Susan H.
Yelp
I don't---and never have---used Safeway as my main supermarket. This is for many reasons---which I will get to in this review.
I would only stop into the old Safeway location (where Big Lots is now) from time to time to pick up some last minute items, since I used to work nearby. When they moved to this current location, I began to go in more frequently because I was able to do my banking there. So...I figured when I was there, I could always pick up a few things.
The pros and cons:
The deli offers up a good selection of made to order sandwiches. However, depending on who is making your sandwich, you could end up with the wrong sandwich or a poorly made one. Since the sandwich is made right in front of you, you can speak up if it is being made incorrectly.
Their house brands seem to be poor quality. I'm referring to canned goods and pastas, mostly. Yes, house brands are cheaper but, IMO, it's not worth buying them if the quality is sub par.
The place is often understaffed. This was the case when the economy was doing great, as well as now. Many times the manager has to start ringing up customers meaning that no one is attending the customer service desk.
At one time, this Safeway had lots of cashiers that were long-time employees. It was nice to shop and see familiar faces who got to know you and took the time to chat with you. Many of these people have now retired. While the vast majority of the newer staff is friendly, there isn't much effort to make a personal connection. Also, it seems that the best of the bunch seem to move on. For example, there once was a lady who worked in the bakery that was friendly and would go the extra mile for you. I miss seeing her there. Once I even told the then manager about how good a worker she was.
Speaking of managers---recently this store seems to have a high turnover of managers, which has me wondering why...
Safeway, in general, is sleazy when it comes to offering items on sale. Many times I will pick up something to buy because it is supposedly on sale. For example, a sign by the Pepsi will say $1.99 for a 12-pack. You pick it up, take it to the register and are charged full price. When you question the cashier, it turns out that it is only $1.99 if you buy 5! This is only mentioned in the weekly flyer---not on the sign in the store---or if it is on the sign, it is in small print. I once picked up some produce that had a sign saying "buy one get one free". I checked---the sign said it was for that particular item. However, when it rang up---it seemed it wasn't but for something similar. Thus, I don't trust their so-called "sales". Other supermarket chains are much more honest and straightforward when it comes to sale items.
On the positive side, Safeway has received kudos for carrying a good number of "healthy" food items. This is true---they often have a better frozen selection of Amy's products than other stores.
Another thing I like --- they have a great selection of gift cards. This was very helpful to me at Christmas time, as I was able to do much of my gift shopping there LOL!
Lastly (and to be fair, this sometimes happens in other chains), you really have to read the expiration labels on items. This week I popped in to buy some soy milk for a recipe. When I got one and was ready to use it---I discovered it had expired 2 months ago! I took it back to the store and got a refund. I asked the manager if anyone ever checked these things. He said that an outside company sends in people who are supposed to do this. Obviously, they weren't doing their job and no one at Safeway was checking this.