While I generally love Shopwise because of the one-stop-shop grocery experience and the low prices, a particular visit to their Araneta Center Cubao branch has left a rather bitter taste in my mouth, and since then, I have never set foot in a Shopwise as a form of protest.
A couple months back, I had a foreign guest who wanted to try lechon paksiw. We had leftover lechon, and all I needed was some garlic, some vinegar and a bottle of Mang Tomas Lechon Sauce. I wasn't aware that Shopwise has already adapted the zero-plastic rule, and I didn't have any reusable shopping bags with me because our trip was a bit spontaneous. We got our stuff from the shelves, and when it was time for us to check out, the lady at the cashier explained that they no longer give out plastic bags to those who didn't bring recyclable eco-bags. I pointed at the sando bags that were hanging on the checkout counter, and she asked for my Shopwise card. It turned out that they didn't give plastic bags to non-members. I felt my temper rise, but I kept my composure and asked nicely if she could just allow me to buy the stupid plastic bag so that I can put my groceries in it. She gave me a firm "NO".
My friend and I had no choice but to carry the bottles of condiments and the cloves of garlic (which they didn't even have a bloody bag for) out of the grocery store. My top blew when we were stopped by security on our way out, and I thrust the receipt to the guard's face without any word and stormed out of there. Our car was parked in the far end of the parking lot, and many people stared at us and pointed at our bottles of Silver Swan and Mang Tomas. It was a very embarrassing experience that I shouldn't have gone through, because Shopwise should anticipate that not all shoppers are members, or are aware of their zero-plastics rule.
I think they could do better with their customer service. I have taken my business elsewhere and I won't be coming back here in the foreseeable future, not when there is a rival grocery chain a few streets away.
(Epilogue: I now conscientiously bring an ecobag whenever I need to do some shopping. Or I just chuck my groceries into my backpack.) read more