Food Depot — Attraction in Kearny

I am super upset about my shopping experience today. Since I came in this area, I always go to food depot, and every time I carry my own cart because it is just easy for me to carry things back and I don't need to waste the plastic bags.

Today I went there and took my cart as usual. When I was shopping, a guy came to me and said I cannot use my own cart because that is considered as stealing. Before I responded, he continued emphasizing how my action is considered as stealing. I said, sure I will use the supermarket cart but you cannot say that I am stealing, besides, the supermarket does not have a noticeable sign saying that the personal cart is not allowed and nobody ever stopped me in the past.

This guy then got irritated. I didn't want to reason with him and I said I will just use their cart and please let me continue shopping. He then took away my cart and said I can take it when I finish shopping.

When I was checking out, he was helping package my stuff. I said please I don't need plastic bags, and that's why I carry my own cart. And I joked I tried to go eco-friendly. I thought that would ease the tension, but then he started to say more nasty things.

He said do you really have that in your mind? do you really believe in those things? I thought you are a smart person but now I guess you didn't receive enough education in college...

However, the truth is that I teach at Rutgers University. I said nothing to avoid conflict because I was by myself and then left. Then I called the customer service and reported this incident.

This is not the way to treat the customers and if the store wants to prevent personal cart, you guys should put a sign in a noticeable place. And if any customers carry their own cart, please explain to them the rule in a polite and respectful way.

I have always loved Food Depot but this time I felt being treated very unfairly and disrespectfully. I hope that Food Depot will seriously consider dealing with...

I tried to like this supermarket as it does have a good assortment of Latin food, produce, meats and even a small parking lot. The prices are okay as well.

However, their customer service could use “A Lot” of work. About 98 percent of the time I go, the cashiers have an attitude and/or never say thank you. And to further put the icing on the cake, the security guard will stop you before entering and basically force you to take a Lysol wipe. He insisted I had to take one because I didn’t have gloves even though I told him I wouldn’t be using a cart or basket. A few days later, I still had to receive the wipe even with wearing gloves. Strong chemical wipes are for hard surfaces and not the hands!

Tip for further success: Food Depot, please take Customer Service 101 as your next college course.

Update: Security man present on the weekend (esp. 5/17/20)...

Whoever says this place is cheap is lying. The prices here are way higher than the nearest Shop Rite and Bjs. Worst of all, the cashiers are rude. Never say hello or even respond at all. Sometimes they dont even say a single word to you. Maybe they should find another job if they find being polite so difficult. Its a reflection of the management that doesnt care and only wants to fill the owners pocket. Stay away!!

Only positive is the fact they have diverse international...