DELI DEPARTMENT ARE RACIST OR NEED CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING?????
I have gone to the deli department at Lucky’s twice now, and both times the Caucasian ladies working there came across as rude.
After the first experience, I tried to give the benefit of the doubt and thought maybe she was just having a bad morning.
The first time I went was around 9 AM. An older lady working there saw me standing at the deli counter but didn’t acknowledge me or say anything, so I waited, assuming she was working only on the fried chicken side. I was with my small baby, and my baby started getting fussy while waiting, so I left for a bit to continue shopping.
Later, I saw another lady in produce who looked like a manager because she was directing other employees. I asked if someone was available at the deli counter, and she pointed to the older lady and said, “She can help you.” I went back to the deli counter, and again the older lady saw me but still didn’t say anything. I finally asked, “Is someone available at the deli?” and she responded, “I’ll be with you in a moment.” I didn’t like her tone. At that point I was already frustrated, especially because my baby was getting fussy from waiting so long, so when she finally helped me, I responded at the same level of tone. I also explained that my baby was upset from waiting and that I needed to leave soon. By the end of the interaction, though, she became nicer and said she understood, which I appreciated.
Then today, Friday around 2 PM, I had another uncomfortable experience. I walked up to the deli counter and waited quietly because one lady was talking to a man about their fryer and another lady was unpacking something from a box. I waited about five minutes without being acknowledged. Then a man walked up asking for a spoon, and the lady unpacking the box immediately helped him while I was still standing there being ignored.
I finally asked the lady unpacking the box if the deli was closed, and she responded rudely, “She’ll be with you in a moment!” Even my older daughter noticed the tone. Shortly after, the younger Caucasian lady loudly said, “HOW CAN I HELP YOU?” and quickly rushed, opening the ham doors fast. I responded in the same tone and told her what I wanted. Eventually both ladies started helping. When the younger lady finished, she apologized and explained that their fryers were down and they had a lot of meat to prepare. After that, she spoke in a much friendlier tone and told me to have a nice day, and I responded kindly as well.
At this point, I’m not sure if they are treating me differently because I am Hispanic or if they simply need better customer service training. I have worked in customer service before, and acknowledging customers politely makes a huge difference.
What stands out to me is that it seems to only be an issue with the deli department. I have gone to the meat/butcher department multiple times, and the men working there have always been friendly, respectful, and very helpful. They provide great customer service, and I truly appreciate that.