Being "nice" is not limited to the individual

[Blueberry]

My WF hatred stems from our local store (Campbell, CA). On two different occasions I bought seedless watermelons. Both times when I got the melons home and cut them open, they were rotten. When I complained, the manager told me I should have had someone at the store cut the melon open before I bought it. In other words, it was my fault they sold me rotten produce. Then there are the moldy scones they were selling in the bakery.

I'm thinking that's abnormal for them (or we have a really good store). I've gotten bad produce a few times (similar situations), and I've had things cheerfully replaced. Sheesh. Cut it open in the store...what a PITA! No wonder you don't prefer them!

TJ's, on the other hand - they'll take anything back cheerfully - even if you just didn't like it!

I have trouble finding the foods I want at "normal" stores, and our alternative whole foods-type places have always been even more expensive

CA

[msincredible]

My WF hatred stems from our local store (Campbell, CA). On two different occasions I bought seedless watermelons. Both times when I got the melons home and cut them open, they were rotten. When I complained, the manager told me I should have had someone at the store cut the melon open before I bought it. In other words, it was my fault they sold me rotten produce. Then there are the moldy scones they were selling in the bakery.

I have returned moldy grapes to my local WF (San Mateo, CA) and they cheerfully took them back and refunded me and apologized.

[snapdragen]

We have some local stores that I much prefer over WF, better produce, much of it locally grown, no attitude, prices are better too. I also love Trader Joe's, I'll be heading there this morning.

[Pax]

Good on the manager for taking the initiative!

I wish I could complain about WF or TJ, but I live where we have neither. We have a small local food co-op and a small veg place, both will run you $5.80 for the same box of cereal that costs around $3.70 at WF and $2.50 at TJ's (I've shopped those places when visiting other cities). I appreciate that the local places offer so many organic choices but it's cost prohibitive to shop there.

[tulip]

Pardes, your WF did a good thing. If I had one nearby, I'd probably regularly go over my grocery budget there. Come spring, I'll once again be growing most of my own veggies, and the farmers markets around here are pretty good for additional items. I also like to bake my own bread, and once my kitchen is done, I'll start that up again, too. I get my beef and bison directly from two local farms. I'm still trying to find a local farm to get chicken, though. Fish is a bit trickier, and I do go to the local organic store for fish, and for my Dr. Haushka face stuff. I pay a premium there, and it's a bit of a hike (but a nice bike ride through urban Richmond).

The local grocery store chain here (Ukrops) has a good selection and variety of foods--produce and packaged stuff. They have alot of organic offerings at good prices. I get my wine from a specialty shop. Ukrop's is family-owned (but definitely not mom-n-pop) and the family sticks to its values and so the stores do not sell alcohol and they are closed on Sundays. I have no problem with that; I just go elsewhere for those items and I plan ahead so I won't need anything on Sunday. If I do, there's a Kroger nearby.

I can't imagine Kroger doing what WF did (not so sure about Ukrop's).