I recently visited the [Safeway store] in Moose Jaw.
When I entered I was told I have to push a cart around even if I go to the pharmacy or for a coffee. I asked ‘why?’ and was told this was policy. After taking the cart in and leaving it inside, I proceeded to pharmacy.
Shortly after, an employee began shouting and running for me to stop and use the cart.
Once again, I asked ‘why?’ and was told this is regulations.
I explained this is crazy.
She said I must take the cart or leave the store.
Without a meaningful reason, I will not push an empty grocery cart around. Feeling shaken and uneasy, I decided I must leave this Safeway Store.
I am 74 years old and live in an Old Folks’ Home. This is a very challenging time for all seniors and elderly. As I left the till with a small counter purchase, another employee with a clip board and pen waited for me and said I must take a cart and push it out the door.
Once again, I asked ‘why?’
Answer: It is policy. She then says I should speak to the manager.
Waiting at the entrance, I noticed someone staring at me. I approached him and he began speaking very loud in an intimidating tone and manner. He became very rude and disrespectful. He says, you speak to me and no one else because I am the owner.
Some seniors are unable to push a cart. Some have mobility problems. Some come to the store for pharmacy or to have a coffee.
The owner now says I need a cart so he could count how many people are in the store. He says, “We count carts not customers.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I stated, ‘this is crazy!’
He says, “I am the owner and I run my own store.”
I felt threatened, as he continued in a loud tone and his very large stature. (I am at least 100 lbs smaller and a foot shorter than the owner.) I have limited function and movement.
He continued shouting and told me to get out of the store. He followed me to the exit and I left.
By now, I was terrified. I couldn’t believe his conduct and behaviour. This owner acted more as a bouncer – enforcer than a responsible intelligent person.
I felt I was dealing with a cult; the way the owner and employees spoke was unbelievable! No other store that I know of counts shopping carts instead of customers.
Safeway values carts more than customers!
It is ridiculous for anyone to push an empty shopping cart around a store. What is going on?
It was disgraceful for Safeway and this owner to pick on a senior. There are many elderly people in the area. You should be ashamed of yourself! The [Moose Jaw Safeway store] owner tried to bait me into a confrontation!
I would like to know the following:
- This policy of counting carts and not customers. Is this a Safeway corporate policy, province wide or even country wide?
- If this owner acted on his own policy, does Safeway agree with counting carts instead of customers?
- Does Safeway agree that everyone must push a shopping cart even if they are only going to pharmacy or for coffee?
I await your reply.
Yours truly,
James Danners,
Moose Jaw, Sk.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
