We went to Wollies last night to do our Christmas shopping, the shelves were well under-stocked and a lot of the advertised Specials were either out of stock or hidden that well, they just couldn't be found.
After half a hour of fruit-less searching, we gave it away then headed to the check-out, we passed 9 unattended check-outs, then found 1 only operating,( this person was seen last week wearing a trainee badge ) with a queue of about a dozen customers lined up waiting, I can tell you there were plenty of grumblings to be heard there,
There was about a dozen items in our basket, so I said to SWMBO head to the express lane, where the sign said, MAX 8 ITEMS ONLY
Here was one other person clearly run off her feet, being pretty P***ted off by now, I said to the Missis, If this person complains about the extra few items in our basket, leave the lot sitting right here, we will do our shopping somewhere else.
I think the Sheeler behind must have read my mind as she gave me a resigned look like" what the hell ", and served us.
I have read lately that Wollies Profits are well down, it's no wonder with no Staff, it sure won't help their position if they cut staff and continue to hold up customers with empty check-outs,
If you are wanting to get in and out of a Shopping Centre in a short space of time, "DON'T SHOP AT WOLLIES"
K.J.
Brenda and Alan said
11:44 AM Dec 18, 2015
This happened to us at Coles during our travels this year. We had frozen goods in our trolley which were fast thawing out, so Alan asked the sole check-out person to get on the PA and get someone to open another checkout, which she did. You just need to be firm with them. Brenda.
-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Friday 18th of December 2015 11:45:20 AM
Izabarack said
02:01 PM Dec 18, 2015
Try getting through the checkout at Aldi without needing a cut lunch and a bottle of water.
I tried the local Coles this morning, for the first time in ages. One checkout open and a line up at the do-it-yourself. I also did a bit of price comparison. Same basket of brand name items at Coles were about 5% dearer than Woolies.
Iza
kiwijims said
02:04 PM Dec 18, 2015
Brenda and Alan wrote:
This happened to us at Coles during our travels this year. We had frozen goods in our trolley which were fast thawing out, so Alan asked the sole check-out person to get on the PA and get someone to open another checkout, which she did. You just need to be firm with them. Brenda.
-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Friday 18th of December 2015 11:45:20 AM
That's fine Brenda, if there was more staff to be called , I did mention the shortage of staff to the person serving, her reply was that all staff were on duty !!
I did notice a few extra people huddled behind the Customer Service Counter, but they were probably the Management, and there was no way that they were going to lower them selves to a workers level.
WE went to our local Food Works store this morning and after getting instant service and spending in excess of $500.00 we were home again with-in the hour, "that's what I call Service"
K.J.
Hey Jim said
02:11 PM Dec 18, 2015
Hi KiwiJim,
We had another problem at woollies. We Accepted one of their rewards on line as we allways do. Spend $120.00 and get $10 off.
Then the next day did our shopping, swiped our card and put the lot through and paid. where's our discount we asked. They replied that our card did not scan and theirs nothing they could do about it.
Get the manager we asked, He can override the system if you can't. He's tied up on the phone. SORRY. we can't do anything about it. BS> We Can.
We returned the lot then and there.
Jim
kiwijims said
02:20 PM Dec 18, 2015
Izabarack wrote:
Try getting through the checkout at Aldi without needing a cut lunch and a bottle of water.
I tried the local Coles this morning, for the first time in ages. One checkout open and a line up at the do-it-yourself. I also did a bit of price comparison. Same basket of brand name items at Coles were about 5% dearer than Woolies.
Iza
Maybe then, we are lucky that ALDI have not come to the West as yet, I had the experience of going through an ALDI store while travelling through the Eastern States a few years back, and yes I noticed the bank-up of people it check-out even then.
I suppose most Stores have Staffing problems at times, at one Coles store I visited, most of the Staff had decided to have the day off !!
It must be hard to retain staff when they are young, on low wagers and the Sun and Surf is beckoning ???
K.J.
Bruce and Bev said
03:42 PM Dec 18, 2015
Aldi will seriously damage Coles and Woolies in WA - we are from Perth and having spent almost a year in the East, we noticed that shelves were better stocked and prices lower than in WA C & W stores (including those grown or produced right to the shelf in WA, so no excuse for freightage).
Its surprising how quickly Aldi staff put the goods through - of course they don't pack it for you - we never had problems with chilled of frozen stuff in any of their shops with the waiting time - much less than C and W where we find you wait much longer
The problem with Coles and Woolies is they employ junior staff on lower wages and as well as packing heavy stuff on top of your bread, many also hate their job.
These companies answer to cutting costs to to 1) cut back staff and 2) screw the suppliers on price (Woolies make them wait 90 days from invoice before paying now) as well as making most of them pay for shelf space and also supply their own merchandise reps to load up the shelves.
There is never enough staff in their Delis to serve customers so the over worked staff there get treated rudely by customers. Woolies announced recently that they are cutting back staff in their Delis and putting more on the checkouts as many people now see right through the motive in having self serve checkouts - its not to benefit customers, but to cut back on staff. I refuse to use self serve for this very reason.
And we were sent an email $20 voucher from Woolies a couple of months ago. Printed it off, cut it off the A4 sheet of paper as instructed - handed it to the checkout operator and it wouldn't scan. Despite several two and fro emails and phone calls with W - we still haven't got our $20 discount. We also notice now their veg is old and wilted looking. Went into a large W supermarket in Canberra and found all their leafy greens had wilted so much, the tops of the leaves and shoots were touching their "toes". Picked up a bunch of asparagus and it was so old the staff had been cutting them shorter and shorter so they were only about 3" long. Great point of entry display to their store - we went and shopped in the nearby IGA - had everything we wanted, nice and fresh, plenty of friendly and helpful staff, shelves full - but a little dearer (probably cost us about $10 more than the other two)
DMaxer said
04:57 PM Dec 18, 2015
Some people really seem to live tormented lives. Temper tantrums over a few dollars, conspiracy theories about organisations and constant complaints about the price of a caravan park fee. What will happen, how will you cope, if life ever serves you up a true problem or crisis?
Casualkev said
05:33 PM Dec 18, 2015
I'm with you DMaxer if that's their biggest gripe in life, what the hell are you complaining about? Not only that it's the young kid behind the counter that's coping your ill manners!
Kev
Santa said
05:36 PM Dec 18, 2015
DMaxer wrote:
Some people really seem to live tormented lives. Temper tantrums over a few dollars, conspiracy theories about organisations and constant complaints about the price of a caravan park fee. What will happen, how will you cope, if life ever serves you up a true problem or crisis?
Well said DMaxter, all I'm reading on this forum lately is a constant series of whinges, seems there's not much Christmas cheer around.
For what it's worth, given the heat and time of year, our local retailers are doing a great job.
Bruce and Bev said
05:36 PM Dec 18, 2015
hmmmmmmmmm.....not all of us just roll over and be screwed over by sellers - so we complain with our feet.
As for temper tantrums, conspiracies tormented lives - cant see any on this post - yet !! Perhaps we should all look under the bed ???
And people like us even make a considered decision before we vote for our various govts, rather than just ticking any old box on the ballot paper and take the easy no crisis or problem route !!
Your comment was not particularly pleasant or helpful. How about not making such negative comments but if you disagree so much with those who posted, then put up a reasoned and rational comment refuting others opinions. Or just don't comment at all and read another post that better meets your criteria. Oh, and perhaps it might be helpful if you know my wife was a dept mngr for Coles and my son a store manager for Woolies - both left because of the increasing pressure put on them and their staff
Casualkev said
06:03 PM Dec 18, 2015
Bruce it would help if we knew who you were referring to?
Kev
Desert Dweller said
06:49 PM Dec 18, 2015
We used to do all of our weeks shopping at Woolies when we were working. Now that we're both retired we ''pick the eyes'' out of Aldi, Coles, IGA, NQR & Foodland. No store loyalty with us.
Thank God for IGA in small towns when we're traveling. Our local Woolies seems to be dying a slow painful death with a very busy Aldi built right next to it a few years ago.
Bruce and Bev said
08:17 PM Dec 18, 2015
Hi Kev. I'm not going to turn this topic into a bun fight over such a post - its not the end of the world and its not worth members scrapping and getting nasty with each other.
I'm sure Coles and Woolies don't care anyway
Have a good Christmas :)
-- Edited by Bruce and Bev on Friday 18th of December 2015 11:12:38 PM
The Phantom said
08:28 PM Dec 18, 2015
Watching and waiting!!!
The Phantom
Delta18 said
08:34 PM Dec 18, 2015
kiwijims wrote:
WE went to our local Food Works store this morning and after getting instant service and spending in excess of $500.00 we were home again with-in the hour, "that's what I call Service"
K.J.
Crikey, we have never, ever spent $500 in one shopping trip even when stocking up a new freezer.
I am glad we don't have (I think) a Foodworks store near us, I certainly wouldn't use it now.
Santa said
09:03 PM Dec 18, 2015
Bruce and Bev wrote:
Hi Kev. I'm not going to turn this topic into a bun fight over such a post - its not the end of the word and its not worth members scrapping and getting nasty with each other.
I'm sure Coles and Woolies don't care anyway
Have a good Christmas :)
You're right Bruce, all the best to you and you're family for Christmas and the new year.
Bruce and Bev said
11:14 PM Dec 18, 2015
Have a good Xmas too Santa - drink and eat too much mate LOL !!
And a pleasant Christmas to Peter aka The Phantom
sandsmere said
08:30 AM Dec 19, 2015
Hey Jim wrote:
Hi KiwiJim,
We had another problem at woollies. We Accepted one of their rewards on line as we allways do. Spend $120.00 and get $10 off.
Then the next day did our shopping, swiped our card and put the lot through and paid. where's our discount we asked. They replied that our card did not scan and theirs nothing they could do about it.
Get the manager we asked, He can override the system if you can't. He's tied up on the phone. SORRY. we can't do anything about it. BS> We Can.
We returned the lot then and there.
Jim
Good onya Jim!
That'll learn 'em!
DMaxer said
09:52 AM Dec 19, 2015
I think it must be me. I love your work Phantom.
littledick said
10:53 AM Dec 19, 2015
I believe Masters not doing all that good either.
Dick.
GEODIA said
11:59 AM Dec 19, 2015
Well done to you, I don't think I could have been bothered returning all that stock to shelves. I would have just rung the rewards service line with my receipt numbers and asked them to credit me for my next visit. I did this once with Coles flybys and they were more than helpful. But better that you did rather than leaving it in a basket for the already overworked underpaid staff to restock.
Hubby and I used to shelf stack, I think the worst we ever found was mince meat kicked under the shelves, because a shopper changed their minds, it was green it smelt it was horrible.
Hubby then was promoted to Duty manager, evening shift the worst he encountered, no security camera in the toilet paper aisle, the merchandise was stacked ready for the night fill, and a couple of yobbos decided they had to do no 2s, behind the stacks, hubby cleaned it up because he could ask the female staff to do it.
Its not called the silly season for nothing.
Merry Christmas to you all, that includes the underpaid, overpaid, workers and the likes of me retired or just tired.
DMaxer said
12:48 PM Dec 19, 2015
Thank you for all your directions and unsolicited advice Bruce. Perhaps I will decide what I read and what I post. Don't worry about me, in any event, you are far too busy running your own version of "Consumer Affairs"
kandagal said
12:55 PM Dec 19, 2015
I went to Woolies on Thursday. One item I wanted wasn't o the shelf so I asked about it. A chap went out the back to check there & they had none there either. Without my asking he phoned to another nearby Woolies store & found that they had some in stock & he arranged for the item to be held ready for me at the inquiries counter. Now that is GOOD SERVICE.
Alice
brickies said
12:56 PM Dec 19, 2015
Trouble just seem to find some people while others just enjoy life
Lesley F said
01:43 PM Dec 19, 2015
I regularly shop in Coles, Woolies, Aldi, and sometimes IGA, I've had positive and negative experiences in each store.
There's an old expression, s..t happens, seriously, this isn't worth getting worked up about.
Instead of telling grey nomads, it would be more productive if you wrote a letter to Woolworth's, and if they don't respond, you could outline your complaints to head office.
The Phantom said
05:07 PM Dec 19, 2015
Bruce and Bev wrote:
Have a good Xmas too Santa - drink and eat too much mate LOL !!
And a pleasant Christmas to Peter aka The Phantom
May I ask why I'm being singled out for a special mention? Have I suddenly become one of the "In crowd" or am I someone that people now want to associate with because of my wit and wisdom?
The Phantom
brickies said
05:37 PM Dec 19, 2015
Better to have on side Phantom , Great to see you are in the in Crowd .
littledick said
05:55 PM Dec 19, 2015
I went to the local Woolies yesterday and asked a young bloke stacking shelves where they keep the methylated spirits.
He said do you drink it. I said I think it's better if you put orange juice in it. A lady shopper cracked up laughing, couldn't believe he didn't know what it was.
Dick.
dogbox said
08:52 PM Dec 19, 2015
when you come across a queue an a large no of registers unattended start piling up your goods on an unattended one if they haven't opened it by the time your finished walk out an go somewhere else if a few people did that they would soon open up a few registers
We went to Wollies last night to do our Christmas shopping, the shelves were well under-stocked and a lot of the advertised Specials were either out of stock or hidden that well, they just couldn't be found.
After half a hour of fruit-less searching, we gave it away then headed to the check-out, we passed 9 unattended check-outs, then found 1 only operating,( this person was seen last week wearing a trainee badge ) with a queue of about a dozen customers lined up waiting, I can tell you there were plenty of grumblings to be heard there,
There was about a dozen items in our basket, so I said to SWMBO head to the express lane, where the sign said, MAX 8 ITEMS ONLY
Here was one other person clearly run off her feet, being pretty P***ted off by now, I said to the Missis, If this person complains about the extra few items in our basket, leave the lot sitting right here, we will do our shopping somewhere else.
I think the Sheeler behind must have read my mind as she gave me a resigned look like" what the hell ", and served us.
I have read lately that Wollies Profits are well down, it's no wonder with no Staff, it sure won't help their position if they cut staff and continue to hold up customers with empty check-outs,
If you are wanting to get in and out of a Shopping Centre in a short space of time, "DON'T SHOP AT WOLLIES"
K.J.
This happened to us at Coles during our travels this year. We had frozen goods in our trolley which were fast thawing out, so Alan asked the sole check-out person to get on the PA and get someone to open another checkout, which she did. You just need to be firm with them.
Brenda.
-- Edited by Brenda and Alan on Friday 18th of December 2015 11:45:20 AM
I tried the local Coles this morning, for the first time in ages. One checkout open and a line up at the do-it-yourself. I also did a bit of price comparison. Same basket of brand name items at Coles were about 5% dearer than Woolies.
Iza
That's fine Brenda, if there was more staff to be called , I did mention the shortage of staff to the person serving, her reply was that all staff were on duty !!
I did notice a few extra people huddled behind the Customer Service Counter, but they were probably the Management, and there was no way that they were going to lower them selves to a workers level.
WE went to our local Food Works store this morning and after getting instant service and spending in excess of $500.00 we were home again with-in the hour, "that's what I call Service"
K.J.
Hi KiwiJim,
We had another problem at woollies. We Accepted one of their rewards on line as we allways do. Spend $120.00 and get $10 off.
Then the next day did our shopping, swiped our card and put the lot through and paid. where's our discount we asked. They replied that our card did not scan and theirs nothing they could do about it.
Get the manager we asked, He can override the system if you can't. He's tied up on the phone. SORRY. we can't do anything about it. BS> We Can.
We returned the lot then and there.
Jim
Maybe then, we are lucky that ALDI have not come to the West as yet, I had the experience of going through an ALDI store while travelling through the Eastern States a few years back, and yes I noticed the bank-up of people it check-out even then.
I suppose most Stores have Staffing problems at times, at one Coles store I visited, most of the Staff had decided to have the day off !!
It must be hard to retain staff when they are young, on low wagers and the Sun and Surf is beckoning ???
K.J.
Its surprising how quickly Aldi staff put the goods through - of course they don't pack it for you - we never had problems with chilled of frozen stuff in any of their shops with the waiting time - much less than C and W where we find you wait much longer
The problem with Coles and Woolies is they employ junior staff on lower wages and as well as packing heavy stuff on top of your bread, many also hate their job.
These companies answer to cutting costs to to 1) cut back staff and 2) screw the suppliers on price (Woolies make them wait 90 days from invoice before paying now) as well as making most of them pay for shelf space and also supply their own merchandise reps to load up the shelves.
There is never enough staff in their Delis to serve customers so the over worked staff there get treated rudely by customers. Woolies announced recently that they are cutting back staff in their Delis and putting more on the checkouts as many people now see right through the motive in having self serve checkouts - its not to benefit customers, but to cut back on staff. I refuse to use self serve for this very reason.
And we were sent an email $20 voucher from Woolies a couple of months ago. Printed it off, cut it off the A4 sheet of paper as instructed - handed it to the checkout operator and it wouldn't scan. Despite several two and fro emails and phone calls with W - we still haven't got our $20 discount. We also notice now their veg is old and wilted looking. Went into a large W supermarket in Canberra and found all their leafy greens had wilted so much, the tops of the leaves and shoots were touching their "toes". Picked up a bunch of asparagus and it was so old the staff had been cutting them shorter and shorter so they were only about 3" long. Great point of entry display to their store - we went and shopped in the nearby IGA - had everything we wanted, nice and fresh, plenty of friendly and helpful staff, shelves full - but a little dearer (probably cost us about $10 more than the other two)
Some people really seem to live tormented lives. Temper tantrums over a few dollars, conspiracy theories about organisations and constant complaints about the price of a caravan park fee. What will happen, how will you cope, if life ever serves you up a true problem or crisis?
Kev
Well said DMaxter, all I'm reading on this forum lately is a constant series of whinges, seems there's not much Christmas cheer around.
For what it's worth, given the heat and time of year, our local retailers are doing a great job.
As for temper tantrums, conspiracies tormented lives - cant see any on this post - yet !! Perhaps we should all look under the bed ???
And people like us even make a considered decision before we vote for our various govts, rather than just ticking any old box on the ballot paper and take the easy no crisis or problem route !!
Your comment was not particularly pleasant or helpful. How about not making such negative comments but if you disagree so much with those who posted, then put up a reasoned and rational comment refuting others opinions. Or just don't comment at all and read another post that better meets your criteria. Oh, and perhaps it might be helpful if you know my wife was a dept mngr for Coles and my son a store manager for Woolies - both left because of the increasing pressure put on them and their staff
Kev
Thank God for IGA in small towns when we're traveling. Our local Woolies seems to be dying a slow painful death with a very busy Aldi built right next to it a few years ago.
I'm sure Coles and Woolies don't care anyway
Have a good Christmas :)
-- Edited by Bruce and Bev on Friday 18th of December 2015 11:12:38 PM
Watching and waiting!!!
The Phantom
Crikey, we have never, ever spent $500 in one shopping trip even when stocking up a new freezer.
I am glad we don't have (I think) a Foodworks store near us, I certainly wouldn't use it now.
You're right Bruce, all the best to you and you're family for Christmas and the new year.
And a pleasant Christmas to Peter aka The Phantom
Good onya Jim!
That'll learn 'em!
I think it must be me. I love your work Phantom.
I believe Masters not doing all that good either.
Dick.
I would have just rung the rewards service line with my receipt numbers and asked them to credit me for my next visit.
I did this once with Coles flybys and they were more than helpful.
But better that you did rather than leaving it in a basket for the already overworked underpaid staff to restock.
Hubby and I used to shelf stack, I think the worst we ever found was mince meat kicked under the shelves, because a
shopper changed their minds, it was green it smelt it was horrible.
Hubby then was promoted to Duty manager, evening shift the worst he encountered, no security camera in the toilet paper aisle,
the merchandise was stacked ready for the night fill, and a couple of yobbos decided they had to do no 2s, behind the stacks, hubby cleaned it up because he could ask the female staff to do it.
Its not called the silly season for nothing.
Merry Christmas to you all, that includes the underpaid, overpaid, workers and the likes of me retired or just tired.
Thank you for all your directions and unsolicited advice Bruce. Perhaps I will decide what I read and what I post. Don't worry about me, in any event, you are far too busy running your own version of "Consumer Affairs"
Alice
I regularly shop in Coles, Woolies, Aldi, and sometimes IGA, I've had positive and negative experiences in each store.
There's an old expression, s..t happens, seriously, this isn't worth getting worked up about.
Instead of telling grey nomads, it would be more productive if you wrote a letter to Woolworth's, and if they don't respond, you could outline your complaints to head office.
May I ask why I'm being singled out for a special mention? Have I suddenly become one of the "In crowd" or am I someone that people now want to associate with because of my wit and wisdom?
The Phantom
I went to the local Woolies yesterday and asked a young bloke stacking shelves where they keep the methylated spirits.
He said do you drink it. I said I think it's better if you put orange juice in it. A lady shopper cracked up laughing, couldn't believe he didn't know what it was.
Dick.
I hate having to queue up to spend my dollars