I have shopped at the Vons in Yucaipa, CA for a number of years as well as the one in Redlands, CA. As I live in Beaumont, I tend to travel to the Yucaipa location as it's a bit closer, however, I will now most likely stop going there and may shop elsewhere. For context, I have two Stater Bros markets less than ten minutes from me, but have chosen for years to drive to Vons because of the deli meat, specifically, Diestel Farms.
During this past year (I can't remember how long it's been) there is a newer employee in the deli center who lacks good customer service. Several times I have left frustrated, feeling angry, disrespected, and confused- all because of this one employee. His name, I learned today only because someone else said his name, is Richard (he has never worn a name tag). Every time he fills my order I feel contempt coming from him. He is just barely polite (he NEVER uses polite terms such as please, thank you, you're welcome etc...) and there is always a layer of passive-aggressiveness just under the surface. Richard is seemingly off-put when he has to go to the back to get a ham or turkey that is not the case (never says, it's in the back, I'll be right back) and this is evidenced clearly by his body language. He never asks if I want something else, just assumes that's it, never asks what kind of slice or holds it up for me to look at, never smiles, is never friendly, and frequently goes well over what I ask for weight-wise. During the month of November, I asked for, I believe Honey Ham. When I got home I found it was Honey Turkey. As I live about 20-25 minutes away from the store and do not have time to go there on a weekday, we just sucked it up. The next week I asked him to please make sure it was ham and explained what happened. He didn't offer an apology or anything, but was rude and said in an accusatory way that I could have just brought it back in. Yes, that was true, but I wasn't angry about it, just wanted to let him know what happened and to please be careful. Honestly, he probably didn't want to go to the back and get the correct item. That would completely track with his usual demeanor.
Today I asked for a ham, asked to see the slice thickness (very much irritated him), and then asked for another ham. I asked him for a half pound for him to please not go over that amount. During this visit, the contempt he has for me was plainly evident, yet I continued to be polite and respectful towards him. He sliced the ham and put it on the scale. It was .39 and he asked if that was good enough for me. The demeanor, word choice, tone, etc.. just were the last straw for me. I told him sure, fine that was fine. I let him know that every time I come in he is difficult and rude with me. I was extremely upset to the point of almost crying. It's been months, and every single encounter (about 2-3 times a month on average) has been with hostility. I am a polite person. I treat people with kindness. I am always extremely nice to people in service. He has an issue with me and maybe other women, but I will have to change locations, or stores in general in order to avoid having to continue to deal with this man- and it will be at a huge inconvenience to me as well as extra-expense (on top of what I was already willingly paying) for gas.
I have NEVER written a complaint about a worker and while I have often wanted to about Richard, never have. However, I maintain that a customer should never leave the store feeling like crying because of the treatment they receive from an employee. read more