We have three grocery stores all within about the same distance from our home. I usually head to Fred Meyer first because I know its store layout the best. I also like that I can fill the car up with gas without leaving the parking lot.
But this last week, Kim asked me to pickup a few items on my way home and I was around the corner from Albertsons when she called so I stopped there. As I entered the store I realized I had no idea where anything was situated. I grabbed a cart and started making my way through the store. As I did this I noticed a few things that impressed me:
- The shelves were fully stocked at 10 pm.
- I didn’t feel like a rat in a maze like I do at Wal-Mart when they clutter the aisles with pallets full of boxes.
- The store was well lit. The floors and shelves were clean.
- I was able to quickly find the baby food aisle because the aisle signs were big and clear.
- All the aisles went the same direction making it easy to see down.
Those were just a few things I noticed while I traversed my way thorough Albertsons. I didn’t pay much attention to the prices but they seemed about the same a Fred Meyer. A 24-pack of Diet Coke was a few dollars less expensive while some of the produce seemed to cost a bit more.
As I approached the check out line, a woman gestured to me that she was opening another line so I walked over to her area and began placing my items on the conveyor belt. I noticed that she stopped the belt twice to take the time to peal off coupons that were stuck to a couple of medications I was purchasing. I hadn’t noticed they were attached, but I was impressed that she took the time to peal them off for me. Before I pulled the 24-pack of Diet Coke off the cart, she kneeled down and scanned it although she was clearly in the latter stages of pregnancy. She was kind and efficient. She had a big smile on her face too which made me feel good.
I left the store in a better mood than when I arrived which usually isn’t the case. Because of the kind service this women provided, I will be returning to Albertsons soon. Eventually, maybe I’ll learn my way around the store.
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