If I had 3 wishes then I would use 1 to give this grocery store 0 stars. The second wish I would use to have any of Safeway's competitors buy-out this location. I wouldn't even waste a third wish on Safeway -- this location has proven they are not worthy of it.
For starters; the lines at this location are ALWAYS long. I literally live 2 blocks from this location and I have witnessed lines that have resulted in me leaving my items and going to a competitor miles from my home.
Stocking at this location is a joke. This store is fond of making their shelves appear to be full by moving nearby items into empty spaces on shelves, where popular items should be. The tags for the missing items are removed to avoid pricing errors, and the items that should be there remain missing, or out of stock, for several months at a time. Why would I continue to visit a store where the items I want aren't there because the stores inventory/stocking crew doesn't replenish low items?
The store is often cluttered. Items can be found strewn throughout the store, like a tornado went off inside the store. I walked though the bakery the other day and found more items from other parts of the store than actual bakery items.
The Customer Service center is often crowded or closed. The lines are often so long that Customer Service members, and employees from areas like produce, are often called to assist. Leaving Customer service, and other areas, devoid of help. Today, I spent 20 minutes in line at Customer Service with a line of at least a dozen people waiting for service, only to walk out in frustration.
The bakery is devoid of choice. If you want cake then you are in luck! They have them whole, by the slice, and plenty of it. However, if you'd like pie then you might be able to find a whole one, maybe. However, I am disappointed to see that I haven't been able to purchase pie by the slice. In addition, you can buy croissants, buns or any other item in bulk (like dozens at a time) but if your single then expect those items to go stale before you can use them.
The produce section is a sure skip for me. Any produce I have purchased from this location goes moldy within a couple of days. I cannot stress enough my frustration with the produce from this store. Fruit, vegetables, or whatever -- it all spoils rapidly.
Turn over at this location is phenomenal. New faces can be seen every week. Management doesn't appear to last long at this location as well. The employees with tenure are everlasting, but only because they have steeped themselves in mediocrity and have no fear of losing their position or seeing consequences for their mediocrity.
This store rivals the Dollar Store across the street. Honestly, I'd give the Dollar Store higher marks.
Anyone who doesn't think this store is expensive doesn't shop around much. I have witnessed the store stocking more specialty items and organic (all-natural items), but in a tiny store like this, it has only eliminated the popular items I was buying to make room for these items that aren't selling, and raised the average prices of items in the store dramatically. When compared to their competitors -- this store is VERY EXPENSIVE!!!
In addition the grounds of the store is littered with homeless; who bring their dogs into the store on a regular basis. It makes sense that the homeless would choose this location as it is the closest to the downtown area. However, they often heckle shoppers and leave a trail of litter all around the store. At times it looks like Safeway has taken their trash outside and disposed of it on the grounds.
I could go on and on about this store but it is saddening. This store has been in operation since the 20's and is a focal point of this community. There are alternatives. but they are miles away. From a metro stand point -- this is unacceptable. It is pretty sad when community gathering often lead into discussions about how the people of this community resent this store.
For shame Safeway! For shame indeed! read more