OT: Grocery Greetings

I'd say, "leave well enough alone". (grin) You can't be serious.
I can't imagine asking someone to "not speak to me unless I speak to
you first".
In So. Cal. they are so helpful--if I ask where something is, they
offer to run and get it. The supermarkets are huge here, so your
"genuine personal recognition" is not very probable. Just be glad
you're not in Manhattan, where they won't even look up if you ask a
question.
For myself, it doesn't bother me, and I smile back with a "no thank
you".
Cheer up, now. Good wishes !
Nancree

In aem said:

Went to the market today with a longer list than normal so I found
myself in every section of the store, spending more than twice my
normal time. No fewer than six employees greeted me: "Hi, how are
you? How're you doing? How's it going? How are you? Can I help you
find anything? Is there anything I can help you with?" This is
before I got to the checkout line where the checker thanks me by name (
off the receipt) and the bagger asks if I want help out. I am so
friggin sick of this fake personalizing of what is in fact an
impersonal business transaction I could barf. I have lived in a small
town, so I know what genuine personal recognition is, and this
corporate management-directed bonhomie is not it. So here are my
questions.

To whom do I express my preference not to be spoken to unless I ask a
question? And, if enough people stated a similar preference, could we
get them to stop? -aem

My gawd, has it come to this already? Our stores are still pretty basic
ignore unless you ask someone a question, then they reply with the charm
turned on, which is ok.

I guess you could talk to the management but how to ask them to tone
down the phony friendly atmosphere might be a bit tricky...might be best
to find if there's a website you can email to...

--
Cheers

Dennis

Remove 'Elle-Kabong' to reply

On Mon 21 Mar 2005 08:54:11p, aem wrote in rec.food.cooking:

Quoted message said:

Went to the market today with a longer list than normal so I found
myself in every section of the store, spending more than twice my
normal time. No fewer than six employees greeted me: "Hi, how are
you? How're you doing? How's it going? How are you? Can I help you
find anything? Is there anything I can help you with?" This is before
I got to the checkout line where the checker thanks me by name (off the
receipt) and the bagger asks if I want help out. I am so friggin sick
of this fake personalizing of what is in fact an impersonal business
transaction I could barf. I have lived in a small town, so I know what
genuine personal recognition is, and this corporate management-directed
bonhomie is not it. So here are my questions.

To whom do I express my preference not to be spoken to unless I ask a
question? And, if enough people stated a similar preference, could we
get them to stop? -aem

LOL! Why not just say "Shut the f@#% up!" I'm sure they'd comply.

Frankly, I don't want them to stop. I appreciate the help when I need it,
and most employees greet me with a smile that I feel is genuine. When I
express a need for help to one of their enquiries, they're always more than
happy to do so.

Having said that, I originally came from a city where no one spoke a damn
word and finding someone to help you when you needed it was a major
searching expedition.

On second thought, why not just chill and nod?

--
Wayne Boatwright
____________________________________________

Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974

"Wayne Boatwright" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Mon 21 Mar 2005 09:33:55p, aem wrote in rec.food.cooking:

Quoted message said:

Wayne Boatwright said:

[snip]
LOL! Why not just say "Shut the f@#% up!" I'm sure they'd comply.

Frankly, I don't want them to stop. I appreciate the help when I need
it, and most employees greet me with a smile that I feel is genuine.
When I express a need for help to one of their enquiries, they're
always more than happy to do so.

I also appreciate the help. When I need it, I ask for it, and they
give it to me, and I'm grateful for that. It's the phony solicitation
when I have not looked in their direction that unsettles me.

Quoted message said:

On second thought, why not just chill and nod?

That's what I do. I'm looking for an improvement. -aem

I'd hate to see it "improved" out of existence, but since I doubt we live
in the same city, that's not likely to happen here.

You might try a friendly and sincere approach with the manager, explaining
that you feel their approaches are a bit more invasive than you like.

--
Wayne Boatwright
____________________________________________

Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974

Try a sly wink and a kissy face in the direction of the false
sincerity.....usually scares the hell out of them, especially if they are
younglings and you are, alas, a middle aged, slightly lumpy adult....makes
them wonder what they started and probably couldn't stop.
-Ginny

Wayne Boatwright said:

On Mon 21 Mar 2005 08:54:11p, aem wrote in rec.food.cooking:

Quoted message said:

Went to the market today with a longer list than normal so I found
myself in every section of the store, spending more than twice my
normal time.

There's an economic/politico "crunch" going on in the U.S. of A.

[socioeconopolonometrics]

Waiting for the Prince to come.

How have i got here, what have i done?

However that may effect the rest of the world i only assimilation (i say
only as i did not have time to say "merely"😉 the "Planetary" crunch.

"Oops"

Ooops or "eeeps" as the case may be.
---
JL

Joseph Littleshoes wrote:

Merely choosing.
---
JL

aem' said:

To whom do I express my preference not to be spoken to unless I ask a
question? And, if enough people stated a similar preference, could we
get them to stop?

I wish I were there to teach you "The Look." I used to take the bus to and
from work. When I was concentrating intensely and staring blankly out the
window, the seat next to mine would be the only empty seat on the bus, and
I noticed that people would stand in the aisle rather than sit with me. I
must look dangerous or something. Well, I paid attention to that face, and
I can put it on when I want to be left alone. Try walking through the
store with a zombie stare, and never make eye contact. If they approach
you anyway, give them a look with a flat, deadpan stare. They might just
pee themselves.

Carol
--
Coming at ya live from beautiful downtown Mayberry.

Wayne Boatwright <[email hidden]>, if that's their real name,

Quoted message said:

Frankly, I don't want them to stop. I appreciate the help when I need it,
and most employees greet me with a smile that I feel is genuine. When I
express a need for help to one of their enquiries, they're always more than
happy to do so.

Having said that, I originally came from a city where no one spoke a damn
word and finding someone to help you when you needed it was a major
searching expedition.

Over a year ago, Crash went to the Super WalMart without me (we usually do
everything together). The clerk, after checking us through a half dozen
times, looked at Crash that night and asked where Carol was. I'm still
shocked over that one.

Carol
--
Coming at ya live from beautiful downtown Mayberry.

aem said:

Went to the market today with a longer list than normal so I found
myself in every section of the store, spending more than twice my
normal time. No fewer than six employees greeted me: "Hi, how are
you? How're you doing? How's it going? How are you? Can I help you
find anything? Is there anything I can help you with?" This is before
I got to the checkout line where the checker thanks me by name (off the
receipt) and the bagger asks if I want help out. I am so friggin sick
of this fake personalizing of what is in fact an impersonal business
transaction I could barf. I have lived in a small town, so I know what
genuine personal recognition is, and this corporate management-directed
bonhomie is not it. So here are my questions.

To whom do I express my preference not to be spoken to unless I ask a
question? And, if enough people stated a similar preference, could we
get them to stop? -aem

Blame WALMART. (For everything.....)

gloria p

Damsel in dis Dress <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

aem' said:

To whom do I express my preference not to be spoken to unless I ask
a question? And, if enough people stated a similar preference,
could we get them to stop?

I wish I were there to teach you "The Look." I used to take the bus
to and from work. When I was concentrating intensely and staring
blankly out the window, the seat next to mine would be the only
empty seat on the bus, and I noticed that people would stand in the
aisle rather than sit with me. I must look dangerous or something.
Well, I paid attention to that face, and I can put it on when I want
to be left alone. Try walking through the store with a zombie
stare, and never make eye contact. If they approach you anyway,
give them a look with a flat, deadpan stare. They might just pee
themselves.

Carol

Carol you CAN"T post this you're invisible!

--
No Bread Crumbs were hurt in the making of this Meal.
Type 2 Diabetic 1AC 5.6mmol or 101mg/dl
Continuing to be Manitoban

Quoted message said:

Dog3 uhoh@ajfl;ajklsd;ajlds.nutz said:

They don't do that in the supermarkets here. I've only experienced it at
Home Depot and it is annoying since the clerks don't know diddly at Home
Depot. I'm not sure if I got the spelling right. I'd just as soon shop all
by my lonesome and ask someone a question if I had one.

Funny, in my experience most local Home Depot employees are
VERY knowlegeable in all fields of construction and home repair and if
there's something they don't know, they will call someone who does.
Many times we have been steered away from our original concept to
something easier, less expensive, and better as a repair.

gloria p

Monsur Fromage du Pollet <[email hidden]>, if that's their real name,

Quoted message said:

Damsel in dis Dress <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

I wish I were there to teach you "The Look."

Carol you CAN"T post this you're invisible!

I have bandages wrapped all over myself, so I'm quite visible. As of last
night, I only become invisible for baths and for Crash. 😄

Carol
--
Coming at ya live from beautiful downtown Mayberry.

"Damsel in dis Dress" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Wayne Boatwright <[email hidden]>, if that's their real name,

Quoted message said:

Frankly, I don't want them to stop. I appreciate the help when I need

it,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and most employees greet me with a smile that I feel is genuine. When I
express a need for help to one of their enquiries, they're always more

than

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

happy to do so.

Having said that, I originally came from a city where no one spoke a damn
word and finding someone to help you when you needed it was a major
searching expedition.

Over a year ago, Crash went to the Super WalMart without me (we usually do
everything together). The clerk, after checking us through a half dozen
times, looked at Crash that night and asked where Carol was. I'm still
shocked over that one.

" Coming at ya live from beautiful downtown Mayberry."

I am a partially sighted,Piano Tuner.There is a small chain store here where
I do most of my shopping. We all know each other by "face or name". I once
forgot my check book in the height of summer. I asked them to hold the order
until I could return. They said"take it with you before things spoil." If I
am ill,I can send someone for me,and there is no problem. We know each
other. It took some time. They have learned that I ask questions,and choose
to carry my own bags :-).

Hubert

aem said:

I am so friggin sick
of this fake personalizing of what is in fact an impersonal business
transaction I could barf.

I'm with you. I'm sure everyone won't agree, but I personally don't
like being forced to interact with a total stranger for no reason, and
when 5 or 6 employees have played this game I'm ready to leave, and
sometimes do. My response to is to blatantly ignore them, which is a
cold response to a rude intrusion.

This doesn't apply to sincere people who are _actually_ trying to be
helpful...only to the corporate automatrons.

Jeneen

"Jeneen Sommers" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

aem said:

I am so friggin sick
of this fake personalizing of what is in fact an impersonal business
transaction I could barf.

I'm with you. I'm sure everyone won't agree, but I personally don't
like being forced to interact with a total stranger for no reason, and
when 5 or 6 employees have played this game I'm ready to leave, and
sometimes do. My response to is to blatantly ignore them, which is a
cold response to a rude intrusion.

This doesn't apply to sincere people who are _actually_ trying to be
helpful...only to the corporate automatrons.

Jeneen

Nice attitude, ladies! At what point in your lives did you conclude that
your [censored] doesn't stink?
If it's any consolation, the clerks that greet you are probably less
inclined to do so than you are to hear it. It's corporate doctrine in most
cases.

"carbuff" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:5GZ%d.758931$6l.573973@pd7tw2no...

Quoted message said:

"Jeneen Sommers" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

aem said:

I am so friggin sick
of this fake personalizing of what is in fact an impersonal business
transaction I could barf.

I'm with you. I'm sure everyone won't agree, but I personally don't
like being forced to interact with a total stranger for no reason, and
when 5 or 6 employees have played this game I'm ready to leave, and
sometimes do. My response to is to blatantly ignore them, which is a
cold response to a rude intrusion.

This doesn't apply to sincere people who are _actually_ trying to be
helpful...only to the corporate automatrons.

Jeneen

Nice attitude, ladies! At what point in your lives did you conclude that
your [censored] doesn't stink?
If it's any consolation, the clerks that greet you are probably less
inclined to do so than you are to hear it. It's corporate doctrine in
most cases.

I think that has been established, they know it's policy. That is what
makes it so grating.

nancy

aem said:

Went to the market today with a longer list than normal so I found
myself in every section of the store, spending more than twice my
normal time. No fewer than six employees greeted me: "Hi, how are
you? How're you doing? How's it going? How are you? Can I help you
find anything? Is there anything I can help you with?" This is
before I got to the checkout line where the checker thanks me by name
(off the receipt) and the bagger asks if I want help out. I am so
friggin sick of this fake personalizing of what is in fact an
impersonal business transaction I could barf. I have lived in a
small town, so I know what genuine personal recognition is, and this
corporate management-directed bonhomie is not it. So here are my
questions.

To whom do I express my preference not to be spoken to unless I ask a
question? And, if enough people stated a similar preference, could we
get them to stop? -aem

It's a store policy. They are paid to be polite and greet you. And they
aren't paid very much. However, it does get annoying. Just say "hi" and
offer me a cart or a basket, then... go away.

Jill

aem said:

Went to the market today with a longer list than normal so I found
myself in every section of the store, spending more than twice my
normal time. No fewer than six employees greeted me: "Hi, how are
you? How're you doing? How's it going? How are you? Can I help you
find anything? Is there anything I can help you with?" This is before
I got to the checkout line where the checker thanks me by name (off the
receipt) and the bagger asks if I want help out. I am so friggin sick
of this fake personalizing of what is in fact an impersonal business
transaction I could barf. I have lived in a small town, so I know what
genuine personal recognition is, and this corporate management-directed
bonhomie is not it. So here are my questions.

To whom do I express my preference not to be spoken to unless I ask a
question? And, if enough people stated a similar preference, could we
get them to stop? -aem

It's nice to be genuinely welcomed into a store, but to have someone
standing at the door with a smiley face pasted on and a superficial display
of welcome is meaningless. Don't have some pleasant old retired person
welcoming me into the store for minimum wage. Have someone working on the
floor who can help me when I need help. Treat me with respect when I come
in through the doors, instead of having a phoney smile and want to staple
my bags closed with a tag on so that you won't have reason to think I have
shoved things into my bags without paying for them. I refuse to enter a
store where they take pre-emptive steps to prevent me from shoplifting when
I had no intention of stealing anything.

As an employee of a grocery store i am speaking on behalf of them.
We are not able to please everyone...if we dont acknowledge you we get
condemned for not being polite..and if we are having a bad day and look
miserable we hear "i can tell someone doesnt like her job"
Therefore we do what we are recommended to do by our employer to save our
jobs and to try and keep everyone happy. So if all everyone can do is think
about how we make them feel..think about how you make us feel?..when we do
ask you if you need help with anything (not knowing that you have already
been asked of course) we get looked at like we are stupid and rude when all
we are trying to do is help.
Now look at it this way..if you went to a store not knowing what you were
looking for and not a single person asked you if you needed help. Then when
you do ask for help you come across that one person who is having a bad day
and instead of being phony they let their true colors come through. Now you
tell me if you would go back to that store again?
So therefore it might just be good that we put on a front for the customers
and try to be nice wether we are in a good mood or not cause trust me you
wouldnt want to come across me on a bad day.
So maybe you all just might want to think of the store clerks also and not
just about how you are being treated by overly nice grocery personal.
MJ
"Tina Marrie" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Ions ago, I did "mystery shopping" at a Kroger. The corporate stores

require

Quoted message said:

their employees to communicate with you if you within so may feet of them.
The corporate office then hires "mystery shoppers" to visit the store,

every

Quoted message said:

department to check up on these requirements. The rules are many and yes
annoying. If a mystery shopper comes into the store, and they are not

spoken

Quoted message said:

to, the "spy" then takes down their name and department (located on name
tag) and puts it into the report. Of course the low paid worker then gets
called in to the office after the report has been released...

So annoying as it may be, many of these workers rely heavily on this job

to

Quoted message said:

support their families. Take it with a grain of salt.
"jmcquown" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

aem said:

Went to the market today with a longer list than normal so I found
myself in every section of the store, spending more than twice my
normal time. No fewer than six employees greeted me: "Hi, how are
you? How're you doing? How's it going? How are you? Can I help you
find anything? Is there anything I can help you with?" This is
before I got to the checkout line where the checker thanks me by name
(off the receipt) and the bagger asks if I want help out. I am so
friggin sick of this fake personalizing of what is in fact an
impersonal business transaction I could barf. I have lived in a
small town, so I know what genuine personal recognition is, and this
corporate management-directed bonhomie is not it. So here are my
questions.

To whom do I express my preference not to be spoken to unless I ask a
question? And, if enough people stated a similar preference, could we
get them to stop? -aem

It's a store policy. They are paid to be polite and greet you. And

they

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

aren't paid very much. However, it does get annoying. Just say "hi"

and

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

offer me a cart or a basket, then... go away.

Jill