I am writing to formally express my deep disappointment and concern regarding a disturbing and unacceptable experience I had at Safeway location 403 Redland Blvd. on the evening of April 28, 2025, at approximately 7:36 PM at the self-checkout area.
While my visit started off positively--with a very kind and helpful young man at the meat deli who went above and beyond to assist me despite not having the poultry I initially wanted, but I ended up purchasing the mango chicken which he suggested, but Unfortunately I left the store feeling humiliated, shaken, and completely disrespected due to the behavior of an employee named Daila V.
As I was checking out, I entered the phone number I typically use, and the self-checkout machine repeated the prompt loudly. Almost immediately, Daila V approached and, in an extremely condescending tone, loudly asked, "WHAT DID YOU DO?" in front of other customers. Her tone was aggressive, and I was instantly embarrassed. Rather than assisting in a calm and respectful manner, she inserted a key into the machine and walked away without saying a word or confirming that the issue was resolved.
When the machine again requested my phone number, I nervously tried again, feeling intimidated by Daila's previous interaction. I gently informed her that it happened again, hoping for help--not hostility. Instead, she told me twice to "relax" in a dismissive tone. When I calmly questioned why she was saying that, she responded by raising her voice and saying, "I don't know why you're mad at me." She was standing uncomfortably close to me, towering over me, speaking in a raised voice while customers were present. This was beyond unprofessional--it was intimidating and borderline threatening.
As I proceeded to leave, Daila stood in the center of the walkway, staring at me intensely before sarcastically saying, "Have a good night," in a way that was clearly meant to provoke. I left the store feeling completely shaken. In my distress, I even approached a customer wearing a polo shirt, hoping he was an employee, just so I could ask for a manager's name. That's how desperate I was for help.
The most troubling part of all this is that Daila's behavior overshadowed the great service I initially received at the deli. What should have been a simple, peaceful shopping trip turned into a traumatizing experience that I am still processing. I filed a complaint with Albertsons Companies, and a professional associate named Dine documented my experience. I now await follow-up from the District Manager and Store Manager Joe Sturm.
Let me be clear: I am traumatized by this encounter and deeply disturbed that someone like Daila is allowed to interact with customers. I'm sure this is not her first encounter displaying such unprofessionalism. This is the closest Safeway to me, and it is unreasonable for me to feel anxious or unsafe shopping here due to the actions of a single employee. I'm looking forward to immediate disciplinary action is not taken--such as dismissal. I will have no choice but to explore additional steps and or take this publicly.
Please review the surveillance footage from the self-checkout area around 7:36 PM on 4/28/25 to witness this unacceptable behavior for yourself. A swift and serious resolution is expected. My phone number was documented by the customer service rep. Dine. Thank you kindly. read more