Sarah I.
Yelp
I started shopping at whole foods somewhat regularly around Thanksgiving. Previously, I was committed to Trader Joe's, and on occasion Smart and Final. I have had a few minor issues with produce being not-so-fresh, but I let it slide. When I'm spending hundreds somewhere, there's bound to be soggy greens or a squishy cucumber in there every once in a while.(This is important, because I wasn't aware of a "new policy" regarding returns.)
Today I arrived with ten reusable bags, my grocery list on paper since my phone was at 4%, plain bagels(their brand, my boyfriend who will eat just about anything hated them and I'm gluten free), and an organic pineapple that never ripened... it stayed hard and green until it molded over.
I wasn't sure where to bring my return, as it was my first time. Should I shop and do it all at once, or do the return off the bat? I head to the desk labeled Customer Service. I wait to make my return for a few minutes, there were a few people in front of me in line at customer service. The employee pauses to chat with another coworker as he passes by. No big deal, I'm in no rush. When it's finally my turn, I pull out the two items, and I'm asked for a receipt, which I don't have. She then asks for my prime account information, I'm not a prime member. She asks for my card information, I had paid cash. She informs me I can't make a return without proof of purchase. I show her my item is the Whole Foods brand, unexpired and well within the best buy date. I ask for a manager, she says they all went home. I asked her if the bagel and pineapple was worth losing the hundred dollars of shopping the company would lose out on in this visit alone, not to mention my future business, as I wasn't interested in buying groceries if my return wouldn't be honored. She insisted it was the new policy.
I'm not wealthy, I use tip money from work to make my purchases when I can. I can't afford prime membership fees. If you're like me and you don't keep every receipt, you're best shopping elsewhere.
I'm disappointed that I'll have to take my business elsewhere, I enjoyed the selection, size and overall cleanliness of the store. I frequently enjoyed chatting with one of the gentlemen who stocks the grocery area, his name begins with an R, I wish I could recall off the top of my head.
Trader Joe's has a very reasonable return policy. Smart and Final and Sprouts as well. I'm disappointed at my experience today, and don't intend to return. It's unfortunate, Whole Foods is the closest grocery store to me, however I'd much rather travel just a little farther for quality customer service and reasonable store policies.