Doesn’t take much to get my goat any more.
And it has nothing to do with the amount of time I am spending in North Dakota with Cowboy and his herd of goats. No, in this case it has to do with a stupid “rule” that might make a difference in my shopping habits. This is what happened.
I have shopped at Stumps on Voltaire for years. I like their meat, deli and produce departments. I seldom purchase the regular staples, because their prices are higher than I pay at Ralphs or Vons. But their meat is exceptionally tasty; and their prices are better than the other supermarkets.
Over the past years, Stump’s has offered incentive programs that I have taken advantage of – items like Tupperware containers (or similar). Apparently, Stumps now – after a hiatus of many months – has brought back a new incentive program – Chicago Cutlery.
When they first began this program, I decided I would not participate; I have all the knives I need and wouldn’t have room for any more. But one day at Stumps the clerk convinced me that I should save the stamps – like the old Green Stamps – because, she said, “I could always gift the knives to someone else.” (I remember someone once telling me it was bad luck to give a gift of knives.) So … I started saving the stamps.
I am definitely not interested in the knives, but there are two other items that have my interest – the kitchen shears and/or the 12” x 16” x ¾” bamboo cutting board. I should point out that saving stamps is easy for me to do – I once had so many stamps that I got my gas dryer and Hoover vacuum cleaner from green stamps.
On Dec. 27th, I went to Stump’s and purchased $64 worth of merchandise. I left the store without getting the stamps because I forgot to ask for them and the cashier neglected to ask me if I wanted them. Since the $64 was worth 6 stamps, and since one page of stamps takes only 5 stamps, I would have been closer to my goal of 10 filled saver cards. (I currently have 8 cards.)
So, on Sunday I went back to Stump’s to purchase some meat products and spent another $75. I asked if the stamps were still being issued and the cashier said “yes”. I produced my receipt from yesterday, but I was told that “ . . . .the stamps are only issued the day of the purchase.” I told her that the cashier didn’t ask me if I wanted them – she didn’t either – and I was being penalized by the cashier’s error.
I asked to talk to a supervisor and she told me that she was one of the supervisors – and this rule was what she had been told; she did not call another supervisor for me to talk to about the stamps. She gave me the 7 for the purchase today, and then she virtually ignored me.
I told her that I felt I was cheated, and that I would be writing this episode up for the OB Rag. I felt that others should think twice about a stupid regulation before shopping there – regardless of tasty the meat is – because an incentive is given but not acted on it. She didn’t care much that I was going to write this up – probably didn’t believe I would do so, but her actions and attitude was such that it is doubtful that I will return to the store. There are many stores in the neighborhood that appreciate my business. I do not need to shop where I am not appreciated. So the adage “buyer beware” is the crux of this article.
{ 89 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, the OB Rag has hit a new low. You should delete this article as fast as you can. Do you realize what a baby you sound like? Thanks for wasting 5minutes of my life that I’ll never get back. Want some cheese with that wine?
What a bummer that a local grocer acts this way. So much for the “shop local” slogan, huh?
I shop at Stumps and can tell you that most of the clerks do not ask if you want the stamps. I personally don’t want them but I do feel that each customer should be given them along with their receipt and it’s their choice to give them to another customer, friend, neighbor or toss them in the trash. It should be a procedure the clerk should follow.
Stumps may have decent meat but their customer service approach needs attention. If you said you didn’t get your stamps that “manager” should have apologized and gave you a few extras! I wonder why the store’s personnel act they way they do? They wouldn’t make it at Traders Joes!
And……each cashier should look the customer in the eyes and say “thank you for shopping Stumps, we appreciate your business”. Stumps….take some pride in your grocery otherwise you will be loosing business or go out of business…..Apple Tree is a perfect example.
Happy Day to you Judy.
I agree about the poor customer service at Stump’s. I’ve shopped there weekly, for nearly 20yrs. Last Christmas, a certain clerk (who’d waited on me COUNTLESS times, before) demanded to see a picture I.D., in order for me to be allowed to use my *ATM* card! Oddly enough, I was just in there this past Sunday, waited on by a clerk I’d never ever seen before and had NO issues whatsoever using it. Hmmmmmm…
Sorry to have to say it, but you sound like the whiner and you didn’t provide any useful information. At least Ms. Curry was trying to offer something with her complaint.
Complain much? No one forced you to read the piece.
I am running out of tissue knowing 5 min of your life has been wasted.
I haven’t shopped at Stumps since their sign “In God We Trust” went up, and they don’t care, because a member of that family told me so. Their store, their rules.
I shopped at Stumps for convenience, not because a union strike drove business down the hill.
I Will go out of my way Not to patronize certain businesses for political reasons. For example, when a business moves their customer services overseas, I don’t spend my money there anymore, if I can help it.
In regard to the Rag censoring Widder Curry, well, that won’t happen.
In all fairness why should they care about the “In God We Trust” sign? Judi’s complaint is based on customer service or lack there of, but if this sign you’re referring to alone would stop you from shopping there that’s your choice. Personally I’m less inclined to avoid a store simply because I disagree with the religious/or political beliefs of the owners but that’s just me. If you owned a business and put up some sign reflecting your beliefs, would really care if it puts others off?
I’ve recently been in a discussion about the Sermon on the Mount. In case someone hasn’t heard of it, it is in the first book of the Christian Bible. Supposedly, Jesus instructed his followers that they were to pray in private. Public display of religion just seems out of place in a grocery store. The fact that the phrase is on our legal tender jacks my jaws, too but that doesn’t stop me from spending it where I choose.
Well that’s in the first book of the New Testament if that’s what your referring to as the Christian Bible. That’s a whole separate discussion. My only point was it’s not really for the owners to care if their religious and/or political signs bother anyone. Like I said if you owned a business and posted signs expressing your beliefs would you really care if they bothered others who don’t share/agree with them? I rarely step foot into Stumps for the very same reason many others on here are stating. It’s pretty low quality and over prices (as is the case with may IGA stores). I didn’t even know anything about the stamp issue. That being said the religious signs alone wouldn’t likely be a detractor for me. Whether or not the store has the fish symbol, a Star Of David, a Buddhist statue or whatever really wouldn’t matter to me much.
Why would anyone take issue with a positive message? If you don’t believe in God, no one’s trying to force you too, but when you sneeze and someone says “God bless you,” do you object? The sign is out of place in a grocery store? The same grocery store that accepts U.S. currency with the same message on it? Methinks you’re the one who’s out of place! But really, are you anti-God or something? By the way, the first book of the Christian Bible is called Genesis.
Just because a person does not believe in God, or believes in a different God, that doesn’t make them “anti-God.” What some people look upon as positive messages other people see as ringing very hollow when you consider the violent history of religion.
“Just because a person does not believe in God, or believes in a different God, that doesn’t make them ‘anti-God.'”
True that! But when someone protests someone else’s beliefs, that means they’re against those beliefs. If you don’t believe in God, or the other person’s God, no one will take issue with you. But why hold someone else’s beliefs against them? The only reason can be that you’re against those beliefs.
Yes, protesting against the expression, “In God We Trust,” does in fact depict you as anti-God. And I’m sorry about that.
Let me try again on this one too, Zach on the side. No one is “protesting someone else’s beliefs here. The complaint is about having any religion foisted upon you. I have nothing against anyone who is religious. What I do object to is the constant need of some religious people to constantly proselytize to the rest of the world, whether the rest of the world wants to listen or not.
As for your judgment about me and my comment about “In God We Trust” being on our currency, you are incorrect. That doesn’t mean I’m anti-God, it means that I believe in the principles upon which this country was founded. Read the Bill of Rights. Religious people have been storming the walls of that document ever since it was written. They like the freedom of religion part but they have never been satisfied with just that, they can’t stand the part that says “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion…” They clearly were not “anti-God,” they just made sure government and religion were separate. Your judgment reminds me of the George Bush days, if you protested the stupidity of the Iraq War you were “unpatriotic.” Funny, we thought we were trying to save lives, American lives and Iraqi lives. Sounds pretty patriotic to me.
The OP wrote, “I haven’t shopped at Stumps since their sign ‘In God We Trust’ went up…” That’s a protest.
“The complaint is about having any religion foisted upon you.” Having a sign in the store is having religion foisted upon you? Really? When someone expresses their beliefs (in their own place of business, mind you), they’re “proselytize to the rest of the world”? Is everyone supposed to keep their own beliefs mum for your sake? Don’t you believe in freedom of expression? Or only in your own case?
To be honest, when you’re SO sensitive to people’s expression of their beliefs, you’ve allowed it to affect you to a far greater extent than if you simply acknowledge their beliefs and go about your business.
The religious words on our money don’t represent any laws. It’s purely cultural. We also have some eagles on the currency. If you don’t believe eagles are noble, will you also take offense to that? You seem very busy taking offense. Again, should everyone withhold expression of their own beliefs so you can live free of anything that doesn’t jibe with you?
You can’t have it both ways. You say choosing not to shop somewhere is a “protest” and “affects to a far greater extent”. Yet putting up a sign expressing your beliefs is simply “freedom of expression”?
Name me one other grocery store that has a sign like this?
There are Christian faiths that have strong beliefs about not proselytizing. Those who object to the sign could still be God-fearing Christians who simply think it’s in bad taste to advertise your beliefs in this way.
You’ve missed the point. I was only trying to explain why some people take offense at these kinds of things. They want to buy a pack of bologna or some milk and they don’t want to be preached to as they do it. We all need places in our lives that are neutral to get away from all the arguing and dissonance. I have no problem with Stumps doing what they want to do. Stumps should have no problem with people choosing to shop elsewhere because of that. I don’t take offense at these manifestations but come to my door and try to preach to me on my porch and I have an entirely different reaction.
My guess is that you are a religious person. Good. Enjoy that. But keep it to yourself please.
Marilyn, do you use US currency? Every bill and coin says “In God We Trust” on it.
I’ve heard this ridiculous comment before. No one has any choice when it comes to using currency, that phrase is forced on everyone. It should be removed but never will be I’m sure because that would be like attacking Mom, Apple Pie, and the Flag all at once to many people.
Ahh, but my debit and credit cards say nothing about God on them and are accepted at most places.
It seems like an abuse of your position as an OB Rag writer to use this article to publicly air what you felt was an injustice. Possibly a Facebook post on your personal page would be a better place to share about your day. Please focus on worthwhile articles that affect the OB community, rather than personal grocery shopping experiences.
Strange, Shelly. I thought I was doing a service to the community by posting this article. If you don’t mind shopping where the clerks are rude and uncaring that is your decision. But at least you now know about it and you can shop knowing that you might be treated unkindly. Remember the story about Ian and Sprouts? (He’s still at Baron’s.) I no longer shop at Sprouts either, and I think, once again, I did something good for the community. Judi
Well, that’s just great. I was working in LA when this thing with Ian happened. I noticed him working at Baron’s recently but had not heard about his firing from Sprouts. I’ve shopped at Henry’s/ Sprouts for years because of their good produce. Ian was always friendly and helpful and obviously harmless. I can’t believe they treated him this way. Now I have to go elsewhere, I can’t keep shopping there in good conscience anymore. It really is a shame because I had admired the store for its commitment to hiring people like Ian who just need a little help to be self-sufficient. Baron’s will be my new produce market.
As for Stumps, I can’t say this stamp issue is enough to stop going there, but I don’t shop there regularly, I use it like a big 7-11. I do agree that their way of handling this was pretty stupid especially considering it was only a few redeemable stamps. Rigid policies are self-defeating. I went to my bank in my first year in San Diego, Bank of America, to apply for a very small loan and they turned me down. I had only been in town and working for 10 months. I was making very good money for a 26 year-old with no debts at all, my only bills were rent and groceries. They said the bank policy dictated a person had to live and work at least 12 months in the same place before they could loan me anything. They cheerfully said to come back in less than two months and they could help me. I’ve never been back.
You made very good money but you couldn’t wait the two months for the loan? It seems a theme in this article and comments that policies are made to be broken.
You apparently missed the point, it was an illustration of what can result from rigid policies. Shortly thereafter, I got a loan for a truck and camper but Bank Of America didn’t get the loan fees, another bank did. Policies are not made to be broken but allowing flexibility and thought to enter the consideration can have much more positive results. Of course, that is too much effort.
I understood you, no problem there. Since when do we have the right to expect businesses to break their policies? Certainly it’s good, and in their best interests, to consider doing so. But the policies are theirs and the decisions are theirs.
BofA turned you down and somebody else got your business. That was BofA’s decision. Why begrudge them the right to uphold their policies? Who are you to say when a business should break their policies?
Let me try again, Zach on the side. I was not advocating that any business “break their policies.” I was merely illustrating the downside of having rigid, inflexible policies. I don’t “begrudge” them anything. I prefer, as many people do, to deal with businesses that have flexible, realistic policies. This was why I left regular banks altogether and went to a credit union. I don’t have a problem with Stump’s stamp policy but look what it got them, they have lost customers now over some stamps.
I’m curious about two things though. Why are you so intent on defending business like this? And, what the hell does “Zach on the side” mean? I’m guessing that isn’t your given name.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not defending these businesses. In both cases I see the sense of deviating from the policies. I’m merely saying it’s their choice, and if they choose to follow their own stated policies, they shouldn’t be bashed for it.
“And, what the hell does ‘Zach on the side’ mean?” Do you see that tendency of yours to bash anything you don’t understand or agree with? Zach is my real name. If I choose to be oblique, what’s it to you?
“Do you see that tendency of yours to bash anything you don’t understand or agree with? Zach is my real name. If I choose to be oblique, what’s it to you?”
Tendency of mine to bash anything I don’t understand or agree with? Where would you possibly get that assessment of me, I don’t know you and you don’t know me. Just because I got into this discussion, and I did not bash anyone, doesn’t mean I can be judged by this one topic. So Zach is your real name but you choose not to be brave and bold enough not to use your full name. You didn’t answer the question, what is the “on the side” part? By the way, my real name is Geoff Page. I don’t post comments anywhere without using my real name.
Stumps is a great long time local neighborhood market and the owner Dirk Stump has been a generous contributor to our schools, community projects and the needy. We are regular shoppers for meat and produce.
Well to be fair, you yourself admit you forgot to ask for them so some of the blame lies with you. You’re also failing to see their side of the argument. How are they supposed to differentiate between someone honest such as yourself versus someone who says “Hey, I didn’t get my stamps” when they did get them and are just trying to game the system for more than they earned ?
Is it really that big of a deal you didn’t get 6 stamps for something you didn’t want anyway ? And you’re so upset by this that you’re not going to return to the store which now makes your entire stamp collection worthless. You’re cutting off your nose to spite your face.
At the end of the day, I would just cough it up to mistakes happen. Live and learn. There’s bigger fish to fry than giving grocery and retail workers a hard time for a minor blip.
IMO If the store gives you a receipt, they should give you the stamps. You don’t have to say….can I please have my receipt so why should stamps be any different. Come on Stumps….you should know your customers face by now. If a 20 year customer says one time….you forgot to give me my six lousy stamps it’s not like they are trying to say you forgot to give me change from my fifty.
Shameful are Stumps actions that this had to be an issue in the first place. It was not Judy’s mistake the cashier did not give her the stamps she deserved. Stumps simply just needed to make it right. Right is right and in business the customer is always right. In this case Ms. Judy is RIGHT. Poor treatment of a long time customer is not a minor blip….it’s a big NO NO.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_customer_is_always_right
No, the customer is not always right. That old useless phrase has been abused by selfish people who want something for nothing and make a big rude production while placing unreasonable demands.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jaysondemers/2014/09/02/no-the-customer-is-not-always-right/
How far are they supposed to go to “make it right” ? Keys to the store ? Free shopping spree ? And 20-year customer ? Judy never said that. You’re culling that from Debra’s post (your alias ??) complaining about having to show ID. Oh, boohoo. How horrible that must have been to pull your ID out ?
Shameful ? Hardly. It’s stamps, for chrissakes. If something like this gets you all twisted up, I’d hate to see how you act if something really bad happened to you.
Sorry, Judy. I appreciate and enjoy your restaurant reviews and most of your stories here on the Rag, but in this one, you’re coming off as petty.
Nope, not my alias…So don’t go into fortune telling :-)
Anyone who reads the rag know Ms. Judy is a LONG time resident of this area.
Just because there are people in this world who try to take advantage of a business does not mean business owners should not treat their customers with ultimate respect. I don’t care if stamps, receipt or a smile. Give the customer what they deserve. Period.
I bet the Matt Stumps in Stumps RSF doesn’t treat his customers like Ms. Judy got treated…read the article in: https://thecoastnews.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2012/08/home-and-garden-12-03-23.pdf
You post as ‘SaneVoice’ and talk about other people using an alias? Many people who post here know each other from the community and go by their real names. You should try it. Give your comments some credibility.
The receipt is not only a policy but a legality. However, when a store runs a special, is the store obligated to provide the stamps? No. It’s their business and their choice.
But I do agree that as a long-time customer, Judy should have been given the consideration.
I had shopped at Stumps and its predecessor Alpha Beta since the 1980s. I stopped shopping there when their prices got ridiculously high and not competitive with other stores. Like so many people on a tight budget, I just can’t afford to shop there anymore. They seem to have become a botique store catering to wealthy Point Lomans.
I don’t trust “free giveaways” because they usually are neither. The rude clerks don’t bother me because I just want to shop, pay and leave without a lot of idle chit-chat.
You folks who plan on eschewing Stumps should give your excess stamps to one of us who can still use them.
Stumps employees are awesome! Most of them! Very nice and helpful.
Now…as to the pricing?? WACK JOB CITY. Marked up beyond belief for rich Pt. Lomans and dumb tourists.
BTW- the red meat comes from Mexico, Not saying this in a bad way, it’s good actually and probably grass fed.
Meat is the only reason I really shop there….and I am basically gonna stop doing even that as my meat consumption drops.
I’ll also weigh in as not being a big fan of the God sign, but it’s not going to stop me from shopping there, just like I won’t stop going to D.Z. Akins’ because it’s a Jewish deli…
What surprises me is the stamp thing – like Judi, I get most of my packaged items from the big union grocers over by Sports Arena, but I find a lot of good meat and produce sales, and occasionally pick up some items from the deli counter at Stump’s, even more so since the Sprouts flap that drove me away from the chain completely for a while and still for the most point keeps me out of the Midway store.
I’ve never been offered stamps for anything, despite spending a significant amount of money two or three times a month and stopping in sometimes twice a week or more to pick up a few items because it’s convenient after getting my daughter from school. I’ve probably racked up 200 trips since my daughter started at Dana and I began actually reading the grocery ads and hitting more than one store a week.
No clue whatsoever they had a giveaway program like this. Oh well, I’ll rack it up to operator error on my part for not noticing, and I’ll continue going in to buy out their whole stock whenever they’ve got a good deal on New York Strips to freeze.
Vons gas rewards, on the other hand, can come in handy…just filled up my Jeep at the Vons gas in PB today for $1.45 a gallon. Only thing I did wrong was not grab all of my motorcycle gas cans to fill up while I could.
DZ Akins does not have any sign that it the equivalent of what Stumps has. That’s not a good comparison.
Well, I’m glad the meat of my post appears to have conveyed effectively.
Wait… did you just say you’re not a fan of Jews? You did! You did! lmao
People who throw out that “customer is always right” mantra have typically never worked in any type of customer service position a day in their life.
I’ve never had any problems with Stump’s or the employees. Prices are sometimes higher which is to be expected since they don’t have the clout that Von’s or Ralph’s does. But no “Big Brother” club cards to sign up for and one of the last grocery stores to offer double coupons. Customer service miles better on their worst day than Apple Tree ever was on its best. I’m thankful that bacteria trap masquerading as a grocery store with plastic-wrapped circus animal meat, expired products and rotten produce is gone.
Stumps has fresh produce and a great butcher counter with quality meats and seafood. That’s what I need from my grocery store. I don’t need them to kowtow to me and give me special treatment. I don’t need them to “look me in my eye and wish me a nice day” and put me on a pedestal. But I’ve only being going there for eight years or so. Maybe this self-righteous indignation kicks in later.
Maybe after tolerating their “horrible” customer service. some every week for twenty years (why do you keep going back ??), then I’ll expect to be coddled and have a special set of rules for me. Worship me and kneel before me, I am your customer and you should be thankful for me. Your tired clerk (who most likely worked Xmas and Thanksgiving while you were home with friends/family) neglected to offer me the stamps that I forgot. The stamps that I can earn in one visit. The stamps required to get a cutting board/kitchen shears that I could currently buy online for less than $25.
You know what’s shameful ? Posting a link to a non-local grocery store. Comparing your mundane stamp plight to a disabled person losing their job. Thinking you’re doing a community service by writing this hatchet job and the Rag for publishing it.
I hope you’re not waiting by the mailbox for your Pulitzer.
At a local pub…..you would not mind if a bartender threw your beer at you, forgot to give you the nuts or munchies that are suppose to go with the drink (your fault cause you did not ask for them) and did not bother to thank you for coming in? After all, the beer is good so you should not mind the poor customer service from a bar worker..kinda the same thing different place and different time.
Not even close to the same thing. Nothing was thrown at anyone.
Why should store policy such as “The stamps are only issued the day of the purchase” not apply to you ? Why should they take the writer’s word over their own employee ? What’s next ? You forget your coupons, but bring them back the next day and expect your discount because you intended to use them ? I thought millenials were the entitlement generation, but apparently not.
This piece is yellow journalism at best and if the Rag is going to publish such drivel, the peninsula needs a better news source cause this one is spiraling down the drain.
Wow, SaneVoice – you can really take off, can’t you? This has happened before with you and your comments. Most are civil and even poignant, but once in awhile, the “sane” part of your “voice” takes a breather. And you should take a breather as it sounds like you’re getting very worked up about this article.
Judi Curry has been writing her column for the OB Rag for several years now, and she has developed quite a following. And at times her articles attract a lot of comments, like this time.
Your point that “the customer is NOT always right” is made – and I worked in the public service for many years, both as a clerk at the OB Camera on Newport Ave, as a medical clinic clerk-manager, etc, and am aware of this dynamic. But c’mon give Judi a journalistic break; there’s more interest in her article here and Stumps than in any of the other current posts here.
Just curious why you believe that judy needs a break, but you didn’t believe that stumps deserved a break?
Ahh . .. Why did my response to judy get deleted? Deleting comments that you just don’t like is ridiculous, and anti free speech. Is the OB rag really about journalism??? It doesn’t appear to be… pretty sad…
Don’t recall your specific comment. If it was deleted, it was because it violated our comment policies. Comments are deleted when the writers cannot refrain from demeaning other humans, or from insulting others they disagree with – or are from a racist or sexist point of view.
It did not violate any of those policies. Also, I have seen several post on here that do “insult” others, but these comments are made by your friends, so u leave them. You shouldn’t pick and choose who gets to do so, a policy is a policy, and should apply to all. Stumps policy was to not issue the points after the customer leaves the store, but apparently that did not matter. You also choose not to respond to my post above this one. So again I ask, why should judi deserve a “break”, but stumps doesn’t? And free speech should be meant for all, not just friends. Look at judy’s review of taika sushi and the insults her friend mercy makes to another, yet judi supports her posts. If you’re going to play journalist, then play fair. Letting friends get away with breaking polices is wrong and unprofessional, just as deleting posts that you do not like is also wrong. is this post going to be deleted now because it is deemed “insulting”?
None of your comments were deleted.
“And free speech should be meant for all, not just friends.” Where did you ever get the idea that you are entitled to free speech in a privately owned and operated on-line newspaper? The fact is that the OB Rag has one of the most liberal comment policies you will find anywhere but everything has limits. As for your comment “If you’re going to play journalist, then play fair,” go talk to the UT, the reason on-line news organizations like the Rag are thriving is exactly because the main line news organizations are so biased. You need to chill and appreciate that this outlet for opinion exists.
So the OB rag doesn’t believe in an equal playing field in respect to free speech? And of course there are limits on this, that is why I said it is for all, not just friends. This means that all of us should be able to post freely here, with minimal limits of course, but that friends should not get more lee way than others. Understand? Do u disagree? It seems that u believe other wise. And I would expect more from the OB rag, than the ut. And maybe you should take your own advice and chill, and appreciate that someone believes in fairness and wants it for all, even if you do not agree, because that is what my post is about. And picking and choosing what gets to be heard is censorship and I hope the OB rag holds a different opinion than u on this subject.
OB Veg – Why do you believe “all of us should be able to post freely here…” ? First, who is “us”? All our readers? Do you help support the OB Rag in anyway? Do you send us a monthly donation? Do you buy our T-shirts? It’s not free for us to publish and we’re a private enterprise providing news and a platform for OB and the Peninsula community – and anyone who is civil. But it costs us to do this. We pay a handful of writers a pittance, our server costs, etc.
Second, you need a lesson in freedom of speech. It’s an issue between you and the government. We obviously are not the government and cannot violate your freedom of speech. The government does not support us -we are supported by friends and donors and ads. We have a right to limit who gets to play in our sandbox and to ensure that whomever plays in the sand box plays by the sandbox rules, ie, no throwing sand,etc.
We have checked – and for the 3rd time – none of your comments have been deleted.
You must have missed it. Editordude checked the records and it appears none of your 3 comments, including this one, have been removed.
It said it was waiting for a moderator, and then the post never appeared here.
This is more like coming back and demanding you nuts and munchies because you didn’t get them yesterday.
Apparently nuts and munchies are “supposed” to go with the drink so it seems we’ve been going about drinking the wrong way and I’ve got a bone to pick with a lot of taverns and bars. And those dirty bastards didn’t thank me for coming in, either. I’ll sue, I tell ya !!
Please don’t boycott us!
“you would not mind if a bartender threw your beer at you”
– You must’ve read a different article.
” forgot to give you the nuts or munchies that are suppose to go with the drink”
– If you didn’t pay for them, the freebies aren’t supposed to come with the product. The bar might be gracious to provide them, but if they don’t then you have no right (or left) to expect them.
“did not bother to thank you for coming in”
– Really? And what else is the Princess expecting today?
My thing is if you have a receipt, I don’t know why it has to be so difficult. At least you have a receipt for proof & you should get your stamps. But at the same time, if the stamps are that important to you, you should have never forgot from the start or in the first place. That would have saved a lot of time & hassle on your part. But I can understand the situation on both sides.
I think this article is a little petty. I love Stumps, I don’t do all of my shopping there but it’s nice to have them in the neighborhood. And I’ve also never had a problem with any of the cashiers. As for the, “In God we Trust” sign. Big deal. This is American and we are free to believe in what we want. Did I stop shopping at my favorite Jewish deli because they have a sign over the door that says, “Shalom?” No. I’m so sick and tired of this no God crap. We live in America and we are free to believe in what we want. We’ve taken religion out of schools and government and I agree with that but to stop shopping at a locally owned store based on a sign over the door is silly.
Judi, We are organizing the OB Citizens Boycott of CVS. I quit going to Stump’s long ago just because of the prices and certain rude employees. We still need a decent grocery store in OB, not Rite Aid and another twin monster.
Sounds like a colossal waste of time. I’m sure all 5 of you in the boycott will out a huge dent in their revenue
Maybe you can actually do something worthwhile instead of something fruitless and pressure the OBMA and the Mr. Hermez (who lied to the community) top open a small grocery where the empty old surf and skate/b of a is. It’s perfectly large enough for a community grocery and it would do wonders to stop the front from being a bum congressionan spot. There was a lovely stain of human feces running down the front of that building just yesterday for all the tourists to enjoy. At least CVS has lived up to their end of the bargain
We are waiting for your lead …..so we can follow and do something worthwhile :-)
We didn’t need the over-priced condos built at Saratoga Park, but where was your boycott/outrage when that monstrosity got approved ? Methinks you were probably too busy complaining that your waiter at Ortega’s didn’t refill your water glass quickly enough or didn’t smile at you for a full 30 seconds. Meanwhile, OB is slowly turning into MB.
And if you’re still upset about CVS (that ship has sailed so long ago i’s made it to Japan by now), then perhaps you should voice your concerns with the OBTC since they negotiated the community agreement with them.
Tyler, the appletree guys told me a couple of weeks ago that they were still working on putting in a grocery store at the old bofa (I ran into them on the street) . Did they tell you otherwise? Just wondering..
Interesting. It was said in the comments section here on the rag a few months back that they closed their North Park grocery and were getting out of the business altogether.
Mr. Sampson, if you’re serious, kindly contact me at tdegarate@hotmail.com or 858-866-9653. Thank you.
Ya know what, I’m really angry about this article. How do I get ahold of the person in charge of the OB rag. I’ve been reading this website since I’ve moved to OB and I don’t know if I’ll ever come back. I demand to speak to your supervisor!
I am enjoying the sarcastic and really humorous comments the best. Not too much to get riled up about here but it does shed some light. I sense another reason coming to drink that extra beer today to make up for the ones I had last night but didn’t keep the receipt. I too loved S&H Green Stamps as a kid and there was never a hassle. But, alas, “cheaper is better” gave rise to WalMart and friends and it is here to stay, I am afraid. Please do continue to shop locally. The service jobs mentioned are not always the funnest and the customer care does dwindle and suffer sometimes as the customers “joy” wears thin. I hope a flash mob against stumps isn’t in the offing. They do fill a niche and support OUR community.
shocked at how many actually shop at Stumps. Went once 5 years and never went back. Terrible selection and quality.
Hey Byron Wear……. We do not care if U & yours eat your meat & produce from Stumps, so what …. Quit trying to sound like a politician & PC.
So What if Mr Stumps contributes $ to the community , that does not give his cashiers the right to be impertanent to the customers just because he gives money as he sees fit. Read B 4 U write something that sounds real PC & just trying to act like your opinion should matter.
To ” Downhill”, No words except Grow Up . Very disrespectful what U wrote.
As a community, we need to know the good & bad of people that provide services as customer service dictates where most of us who care about that sort of thing, shop.
You sound very sophomoric & immature.
Stop with your bar sentiments, go drink some wine why don’t you ?
I Agree totally with Judy’s article. We only go there anyway to recycle.
Learn to spell and use proper grammar/sentence structure. It will do wonders when you try to prove a point. Otherwise, you represent yourself as uneducated and then your opinion is ignored.
Who cares. that’s just yr opinion & so what
Que sera ……
Gro up
I don got no learnin
But yet you’re under the impression that your opinion does matter so you choose to spout it (and everyone ignores it since it looks like it was typed by a preschool student. Is that “We” you mentioned in your last comment referring to the voices in your head ?
We all will cont to comment, git over it
Go Smoke sum funny lil weed so u can do sum ralxin !!!!
By all means, continue with the “Royal We” comments. You only make yourself look more foolish with your attempts at forming a complete sentence.
If you “don got no learnin,” why anybody “be carin what yr opinin is”?
Good God. The Rag has gotten more mileage off Stump’s than anything! If only you could generate an equal quantity of this admirable mix of ire and sympathy on traffic, lack of excellence, -or much of anything-, in urban planning, and the promotion of bicycling on the Point. My feelings are that many people shop simply for the ease of location, choosing closest to home. I personally eschew coupons and similar”savings”, as they really seem gimicky.” I limit my self to Trader Joe’s, Smart ‘n Final, Costco, Point Loma Seafoods for their sour dough bread & tartar sauce and Sprout’s for bulk chia seeds & bulk pepper, and I do admire the quality of Sprout’s staff, even if management is based in Germany. Cotija’s Mexican joint, next door to Stumps, is a treat too! Roseville’s Sweetly Bristro and Bakery makes swell cakes. Aren’t we lucky to have so many choices here.
There’s some pretty heated posts on both sides of this. Some people are actually angry that others like to shop here and likewise the people who like it are getting angry at those who don’t.
word ^
I wonder what the writer, Widder Curry, thinks about Stumps getting so much free publicity because of her negative piece?
Try Barons Market. Cheerful, competent cashiers, helpful bagger, fairly local produce, easy parking, limited selection makes choices easy and quick. You can turn down the raffle ticket for bringing in your own shopping bag, and the cashiers almost always offer it. A pleasant, friendly shopping experience.
I agree, Judy. Since Barons hired Ian – after he was let go at Sprouts for a stupid, unfounded reason, I shop my produce between them and Stumps. They did a terrific thing when they hired Ian, and I feel good about them. I wish they had a better meat selection – something I like at Stumps – but the staff at Barons is excellent.
I have to give a thumbs up to Stumps today. Store personnel willingly substituted another product for one that was not in stock and on sale at their own suggestion. The cashiers were informed of the substitution to make check out an easy process.
No we are talking turkey!
Maybe this article helped make some improvements in customer service????
A one time act of contrition only works in church.
I live across the street from the store and from the moment stumps open the recycling center the streets are flooded with homeless 3 time my work van has been broken in to there’s a high school near the store and we have kids Walking home in this environment about 200 of my neighbors decided no to shop at stumps till they relocate the recycling center I would love it if you write a article about it