regina L.
Google
I try to shop local and support Flint owned businesses, and I was excited to give this place a try. My first two experiences were mixed- prices were a bit higher than other choices, produce was over ripe, and milk was close to the expiration date. I know getting things started is hard, so I overlooked the small issues, since the check out lady was pleasant and the man in the meat department was helpful. But my latest experience will be my last. I walked in carrying my reusable shopping bag. I use it every time I shop for a couple reasons. First of all, it limits the amount that I spend and avoids the issue of my bags being too heavy to carry up the stairs to my home. Secondly, and maybe more importantly, is the fact that I don't want to touch the carts. I live and work with folks who are immune compromised, so avoiding germs and viruses is of the utmost importance. I walked past the security guard to the fruits and vegetables, where I put my first item into my shopping bag (a container of cut-up fruit.) The security guard proceeds to say to me, as he laughs, "really? you just gonna put that in your bag right in front of me? Like I ain't even here?" I saw the smile on his face, so initially I thought he was just playing around. As he continued to look at me and walk up to me, I realize he was serious. I said "excuse me?" Which he ignored as he spoke over me, saying "the fruit you just put in your bag." This time the laughter had gone out of his voice, and he was clearly accusatory. I answer "yeah, my fruit. I put it in my shopping bag." He says "you can't do that until you pay for it" (shaking his head and clearly angry.) I say "this is a reusable shopping bag. You fill it, bring it to the register, put it on the belt, pay for your stuff, and repack your bag." He says "nah man, you can't do that." And motions to me to give him my bag or the fruit, I'm not really sure. At this point, I'm confused, because I do that EVERYWHERE, including this place the last (and only) two times I shopped here. So I say "I'm sorry, I do that everywhere, and did it here before, so I didn't know there was a problem. I can take it out of the bag and carry it." To which he says I have to use a cart, and that my bag has to stay up front, because it is like a back pack. (? On that!) I say no problem- I'll get a cart. He says no, he will get me one. I stand in the middle of the fruit department and wait for him to get one. When he returns I take my fruit from my bag, place it in the cart, grab the dirty handle, and go to do my shopping as he takes my bag (I think he tagged it?) and set it on the service counter before telling the cashier how I'm trying to put stuff in my bag. I understand they may have a problem with shoplifting, however I don't understand how he thought I intended to try to shoplift by putting something into a shopping bag that has to be emptied at the front of the store. If he thought I was doing something wrong he could watch me, he could double check at the register that I had fruit on the counter, he could watch the cameras, tell other employees to watch, or any number of other discreet methods that didn't involve making accusations and insulting the customers directly. You know, in case I'm NOT a shoplifter and am just a paying customer. I'm just not sure speaking disrespectfully was the right way to handle the situation. Perhaps he's unfamiliar with a reusable shopping bag. Perhaps I'm unaccustomed to employees assuming their customers are shoplifters. I'm either case, it is clear that this establishment does not want my business, nor the business of my family and friends. I wish you success in the community, you'll just have to do it without our support.
