style takeout but also a couple "traditional" leaning tofu & veggie dishes. The noodles were also a bit sweet, but better than panda, IMO. The staff were very nice also. Felt like they had actual restaurant cooks working on the food. read more

Two ladies closing the store were extremely rude. Instead of telling me that the store had closed and they are unable to check me out, they yelled at me in an unnecessarily condescending way. When I walked to the wrong exit door they talked to me in the same nasty disrespectful manner and screamed "Leave! Get out!" I didn't know what to do with my cart and they scolded "Leave it and get out." Never in my life have I ever been treated in such a nasty manner by to workers. their tone of voice and how they talked to me was not effective. I wasn't refusing to leave. I didn't realize the time that passed. They talked at me with a tone of deep hatred. I will never visit this Safeway ever again because I don't ever want to be reminded of those two ladies again. read more

This is by far the best Safeway. I find most Safeways to be a drag to shop in. Bad customer service, lack of quality of the ready made food, and the depressed souls that work at many of the Safeway Locations. But this store is different, the staff are nice, the food is hot and fresh, the shelves are well organized and stocked. Why can't they all be as good as this location in Castro Valley? Big thumbs up to this location. read more

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I think management needs to stress to cashiers on the 15 items or less "express" line is 15 items or less. Not a full cart, not 30+ items... 15. The sign clearly states 15 items or less. If the cashier can't handle that one job then maybe they should just do the regular check out lines where there are no limits? Speaking out for many express lane users. read more

Safeway - The "express" lane - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

All of people in the back and knowone taking care of customers but one person. I've lived here for 20 years and still no good service read more

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Horrible cake ordered here before never gotten something so bad. Will never recommend or buy another custom birthday cake here again! The cake had so many bubbles then to make us even more disappointed with the order when we cut it there's 2 random layers of sheets cakes when the orders asked for a marble cake never seen a marble cake like this for $50 go else where! read more

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Quality/Quantity - Came here for the ad item 8lbs of oranges for $4.99, but they were out of stock. Ended up buying like 5lbs of grapes. Atmosphere - Good size location. Cool soda display of the American Flag under your Thank You sign, see picture. Has many, if not all departments, including a Starbucks & US Bank; see pictures. You need a code to use the bathrooms, but the men's restroom was unlocked. I just pushed the door open. Plenty of mall parking. Open 7 days a week from 5am to 2am. Service - Self service. Also available are curbside pick up or delivery. Price - I think we paid $10. I believe oranges and strawberries are in season, not grapes, so prices reflect that. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1915 with your 904 locations in 17 states. In 2015, Albertsons purchased Safeway. read more

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Tip not review, if you work nights and have to shop at 1am, you are apparently not entitled to the same kind of customer service one might get during "normal" business hours. GLO or Gloria, there is a way to speak to people, and 2am does not give you permission to be rude. Dear Safeway: not selling gift cards after a certain hour does not deter fraudulent activity they will just come earlier... read more

Samantha from the bakery provided excellent service. She was very kind and handled everything wonderfully, even while managing many customers at once. Truly a 10/10 employee. I hope to see her again in the bakery. read more

As a senior citizen on a budget, I shop for the discounted items. Three times in a row, the receipts show I did not receive the discount as advertised. The first time, the clerk could not find the problem and had to manually delete and reenter the items. The second time, the clerk stated I needed to show the bar code when I check out for the discount. The third time, the clerk stated I could not use this bar code at self check out. WTH? Is this aggravation and time wasted worth shopping at this store? Nope, I am boycotting this store and will no longer shop here. People, check your receipt! Ridiculous and cumbersome. read more

Came here after work hoping for a hot meal and decent service got neither.. i asked the lady at the counter for the #3 meal, and she hit me with, "What's in that?" Confused, I pointed directly at the sign (you know, the one with pictures and descriptions) and repeated myself. Still, she gave me attitude like I was the problem for expecting her to know what's on the menu. When I tried to order a second meal, she literally just walked away mid-order and passed me off to her coworker. While I was paying, she completely ignored me and struck up a conversation with the man behind me--while I was still standing there. I had to interrupt just to ask for a bag, utensils, and the ranch I had already requested. No acknowledgment--until after the payment went through, when she suddenly asked, "So are you buying the ranch?" everyone has off days, but this wasn't just off it was dismissive, rude, and unprofessional. If you don't want to interact with people, maybe customer service isn't for you. read more

I like it how they have sushi but...i was waiting for someone to check me out forever....i was waiting in line and staff didn't even ask me anything... read more

1. More often than not perishable groceries will end up going bad in my fridge long before their printed use by/sell by dates. Although FINALLY having doors on refrigerated items would only be a net positive any potential gains here are surely canceled out by the stocking process that leaves perishable goods out in the middle of the aisles for sometimes 7+ hours. (Seriously, I've come in the morning and ice creams are still waiting to be put away) 2. Please fix the busted' stall lock in the womens bathroom. It locks but the fact that it's missing the housing on both ends leaves what amounts to a 2" peep hole right through the door. It's been years like this, years! read more

ordered rhe salt n vinegar chicken wings! they were real greasy and could barely taste flavor. Not sure how long they were sitting. Waiting a lil long to be helped then was helped and I could tell the lady was new but no worries. It started to get busy it was a lil after lunch time. It was busy and lines were sorta long. read more

New management needed. This store is always understaffed with crazy lines! And they got rid of the hand baskets, so it's much less convenient to navigate a quick stop-in using express lanes or self checkout. Additionally, locking up yeast infection meds?! Are you kidding me??? read more

And we're there. Multiple times now I've been here in early evening with lines stretching almost to the back of the store with no hyperbole. This is a predictable rush and rather than properly staffing, they are choosing to waste people's time. read more

Well where do I begin Giant chain store that can fulfill everything you need in one trip from medication to flora Special deals are on Fridays with the $5 deal where sometime don't need but would buy just for the deal My local Safeway is clean and you know is a good deal when the "deal" items are empty on shelves Staff is friendly and efficient Shoppers are cordial Not bad for a chain read more

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Came here for the 1st time to get a few things. It is a smaller store, but still has lots of items. I'm just not sure why I couldn't find the soup aisle. Otherwise, had everything I was looking for. Store is clean though some aisles are very narrow. Parking lot is on the smaller side, but it surrounds the store. If you can't find parking in front, go around to the sides. Will come back again when I'm in the area. Especially since there are carts to use. read more

I recently went there to get a sandwich made at the deli. Going down the line the woman 'helping me" asked what condiments I wanted and I said " just mustard please". The woman started screaming and laghing hysterically saying how could I not want tomatoes or lettuce, etc. She was just listing all the produce items. This went on for a while, and it was really LOUD. People started gathering around to hear what all the fuss was about. I let her finish her rant and when she was done causing a scene for absolutely no reason I told her I did want some of those things, but that they aren't condiments. She just rolled her eyes. It was really awkward and weird and I won't be using their deli again--because jeeze, I was just trying to get dinner after work. Why are you speaking to people this way? If I wasn't starving I would have just left at that point without dinner, but had already stood in line for a good 20 minutes. read more

Today I went in to do some shopping for my mom she like this store particular produce and food. I'm walking through the store shopping placing items in a Green!!! Bag that everyone can see I grab grapes two steaks and I remember I need motor oil I even grabbed some body wash because I'm running low. Since I'm here I grab some food from the hot food area was not by any exit at all when security asked me was I going to pay for this. I was taken a back like what did I do then looked around and saw security with his shirt untucked, no work boots, and hat side ways from the Garda security company. After telling him I was going to get food I immediately felt like I was being profiled by a half a star security guard at my Safeway that I've been coming too for over 20 years I called for the manger just to feel totally blown off saying he will leave me alone. Sorry Dirk the damage is done I feel uncomfortable and now I feel like you have this below average security being racist to young black man I'm assuming he thought I was young I'm not I'm almost 40 I held this Safeway with high regard I no longer do read more

Lazy employee from the deli sandwich department came here at night around 7:30 pm the employee too lazy to go make the sandwich and tell me they are close . read more

I love going to this Safeway. I live very close to the store, and it is convenient. I know most of the staff there and have been going there for over 10 years. My favorite checker is Lissa. She is absolutely great! Always with a smile on her face, even if they are extremely busy. She is a great asset to the company. For sure! read more

This Safeway has the best deli and their workers are top notch good energy and very helpful. The store is always clean and I haven't had any issues. read more

On the 4th of July, a checker, Brenda, had a long line. The customer in front of us didn't bring bags, so Brenda thought it would be a good time to catch up on her gossip. She stopped checking items so she could use her hands to emphasize her story. She and the customer were talking about their cats and even shared pictures on their phone. Meanwhile, the line behind us was growing. When Brenda finished, she realized she had to bag the items, but that didn't stop the gossip. Again, Brenda needed to use her hands to talk, so she would stop bagging to make her point. When it was finally our turn, I told Brenda there is a long line behind us and she snapped "Don't start with me, did you see she didn't have any bags?!" I said "and how were the cat photos?" And Brenda said "No, no, don't yell at me!? Brenda needs a vacation. read more

My choices to shop for groceries during pandemic times comes to this: Sanitized Carts Spacious aisles Social spacing enforcement Fresh produce and meats Helpful staff That's why I drive and extra ten miles from home to shop here. read more

Safeway - Wild Planet Albacore (solid in oil) Signature Capers, Best Foods Mayo on Semifredi's Kalamata Olive Bread. All purchased at Safeway. - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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This Safeway has the worst bakery. For over a year now all the fresh bake bread is always hard and stale. The mgr should be replace. Been to other Safeway locations and their bread is always fresh. read more

It's very cool to be able to show up at 5:45 am on the morning of my 31st anniversary and get my wife a stunningly beautiful bouquet of flowers and some groceries that we needed. Can't beat that convenience! And the staff were very bright and friendly. Another plus at 5:45 am. Good job, Safeway. read more

Safeway - Said flowers - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I had a fantastic experience with Linawati (the Deli cashier) at Safeway. She demonstrated excellent customer service skills, making my shopping experience pleasant and efficient. Service like that is what makes the difference. I Highly recommend her service! read more

I live within walking distance of a Safeway. This isn't it, but I will gladly drive several miles to shop here instead. It's clean, it's well stocked, the produce is always very fresh. Always a good variety, and I've never had any issues finding what I'm looking for. But the biggest reason is that unlike other Safeways in the area, it hasn't locked its pharmacy/wine section down into a smaller gated area within the store where you're constantly watched by security cameras and actual guards and have to go through a separate checkout just to get a bottle of cough medicine. Unlike some other Safeways, this one has not built security gates around its entrances that prevent you from leaving unless you buy something. I'm very socially anxious, and the over-the-top security measures at the other stores make me very nervous. I feel like they're treating me like a potential shoplifter rather than a valued customer every time I go in. I just want to walk in, find my groceries, and pay for them at the self checkout without anyone watching me. This is a good store where I can do just that, and the self-checkout area is pretty big so I usually don't even have to wait in line. Thank you for letting me shop in peace. read more

There giving out burnt chowmein I thought it was pepper but the taste was awful how can this Safeway sell this I thought there was a manger who cared read more

Safeway - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

Produce is fresh and flavorful. I pick up my order and I love the convenience. The people are always friendly and helpful. I'm in Assisted Living and these things are very important to me. Safeway usually has everything I want, in- cluding Coke sale items. Coke's Barq's root beer is hard to find, but Safeway has it. Kathleen read more

The workers who load up your car when you order online are thieves. I ordered groceries online and was overcharged. I sent items back with the person for a refund. Not only did I not get my refund, I was charged again for those items. Maybe they decided to keep them for themselves.it's been over a week and I was denied my refund. read more

This location does not have shopping baskets due to rampant theft. This means, the shoppers are to suffer if you plan on just buying a few items. It doesn't make sense to push a big shopping cart for a handful of items. I've seen many elderly folks struggle to hold on to a few items that they have. Management should really take note and improve the situation for shoppers. Instead, they're punishing shoppers because of bad actors that they don't have a solution to the problem. read more

Safeway - Tik Tok - $8.99 per lb. - Grocery Near Me - Castro Valley, California

I shop at Castro Valley Safeway for some time now, a few years even though I live in San Leandro because this Safeway has the best prices even though prices are going so high, the food is fresh, including dairy items and specialty cheese is always good and price-minded for all shoppers, and the people who work there are always kind, smiling and very helpful whenever I ask something or need assistance. Thank you Safeway, also the store is always clean and inviting so I want to be there and come back again and I know that since the store is bright and clean the food is also fresh and good! Thank you Safeway also, shout-out about the hangers on outside...not a problem here, somehow I am not acosted while shopping there and since I'm older now I have to think of these things, thanks for that, too Safeway! read more

I was a frequent shopper at this Safeway and will no longer return here. The manager on the floor today was either a Robert or a Mike I can't remember. He was extremely rude to not only customers but staff as well. If your working in customer service expect customers to have questions. I normally shop here when this location first opens since it's less busy, I took a chance today and seen the manager could not keep his cool with how busy they were. read more