Where to grocery-shop in LA?
Oct 25th, 2003, 07:54 PM
#1
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Where to grocery-shop in LA?
Scenario: A 62 yr old meatcutter, after 22 years with the chain, is suddenly told that, when he most needs it, he no longer has prescription coverage. No vision coverage, no dental coverage. He must start to contribute $780 per yr towards his benefits, and will only be working 24hrs a week from now on, with a 30c raise in 2005. Oh, and if he is hospitalized he must pay 50% of the bill himself. The chain will also stop contributing to his pension, so he can no longer retire at 67.
Can this really happen in this country? Yes, it's happening right now all over L.A.
Please post the names of alternative markets where we can shop when in LA.
Can this really happen in this country? Yes, it's happening right now all over L.A.
Please post the names of alternative markets where we can shop when in LA.
Oct 25th, 2003, 10:24 PM
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Gelsons, Gelsons, Gelsons. I'm about to rave about Gelsons, so settle in or check out.
I especially love the Gelsons in Northridge in the San Fernando Valley. It's softly lit, thoughtfully decorated, calm, impeccably clean, produce/meat/fish/cheese/flowers are of the highest quality, the shelves are lined with every product always perfectly placed, never tussled (even down to the perfectly stacked fruits and vegetables) as though it was in an advertisement, and best of all, no screaming kids hanging on mom's legs for some reason. There's never a line at checkout, a lot of the times the checkers stand out from the register waiting to signal you in to their line, the checkers are very fast and knowledgable and don't make that insipid chitchat checkers at other stores do. There's always a very nice manager at the desk near the checkout who is beyond helpful--he even let me exchange a specialty block of cheese a few weeks ago, no questions asked, and wrote up a credit slip right there. Even at the deli they have gone off searching for special things for me without giving it a second thought. It's like shopping in a food museum.
I cannot bear to go to stores like Ralphs or Vons now after so many years at Gelsons, and I never really cared for them anyway. They are generally kind of dirty, the shelves are shuffled through, the fish/meat departments smell weird, the checkers blab on about nothing while other people are waiting, you couldn't find someone to help you if your life depended on it, and the checkers and baggers are surly sometimes--they crack jokes to each other from checkstand to checkstand, crack gum, make weird comments about things you're buying, talk about how they can't wait for work to end, and gossip about each other even, all inappropriate things I've seen and heard at the Albertsons I go to in Santa Cruz when I'm with my boyfriend (we try to shop at smaller specialty markets as much as we can).
I've heard recently comments on the radio from striking grocery store workers, who, when questioned about why someone should bother coming back to their post-strike stores once they've discovered super discounters such as Costco and Walmart, a lot of the times their answers have been "service". They say things like "Well, I've seen surveys that say that people are willing to pay a little more for good service, and that's what we provide!" They've got to be joking...these stores claim to provide good customer service, but it's very poor when compared to Gelsons, where they strive to be better than the best, even when the store's at its busiest. Try to get someone to answer a question at a busy Vons--it'll never happen. Very often they seem offended that you're bothering them. Ever try to just run in and run out of a Vons or Ralphs for one item? It's impossible, but not so at Gelsons.
Yes, Gelsons is actually more expensive than Ralphs or Vons, but I don't think that general cleanliness, friendliness, and competence should suffer at the hand of lower prices.
Gelsons is truly grocery store heaven.
Also, I really hope this was a serious question to begin with.
love on aisle nine,
roxy
I especially love the Gelsons in Northridge in the San Fernando Valley. It's softly lit, thoughtfully decorated, calm, impeccably clean, produce/meat/fish/cheese/flowers are of the highest quality, the shelves are lined with every product always perfectly placed, never tussled (even down to the perfectly stacked fruits and vegetables) as though it was in an advertisement, and best of all, no screaming kids hanging on mom's legs for some reason. There's never a line at checkout, a lot of the times the checkers stand out from the register waiting to signal you in to their line, the checkers are very fast and knowledgable and don't make that insipid chitchat checkers at other stores do. There's always a very nice manager at the desk near the checkout who is beyond helpful--he even let me exchange a specialty block of cheese a few weeks ago, no questions asked, and wrote up a credit slip right there. Even at the deli they have gone off searching for special things for me without giving it a second thought. It's like shopping in a food museum.
I cannot bear to go to stores like Ralphs or Vons now after so many years at Gelsons, and I never really cared for them anyway. They are generally kind of dirty, the shelves are shuffled through, the fish/meat departments smell weird, the checkers blab on about nothing while other people are waiting, you couldn't find someone to help you if your life depended on it, and the checkers and baggers are surly sometimes--they crack jokes to each other from checkstand to checkstand, crack gum, make weird comments about things you're buying, talk about how they can't wait for work to end, and gossip about each other even, all inappropriate things I've seen and heard at the Albertsons I go to in Santa Cruz when I'm with my boyfriend (we try to shop at smaller specialty markets as much as we can).
I've heard recently comments on the radio from striking grocery store workers, who, when questioned about why someone should bother coming back to their post-strike stores once they've discovered super discounters such as Costco and Walmart, a lot of the times their answers have been "service". They say things like "Well, I've seen surveys that say that people are willing to pay a little more for good service, and that's what we provide!" They've got to be joking...these stores claim to provide good customer service, but it's very poor when compared to Gelsons, where they strive to be better than the best, even when the store's at its busiest. Try to get someone to answer a question at a busy Vons--it'll never happen. Very often they seem offended that you're bothering them. Ever try to just run in and run out of a Vons or Ralphs for one item? It's impossible, but not so at Gelsons.
Yes, Gelsons is actually more expensive than Ralphs or Vons, but I don't think that general cleanliness, friendliness, and competence should suffer at the hand of lower prices.
Gelsons is truly grocery store heaven.
Also, I really hope this was a serious question to begin with.
love on aisle nine,
roxy
Oct 26th, 2003, 07:47 AM
#3
Can't afford Gelson's too often & have always found my local Ralph's to be clean & friendly.
Trader Joe's is great for cheese & dairy, wine, snacks/nuts, bakery and frozen food.
I support this strike, I think the stores are asking for too much all at once from the workers. A 30c raise in 2 years is an insult, who knows what inflation will do by then.
Trader Joe's is great for cheese & dairy, wine, snacks/nuts, bakery and frozen food.
I support this strike, I think the stores are asking for too much all at once from the workers. A 30c raise in 2 years is an insult, who knows what inflation will do by then.
Oct 26th, 2003, 10:28 AM
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I'm a dedicated Gelson's shopper for the last 28 years and I agree with joesorce wholeheartedly! But as to Gelson't being expensive, not always! I have consistently found that Gelson's often is below the shelf prices of Ralph's unless they are running a special or have a Ralph's club discount. Check it out! Gelson's is definitely higher on meat and produce, but the quality is superior.
The other things I hate about Ralph's is they rarely stock their shelves during the day and often are out of things on the special bargain!
The other things I hate about Ralph's is they rarely stock their shelves during the day and often are out of things on the special bargain!
Oct 26th, 2003, 11:20 AM
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I am completely against this strike. Over $17/hour for unskilled labor and full benefits? Asking that they pay a small amount towards their own health coverage is not too much to ask in this day and age.
BTW, Vons/Pavilions and Ralphs are offerring $10 off a $50 purshase- coupons in todays LA Times.
BTW, Vons/Pavilions and Ralphs are offerring $10 off a $50 purshase- coupons in todays LA Times.
Oct 26th, 2003, 12:19 PM
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Gelson's , Mayfair (same ownership), Bristol Farms, Whole Foods--all high end, but as others have pointed -out not always. ( by the way , the new Gelson's in Silver Lake is a bit disappointing)
Trader Joe's is great for many things.HUGE lines this morning at 9:15. Pioneer-low end , all -purpose supermarket.
Trader Joe's is great for many things.HUGE lines this morning at 9:15. Pioneer-low end , all -purpose supermarket.
Oct 26th, 2003, 12:48 PM
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Gelsons is sheer supermarket nirvana and here we are stuck in San Diego without one! I drive out of my way to go to Traders and I love it.
I am even more a fan now...The other day a very bossy, self important woman cut in front of me on line at Trader Joes. She was yacking on her cell phone and I was occupied with my kids before I realized what she had done. When the checker had finished totaling up her bill, she ignored him and continued to yack away to her friend on the phone. My HERO checker loudly said,"Excuse me, I really need you to focus here, other people are waiting!" She gave him a dressing down like I have never seen. My HERO did not back down however he did remain somewhat polite. She ultimately needed his help to figure out the credit card machine thing and then continued her conversation on her cell phone. I commended my Hero checker for his bravery and valour. I told his manager every last detail just incase that egotistical woman files a complaint.
My all time supermarket award for excellece hands down goes to (drum roll please) Daniel's in Kirkland Washington. Yes, dear friends, even nicer than dare I say it...Gelsons. Even if you only buy a roll of paper towels and a soda, they insist on carrying out to your car - often in the rain! That was until one of them noticed my CALIFORNIA plates (many years ago).
I have not crossed a picket line mainly because I just refuse to shop Ralphs and very rarely Vons. I am not up on all of the issues, but frankly I would be elated to pay $60 a month for full health benefits. We pay $750 for a PPO per a month. We have not had a cost of living increase since 9/11. Is that what all the whinning is about? Hell, there are a lot of people a lot worse off! In this economy they should be thrilled to have jobs!
I am even more a fan now...The other day a very bossy, self important woman cut in front of me on line at Trader Joes. She was yacking on her cell phone and I was occupied with my kids before I realized what she had done. When the checker had finished totaling up her bill, she ignored him and continued to yack away to her friend on the phone. My HERO checker loudly said,"Excuse me, I really need you to focus here, other people are waiting!" She gave him a dressing down like I have never seen. My HERO did not back down however he did remain somewhat polite. She ultimately needed his help to figure out the credit card machine thing and then continued her conversation on her cell phone. I commended my Hero checker for his bravery and valour. I told his manager every last detail just incase that egotistical woman files a complaint.
My all time supermarket award for excellece hands down goes to (drum roll please) Daniel's in Kirkland Washington. Yes, dear friends, even nicer than dare I say it...Gelsons. Even if you only buy a roll of paper towels and a soda, they insist on carrying out to your car - often in the rain! That was until one of them noticed my CALIFORNIA plates (many years ago).
I have not crossed a picket line mainly because I just refuse to shop Ralphs and very rarely Vons. I am not up on all of the issues, but frankly I would be elated to pay $60 a month for full health benefits. We pay $750 for a PPO per a month. We have not had a cost of living increase since 9/11. Is that what all the whinning is about? Hell, there are a lot of people a lot worse off! In this economy they should be thrilled to have jobs!
Oct 26th, 2003, 02:42 PM
#8
Alisa has only read the propaganda that the grocery stores are printing. You'd be hard pressed to find a grocery worker making $17 an hour unless he's been there for many years. Picketers have shown me their paystubs. $8.75 per hour $9.70 per hour. $11.80 after 9 years, etc.
And Calamari, the union members have stated that they will gladly contribute to their health benefit package. But the grocers want ALL or NOTHING and WILL NOT EVEN NEGOTIATE! They're losing their prescriptions, eyecare, dental care, all in one fell swoop. Imagine yourself having been in the employ of someone for 20 years, then they tell you all this, now, or nothing!
And Calamari, the union members have stated that they will gladly contribute to their health benefit package. But the grocers want ALL or NOTHING and WILL NOT EVEN NEGOTIATE! They're losing their prescriptions, eyecare, dental care, all in one fell swoop. Imagine yourself having been in the employ of someone for 20 years, then they tell you all this, now, or nothing!
Oct 26th, 2003, 04:42 PM
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Joesorce and clarkgriswold (btw how was your "vegas vacation" with Nick Pappageorgio) --- NOTE this is a TRAVEL site. you might want to try these websites instead:
www.entitlement.com
www.overpaidunskilledworker.com
or
www.whine.com
Calamari's last paragraph says it all. MOST workers haven't had raises in the last 2 yrs in this depressed economy and amd are glad to have jobs. Corporations are faced with 30% to 50% increases in benefit costs the last few years and some has to get passed on to ee's. Almost everyone pays something for bene's -- the strikers pay zero.
www.entitlement.com
www.overpaidunskilledworker.com
or
www.whine.com
Calamari's last paragraph says it all. MOST workers haven't had raises in the last 2 yrs in this depressed economy and amd are glad to have jobs. Corporations are faced with 30% to 50% increases in benefit costs the last few years and some has to get passed on to ee's. Almost everyone pays something for bene's -- the strikers pay zero.
Oct 26th, 2003, 05:18 PM
#11
Bigdog, that's your answer? That most workers haven't had raises?
So if "most workers" were about to lose their eyecare, lose their dental care, lose their prescriptions (no offer to let them 'help pay for it'), be cut to 24 hours a week and lose their pension, you would tell them, what?
Grin and bear it and get back to work?
7/11 is hiring?
Tell that to the employee whose wife has cancer and needs $1200 of prescriptions a month.
So if "most workers" were about to lose their eyecare, lose their dental care, lose their prescriptions (no offer to let them 'help pay for it'), be cut to 24 hours a week and lose their pension, you would tell them, what?
Grin and bear it and get back to work?
7/11 is hiring?
Tell that to the employee whose wife has cancer and needs $1200 of prescriptions a month.
Oct 26th, 2003, 06:07 PM
#12
All I can say is in the last two weeks, Gelson's has been no picnic. There's nary a loaf of bread in the bread aisle and only Charmin left in the toilet paper aisle. My brand? Not a roll. Nope, they don't have a square to spare!
Oct 26th, 2003, 06:58 PM
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Surfergirl - AHA! A Sienfield fan. Too funny!
Clarkgriswold- I too had heard that they make something like $18/hr. I thought that sounded high for that type of job. We certainly do need checkers and they need to be able to survive on their wage. Have you ever used one of those self checker things at Home Depot. Holy Terror!
The American health crisis truely is disgusting. I cannot afford our health insurance either, but I have no choice. We have conditions that require coverage and periodic monitoring. Besides, someone has to pay for all of the people who don't have coverage either because they can't afford it or they are illegal, right?
Clarkgriswold- I too had heard that they make something like $18/hr. I thought that sounded high for that type of job. We certainly do need checkers and they need to be able to survive on their wage. Have you ever used one of those self checker things at Home Depot. Holy Terror!
The American health crisis truely is disgusting. I cannot afford our health insurance either, but I have no choice. We have conditions that require coverage and periodic monitoring. Besides, someone has to pay for all of the people who don't have coverage either because they can't afford it or they are illegal, right?
Oct 26th, 2003, 07:39 PM
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If the pay is as low as clarkgriswold suggests then people should find another job-or work 2 jobs while attending college or trade school. Please-don't tell me it can not be done. It won't be done, however, if people are handed things for free.
BTW, my favorite place is Trader Joe's-checkers are always friednly and the goodies are fabulous. Can't find the damn two-buck-chuck anymore, though!
BTW, my favorite place is Trader Joe's-checkers are always friednly and the goodies are fabulous. Can't find the damn two-buck-chuck anymore, though!
