Saad H.
Google
I had a very troubling experience at Supermarché Akhavan (6400 Rue Saint Jacques Ouest) on both December 18 and 19, and I feel it is important to share it publicly.
On December 18, I arrived at the store at around 6:02 PM, just after closing time due to a bus delay. An employee at the entrance told me the store was closed. I explained that I only needed two minutes to pick up a few items. He first said “okay, do it fast,” but then immediately changed his mind and told me to come back the next day. I respected this and left.
Later that evening, I went to the restaurant next to the supermarket and saw the same employee working in the kitchen area. I asked the person at the counter about dropping off my résumé for a job at the supermarket. She told me to return the next day when the store was open and to speak with the manager about the cashier position.
On December 19, I arrived at the store around 5:47 PM, again delayed by public transit. I was checking prices and availability of items, including marinated chicken in the meat section. The section looked like it was closing, so I looked around for a staff member. When I returned to the display, the same employee from the previous day approached me abruptly and told me the store was closed. I acknowledged this and prepared to leave.
Before leaving, I took one photo of the marinated chicken price so I could ask about it the next day when the store was open. At that moment, the employee suddenly approached me aggressively, telling me I was not allowed to take photos and accusing me of being “sent by someone to take pictures.” He then tried to forcefully escort me out of the store while speaking to me in a rude and hostile manner. He even threatened to “kick me out” if I ever did it again.
Throughout this interaction, I repeatedly explained that the photo was only for my personal reference so I could ask about the product the next day. His accusation was unreasonable and completely unfounded.
For identification purposes only, I am referring to the only Black employee working in the store at that time, as this is the only way management can clearly identify who was involved. This is not meant offensively. It is simply the only distinguishing detail available.
I also explained that I needed to drop off my résumé at the cash register, as instructed by the restaurant staff the previous day. He responded rudely again but eventually allowed me to proceed.
This behaviour was unprofessional, disrespectful, and completely unacceptable. No customer should be treated this way, especially when they are cooperating and preparing to leave at closing time. I hope management takes this matter seriously and addresses it properly. If this issue is not addressed by management, I will stop shopping here and file a formal complaint with the Quebec consumer protection department.
