Alejandro F.
Yelp
Here is my 4th review with just One (1) star in it, after dozens of 5 start reviews. Yes, the interaction was that awful. I am either extremely lucky or I don't know what, since 98% of the clerks and employees that I find at random stores are kind, cordial, nice, professional and polite at all times with me. I also had the chance to work in the food and industry before (restaurants) so I guess being on the other side of the equation has given me the empathy to relate to workers and be able to carry out a business transaction in the smoothest way possible. All of my other reviews can attest to this. I am easy to please and get along with and I won't be in your way nor stay longer than it is required. There is usually a 2% that are difficult to deal with, but I usually chalk it up to either them having had a long and bad day, or my order being unusually long and difficult to fulfill. In this case (part of that 2%) it was neither. Let me explain:
I frequent this store since relocating to Pasadena in June of 2022 and every single employee has always been part of that 98%, kindness, courtesy, politeness. Short 1 to 2 minute interactions and I'm out of their way so that they can take care of the next customer.
This time around, it was 1:30pm on a Saturday and the store was slow moving, this short lady was manning the cash registry, and because I only had a tray of chicken breasts, and needed some quarters for my laundry, I decided to get in her lane (again, super positive experience with every other clerk in the several months that I've been coming to this store, so why would it be any different now?
Her name was Ofelia (I did not ask her, I just read the receipt later). After finishing with the lady in front of me (they laughed for a bit and overall, I can tell the interaction went well), I went ahead and greeted her with my "hey, how are you?" to which she didn't respond. I just assumed "oh, maybe she did not hear me, it's ok! :).
After charging me for the one single item I had (that one tray of chicken breast) I asked her "is it ok if I please get some change back?" in the most courteous voice. She rolled her eyes at me and started acting inconvenienced, as if I had gone to her house, knocked on her door at 2am and asked her for a cup of sugar to put in my cake recipe.
Ofelia continued being dismissive, rude, disdainful and extremely patronizing and at one point told me that it wouldn't be possible, because her quarters are counted and she needs to keep some in her cash register. I told her "oh, it's ok, is it fine if I go pay at a different line?," to which she replied "no, just put your card here, and pay already."
I just need 5 dollars in quarters, but the machine only gave me the minimum amount of 10 for change back, I courteously and politely asked her if she could please input the 5 dollars. She turns the machine towards her and very rudely tells me to just do 10. I did.
So as to not leave Ofelia "quarterless" (since she had mentioned that at the beginning of our interaction as to one of the reasons why she could not give me change back), I told her that (to help her out) it's ok if she only gives me 5 dollars in quarters and the rest in cash. She opens the cash register and she has a whole roll of quarters with a "10 dollar" strip running through it and covering it.
She asked me how much I needed, I said "5 is ok, but if possible 10?" She gave me the roll and in the most patronizing way told me to leave. I kept my cool the whole time mostly because I really needed to do laundry hahaha :).
I try not to be a pushover and not let people walk over me, especially because, she already was in a foul mood, so what would I have gained by losing my cool? Absolutely nothing. If I would have stared complaining to the manager about Ofelia, maybe nothing would get done either (although, I must emphasize, EVERY other employee in this store, outside of Ofelia is super kind, polite, professional and courteous). Her day is already ruined, so I would lose the "battle" if I give into feelings of indignation and offense and start complaining to the manager about Ofelia, and in the process ruin my day too.
Other than that, though. Great location and fantastic prices. Just avoid Ofelia at all costs and come get your savings and nice products here! :D.