Janta Farmers Market Knoxville — Attraction in Knoxville

Disappointed with Return Experience and Staff Behavior

Two weeks ago, my wife purchased a packet of Ragi (millet) flour from this Store. When we got home, we realized that the product was expired. A few days later, while buying vegetables and paneer, we informed one of the cashiers about it. We also mentioned that we had lost the receipt. She kindly told us, “That should be okay. You can still return the flour.”

Trusting her word, we went back to the store this Monday to return the expired item. We explained the situation to a male employee—thin, with a beard. However, instead of offering help, he spoke to us in a harsh and dismissive tone. In front of other customers, he made us feel like we were trying to cheat the store. We were simply returning a $5 item we had recently purchased. We felt embarrassed and deeply uncomfortable.

We were not trying to return something we bought months ago. Our only mistake was misplacing the receipt. If the staff had simply said, “Sorry, we need the receipt to process the return,” we would have understood. But the way we were treated—with suspicion and frustration—was unacceptable.

What’s worse is that the item was expired. Why are expired goods even being sold in the store? Shouldn’t customers have the right to return such items without being judged?

Eventually, they did agree to refund the flour. But honestly, it didn’t feel like a relief. We walked out feeling hurt and humiliated. The hateful tone, the cold attitude, and the public confrontation left a lasting bad impression. I hope Janata Store takes this feedback seriously and trains their staff to treat all customers with kindness, regardless of...

Very large variety and good prices with friendly staff. However, when we walked in we noticed a very strong and unpleasant chemical smell. Unfortunately, many of the things we purchased had that smell and taste when we got them home. A beautiful red pepper was inedible because it was completely imbued with an awful taste of strong chemicals. Even some freezer items, like some naan I was so excited to try, had a lingering smell which didn't feel safe to eat. I hate to waste food but don't feel safe eating something that has a lingering smell almost of...

What I really like about this store is that they always have everything well-stocked. Also, their shelves are very organized. It's a always a pleasure to shop here!

As for the products, it's a typical Indian grocery where you can find Indian spices anf everything you need for Indian cooking. The frozen section has a good collection of packaged items along with limited Bangladeshi fishes. The vegetable section has a good collection of deshi vegetables like gourd, parvals, green...