Long time (former) customer, probably averaged about $3000 or so a year shopping from US Chef's Foodstore. Unfortunately, I was subjected to a very poor customer service experience that other bicycle owners should know about before shopping there.
Not too long ago I had a rather expensive E Bike stolen in the area nearby the store. This store has a large homeless encampment just a stone's throw away. Anyway, I replaced my expensive bike, and had attempted to fold it up and put it on the "flatbed" shopping carts nice like, so that I may shop in peace knowing that my E bike wouldn't be in jeopardy. Before I could even enter the store, the manager on duty came out to tell me that I wasn't allowed to do this, and that I may leave it up front so that they may keep an eye on it. No available bike racks, just leave the expensive bike up front...
I asked the manager on duty if I may just wheel it around with me while I shop (as I have done once before), and he said "No, not allowed." I said okay, I'll agree to leave it up front if I can lock it so something in that area. He said there was nothing to lock it to. I pointed out a couple of different options, and again he rebuffed me in the negative - "I can't have you locking up your bike to those things." He just wanted me to leave my expensive bike up there by the front so they could watch it. I said that this was unacceptable to me and that they lost a customer. He replied in a rather snotty tone "Have a nice day!"
This was a complete customer service failure on their part. Why would US Chef's Foodstore apparently discriminate against shoppers who don't drive? Where is an available bike rack? Why can't I wheel my bike through the store as before, when so many others wheel things around like strollers etc? As I had previously stated, I have spent lots of money there in the past. The funny thing about trust is that it takes a long time to build but moments to lose. Perhaps they mislabeled me as another one of the homeless creeping about. In an age where shoppers have such a wide freedom of choice, it seems rather callous of them to just completely disregard me in such a manner. And I totally don't buy that my bike would have been safe there, as it's not their responsibility to watch anything that isn't owned by them.
No matter, the deals there aren't as fantastic as they make them out to be. And I already know that Kroger is much more friendly and accommodating to their customers, not to mention options like Winco or Cosco. So not the end of the world, just a very uncomfortable customer service failure that need not have ever happened.
Again, do yourself a favor and DO NOT SHOP HERE IF YOU RIDE A BICYCLE. Or for that matter, even if you don't as they could care less if they lose a longtime customer just so their micromanagey manager on duty can have his way. To hell with them! Okay, rant over. read more