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bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23702
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 6:58 pm: | 
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I'm a self-bagger (worked at A&P as a teenager). What gets to me is when I stop bagging in order to pay for my groceries and the cashier does not start bagging the remaining items (or at least help). It doesn't always happen, just often enough to piss me off. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 2146
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 7:17 pm: |
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Wow - I don't pay nearly enough attention to what's ringing up and whether it's ringing up at the sale price or not.....I'm a slacker in that way too.
I've never had a cashier on the phone before - I KNOW I would make a disciplinary scene if that occured - I put up with the ones that chat to their coworkers while ringing my groceries (which makes the process extremely slow) - I tolerate that for some unknown reason and just mutter nasty things under my breath and just shake my head in disgust as it's happening. But cell phone while ringing up my groceries - that's where I draw the line. I pity the first cashier that does that to me - they will not forget me and I'm sure I will forever be referred to as "that crazy lady that made a scene and made me hang up the phone." |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 6588
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 7:21 pm: |
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I was at A&P once, did my own bagging, and as always looked at the receipt as I was walking out. I was charged double for almost everything I bought. It isn't the first time this has happened. |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 3011
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 7:38 pm: |
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The only good checkout people I've seen at Pathmark are there on weekend mornings before 10, which is also my preferred time to shop. The attitudinal women with the cell phones seem to come on in the afternoon.
greenetree, to make matters more anal on destination bagging: I used to keep a photocopied, personalized grocery list for myself that had all of my usual needs pre-listed in order they appear in the Pathmark. My dad did this, too. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 8737
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 8:59 pm: |
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Cyn - you win!
 |
MeAndTheBoys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 4265
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 9:05 pm: |
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Cyn, I've definately heard of that before. This other stuff, never. |
sbenois
Supporter
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 15424
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 9:06 pm: |
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LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONEY |
Wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2825
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 9:17 pm: |
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Hey you! You started this stupid thread. You are now hearing about shoppers extraordinaire who do much more than bag their own groceries. Looneys my tush. |
sbenois
Supporter
Username: Sbenois
Post Number: 15426
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 9:26 pm: |
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Okay. Let me fess up to something I do: as I put things on the belt, I add up what I think they cost and try to guess the total amount of the bill. I am usually within a dollar on say a $200 expedition.
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Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 3013
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 6:13 am: |
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I've done that, you nut job! It used to strike me that most of my weekly shops rang up at $120, plus or minus $5. So, I was always curious as to whether that held as a standard.
Y'know, I seem to recall actually seeing little note pads you could buy for grocery shopping that had headings for the basic supermarket areas, and common items underneath. All I did was "improve" on it by putting the areas in the order found in the supermarket I used. So there! I bet Peapod and similar presents their list in that kind of user interface. Just admitting to the things I do to make shopping and unloading less onerous. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3623
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 7:33 am: |
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The only reason I "categorize" my bagging is actually my own laziness. When I get home, I bring in the perishables to get them put away safely. I leave it to the spouse or kids to bring in most of the other stuff, which generally is for them rather than me anyway. The latter takes awhile ... sometimes days!
I love the Peapod concept, but they just don't carry enough of the items I purchase to make it work for me. I've tried several times to build a shopping list there but they are missing so many of MY items that I gave up. (What I really want is an online ShopRite with all of the items available at the Millburn ShopRite and home delivery to Maplewood.) |
Wendy
Supporter
Username: Wendy
Post Number: 2828
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 9:57 am: |
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Quote:What I really want is an online ShopRite with all of the items available at the Millburn ShopRite and home delivery to Maplewood.
Amen to that sac. I would think the cost would be greater however but it would be worth it for me. |
mim
Citizen
Username: Mim
Post Number: 658
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 2:01 pm: |
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I organize my list like the store too, and have even trained my family to share my looniness. When I ask someone to add something to the shopping list, they are now conditioned to inquire WHERE it should go on the list, knowing that the list is a roadmap to the store aisles. (If the list gets disorganized, I tend to overlook out-of-order items.)
Strange, I'm not so obsessive about bagging. But my list is sacrosanct! |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 2150
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 2:44 pm: |
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mim - I do that too! I order my shopping list based on the layout of the store.
And, I can't believe I'm admitting this, if I'm having a party and need to get a lot at the store, I put the list in an Excel spreadsheet with the first column being "Category" (e.g., veg, fruit, bread, dairy, etc.) followed by a column for "Quantity" and the last column is "Item". I input everything and let the list build as I'm planning the menu and then I sort the spreadsheet by category and although it's not always in the order of the layout of the store, like items are together and are in the same section so I can get all of those at once and check them off the list.
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Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 3018
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 4:06 pm: |
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I DO THAT TOO LILB!!!!
Mim, I applaud your success. My family is only part conditioned -- They get it, and try, and make jokes about my lists but aren't nearly as diligent as I'd like. Maybe forgetting some things is the ticket...
I don't know about you, but I'm guessing these efficiency moves are borne of too many years of family grocery shopping etc. After a couple of decades you really want to make it easier.. |
mim
Citizen
Username: Mim
Post Number: 663
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 2:42 pm: |
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Absolutely -- I've been shopping weekly for about 30 years! I don't mind the big Saturday visits, but I really do dislike returning for essential forgotten items. (You spend more that way too -- 'oh as long as I'm here, I'll grab another WHATEVER.')
Thus, the ultra-efficient store-layout list system! |
mim
Citizen
Username: Mim
Post Number: 664
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 2:45 pm: |
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Absolutely -- I've been shopping weekly for about 30 years! I don't mind the big Saturday visits, but I really do dislike returning for essential forgotten items. (You spend more that way too -- 'oh as long as I'm here, I'll grab another WHATEVER.')
Thus, the ultra-efficient store-layout list system!
(I have to say I've never done a spreadsheet, LilLB, but that makes perfect sense to me too.) |
Cougar86
Citizen
Username: Cougar86
Post Number: 28
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 3:12 pm: |
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I think I've been behind you in the isle LiLB.... |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 2166
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 4:42 pm: |
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Cougar - I'm guessing if you saw me with the Excel spreadsheet, you were probably thinking "What kind of a nutcase puts her list in excel?" (I think if I weren't the one doing it, that's what I would think.)  |
BGS
Supporter
Username: Bgs
Post Number: 1184
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 4:51 pm: |
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LilB-not only do I do a similiar list for parties, holidays etc, but I write my menu out as well on my list so that when I think I am finished I can go thru the menu at the store and try to jiggle the old memory for that odd ingredient that may have escaped me the first time around.
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LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 2168
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 4:54 pm: |
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I've thought of doing that too BGS. I haven't done it yet, but it's only a matter of time before I start.... |
MeAndTheBoys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 4293
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 5:46 pm: |
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Boy do I wish I had the spare time to be that detailed. Guess it saves a lot of potential time and energy wasted on the other end, to be that prepared going in.
I think all of you anal-retentive grocery shoppers should get together and offer a course at the M/SO adult school, something like "Maximum Efficiency Grocery Store Full-Frontal Assualt!"
I'd sign up.
I'm only just getting to the point of clearly comprehending where I might--or might not--find most of the items I usually shop for. |
Lou
Citizen
Username: Flf
Post Number: 212
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 9:03 pm: |
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i always write a grocery list before going shopping and ALWAYS forget it at home.
When the store gives a choice, I always prefer the "Bag Your Own" registers or the self-checkout instead of the regular ones. This way I make sure the fish is not under the potatos or tomatos right under the OJ. Also, it bothers me how people that work at the register (or the "baggers") have a tendency to give you so many plastic bags. I hate to have to throw them away when I get home, if I didn't really need it. I find that placing 2 to 3 items a bag is a complete waste!
So I do bag my own everytime I can, and when I don't get a chance to, I always ask to not double bag and to maximize the bag with more items in it. |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 3034
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 - 8:48 pm: |
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Hey, guys...I'd been meaning to contact Pathmark about some of my concerns with the SO store, and I finally did. Last Saturday I e-mailed the contact us link on the corporate web site. Sited a bunch of things that I thought needed to be addressed, but also noted some good areas in my view (the fish store mgr, the pharmacy). Anyway, I got a good long e-mail back that I thought I'd share. I think it's a very stand-up response and it made me feel like maybe they will actually address some of this stuff:
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Thank you very much for taking the time to e-mail about your recent
unsatisfactory shopping experiences at our South Orange store. We appreciate
the thoroughness of your observations. I wanted to review all of your concerns with the General Store Manager and I ask that you excuse my delayed response.
I forwarded a copy of the comments section of your e-mail to the GSM, Mr. Bob
Pykish. Subsequently, he had a department managers' meeting and reviewed all
of the issues. Then, he and I spoke at length about the issues and resolutions
First, let me thank you for the kind remarks about some of our associates. Bob
passed those comments along to the appropriate department heads to share with
their associates.
Recently, there were Customer Service Manager transfers. A new pair of eyes is helpful in addressing issues that may have become overlooked over a period of time. I understand that the cell phone issue is being addressed. Cashiers have been reminded that this behavior is not acceptable. Cashiers who choose not to abide by policies will begin the disciplinary process. Associates are instructed to give their full attention to the customer and to be pleasant and helpful. The CSM is reviewing Pathmark's Great Service Program with all Front End associates in addition to reviewing scheduling.
I have learned that the items in the 'return bins' are put back on the shelf during the overnight hours but the CSM will make certain that they do not become obtrusive during the day. Perishable items are never to be placed in the return bins. These items are to be returned to refrigeration or warming trays immediately. We have very strict policies regarding the temperature of hot or cold product. The CSM is responsible for assuring that these policies are maintained with respect to the any merchandise that the customer changes their mind about purchasing at the checkout.
With regard to the parking lot, Mr. Pykish has had conversation with the owner of the company responsible for machine sweeping the lot. Bob indicated to him that he was dissatisfied with the service the company has been providing and that Pathmark expects improved service. The cart person who is responsible for maintaining the lot during the day has been reminded of the standards. The lot has been refurbished by filling potholes and by restripping the parking spaces.
With regard to the vehicle left in the parking lot, I was informed that store
associates had placed several calls to the authorities about the vehicle. They
have been assured that it will be removed either today or tomorrow.
Bob has indicated that you are 100% correct with regard to Deli Department.
Over the past few months, there have been a number of terminations and
suspensions. We will make certain that we have the right people to serve our
Deli customers.
While most of the grocery restocking takes place during the overnight hours,
there are departments that need to be restocked during the hours that the store is opened for business. Mr. Pykish assures me that he has spoken to these department heads about limiting the number of items brought onto the sales floor so that excessive merchandise or empty boxes are not left to impede a customers' shopping.
Bob hopes that we have reassured you of our commitment to good customer
service. He requested that any time that you have a concern that you ask for him or one of his Assistant Store Managers, Bob Adams or Jeff Skrok so that the issue may be addressed immediately. Also, he would be happy if you just
wanted to stop by and introduce yourself to him.
Again, we appreciate your taking the time to point out these issues and for
reminding us of our responsibility to you, valued customer.
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eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1625
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 - 8:59 pm: |
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WOW - that's a really unbelievable response in this day and age. I'm really impressed. I wish that person was the store manager. |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 3035
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 - 9:04 pm: |
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I was blown away. And, given some of our collective experience with the store, it seemed fair to show that someone will listen. I mean, I wrote a fairly long note (about 1/3 the length of the response) and touched on the dead car, the insufficient bag your own lines and the rest of the stuff you can see. Yes, a well-written, thoughtful response. I shall keep an eye on their progress.
Showed it to my kid to let her know it's a good idea to speak up when something's wrong because often you'll get a response. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 2207
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 - 9:13 am: |
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Holy Toledo! That is one hell of a response. I'm very impressed. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 1259
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 - 12:13 pm: |
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cyn, thank you for contacting Pathmark about this stuff! |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 3036
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 - 12:33 pm: |
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Thanks! It probably sounds corny, but I have been a Pathmark shopper here and in my home state for like 20 years. And, we just automatically went to the SO one when we moved (gave us weird warm fuzzies I guess that our check card worked). But this one is such a far cry from what we are used to, meaning a nicer, cleaner store with service-oriented folks. More like the Rte 10 one. Then I saw all the local complaints here about the PM, and, well, it seemed fair to see if they cared.
Maybe they do! I have hopes...no reason why can't it be better. It doesn't need to try and be something it's not, market segment wise. It's not meant to be King's, or Whole Foods, or Trader Joe's or whatever. Just a clean supermarket with some good deals and a reliable selection of commonly needed items at a fair price. I did tell them that I figured that over the last 20 years I've probably spent on average $120/week x 52 weeks x 20 years = $124,800 minimum with them. Sometimes that helps. Told them many of us like the fried chicken, too... |
Gregor Samsa
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 577
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 2, 2006 - 12:49 pm: |
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I'm beginning to think the bagging is definitely a regional/cultural thing...I was in the Seabra's supermarket on Lafeyette St. in Ironbound yesterday, and ALL the cashiers bagged ALL the groceries. It took forever, but it seemed to be the norm there. |
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