fdarn wrote:

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I was just wondering why when i was shopping the other day the cashier asked me if I found everything i needed. I was like "huh? oh yeah yeah. i got everything i need today." Then i was thinking "WHY? Does it look like I should have something else?" i was contemplating saying "I didn't need eggs or bread today. i got that stuff at home already. Even though I got mustard and lunch meat you probably thought i forgot the bread but no worries I got it at home.. I appreciate your concern" Now that you have given me some insight to the reason she likely asked next time I hear that question i might have some fun with it.

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 About a week ago at Safeway (where I shop a lot) I was paying for my groceries and the bagger who must be new or not real bright asked the required question but the wrong way. Instead of asking "would you like help out with the groceries?" He tells/asks me "you don't need any help do you?" That was so funny! That would have made a secret shoppers day if one had been near.

Hey Sunday,I think it is a good move.Most safeways have the old time clock and their rules.such as the other retails are being control by their head office as well.Co-ops are changing as well,when it comes to log books, it is a goverment thing that is right across alberta.We do check everyday as well.We are less control by head office but we do have our standards.Hope things work out for you,as you say right now it is hard finding good cutters.We are still looking for one at one of our locations.Safe does pay a little better but you don't always get the hours and they move you from one store to another.can't always get the big pay in alberta any more for cutting meat.

fbcivcoming wrote:

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Good Luck to ya! I hear Safeway is better than it's subsidiaries Vons and Pavilions. I'm a Meat Dept Manager at a Vons in Costa Mesa, Ca. and have been on " Suspension pending" for 7 months now. I walked in on a Saturday and submitted my letter to step down from manager and on Sunday I was suspended and still have no explanation as to the reason. Sucks! The job has changed so much in he last 5 years. It is unfortunate but that's just the way it is. I just wish we could go to work, do the job that we know, make some money and support our families with out all the red tap and politics. I miss the block though.

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Can you tell us what makes Vons (S. California) worse than Safeway (N. California)? I didn't think it could get worse than that. I work for Safeway about 10 days per year on my day off from my real meat cutting job. That's about all I can take.

Frank wrote:

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I did ten years with safeway, at the time their net profit was six million a week. Their stock makes a very nice profit and they operate stores well. That been said if secret shopping is the new idea their pushing, then the program will be a success in the company. You would be suprised how un professional workers become when working closing shifts when bosses are not there. It's all about change my friend, used to be about making money now it's on the sales floor selling that beautiful smile. It's hard to shift gears when your under the gun, but if you are a true professional at what you do then( AJUST) for the moment, have well rehearsed line of bull that you give to every shopper. It's really not that hard ounce you focus and gear down for the brief seceret shopper game. Most important get everyone on board with the new game learn from each other discuss the shops in a positive way, and before long the company will give ye-all
A pizza party for great shops

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 When did your 10 years end? Things are getting worse all the time. Secret shopping isn't new at Safeway (in Northern California)

Yes, it's very sad, but in some meat departments, you're not a meat cutter. You're a robot doing unskilled work. Or a "Stepford Butcher" (remember the movie "Stepford Wives")?, You're Toby, not Kunta Kinte. (Not you Frank, but it's going that way for all of us someday)

I'd be grateful to work at Safeway if I lose my current job. But I'd wouldn't be proud of it.

Please don't be offended if you work there. I know we all can go anywhere and fit in. I'm lucky, not good. Things are changing for the worse and I'd say to new people to choose something else and for the old people to "stick and stay and make it pay". Tom Kolosi a retired Albertson's cutter told me that when someone was threatening to put me in seafood dept. Fortunately, they didn't do it.   

Yes, you have to say stupid things to every customer (offending many)

For a while, they were making Safeway people say "what brings you to the meat/deli/bakery/produce department today"? Most people want to be left alone and not asked questions. What if I see a customer in the bathroom? Should I ask him what brings you to the bathroom today??

Most people don't want to be said "hello" to by people who are forced to do it and afraid of what will happed in they don't. I was a victim of it at the bank today. TWO employees said hi to me on my way to the teller. Very awkward.

I still say, and I always will, that secret shoppers are dung beetles. A very low form of life. I have no respect for them. Hall monitors. And I still say and always will that if you're not good with customers, a real customer will rat you out. There's a lot of people out there who just have a need to complain. There's no need for secret shoppers.

Yes i have workd for Safeway 15 yrs aka Vons 3 different districts n 3 shops i opend and managed. As

yes a long time paid me very well n still tries to keep the respected level us Meat Cutters held for years till this new pre trimmed slice everything easy cryopacs have been shipped from the wholesalers they are the main reason we are losing our jobs.

slayer wrote:

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safeway is the worst grocery store to work for period. they have too many sales and no manpower

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 Do you currently work for Safeway? In what county/state?. I work at lots of Safeway's on my days off. Some are terrible, others are OK. Although I agree it's not a great place to work, it's better than being unemployed.