Giant Food — Local services in Alexandria

A few weeks ago, I ordered a cake for my dear colleague's retirement party. I ordered it four days ahead for pickup at 8 a.m., in order to have it to work for an 11 a.m. party. When I arrived at the store, they said they didn't make the cake and the baker wasn't in. I was so upset and disappointed. I had to take a random sheet cake from the display case that was much smaller than the one I'd ordered and wouldn't be enough for all the guests.

When I spoke to the manager to express my disappointment, I was blown away by the response. He wanted me to take the replacement cake completely free, supplied an extra gift card for my trouble, and offered for me to take cards or flowers as well. I really wasn't looking for a hand out so I just left with the cake. He also told me he was going to try to get a cake in the size and flavor I ordered with the writing on top and deliver it to my work, which was 30 minutes across town. I thanked him, but didn't expect much given it was 3 hours until the party.

I was so surprised when he personally showed up at my job by 10 a.m. with the exact cake we needed and a lovely poinsettia for my colleague. I am beyond impressed with this service and that he went above and beyond to make it right. Yes, they failed to make my cake, but this is a five star review because they...

Was keyed into this Giant by the guy who initially opened the meat department when it first opened. And what he said was true. They have cuts of meat here you have to special order even at places like Whole Foods. Want a whole tenderloin? Not unusual to find one available on the floor. Good luck doing that at Balducci's, or anywhere else for that matter. The quality and freshness of the produce is better than any of the surrounding Giants. And always fresh-squeezed OJ, tangerine, lemon, as well as other juices. Bakery is fine, but not raising it's game like the meat department. You get (practically) Whole Food quality, while avoiding the Whole Food clientelle, with Giant prices. Do I still go to Whole Foods? Sure, but really only for the Bakery anymore. Update Trying to give credit where I see it earned. This Giant's meat department remains on point. Some staff has changed(still some originals), but somebody has got the yokes on this one. If it ever falls off one day, I've become so dependent I'll look like a car that has no wheels, and a driver hellbent on his destination. All sorts of intent and purpose, but no way to execute that ever crucial last minute holiday meal with no complaints. You wouldn't do that to...

I go to this giant sporadically because it’s the only store next to my job. Every time I need to go to customer service for something there is never someone available to help. If there is someone they take about 15 to 20 minutes to come to the front desk. There’s a couple good workers who actually do their jobs with urgency and I am not talking about them. There’s this woman who is there as soon as the store opens and is never where you need her to be. Then takes her time trying to help. I spend a lot of money at this giant and I’m pretty sure they don’t treat other people this way. Security acts like you’re going to steal or a “high risk” but I spend more money in this giant than their pay checks. I go to self check out because the cashiers move at the slowest pace. Could we please find a resolution. And if certain items can’t be bought until customer service opens (8am e/t) then have every one on the same page. It’s been times where a cashier would say “customer service does not open until 8am, so I can’t get you what you need,” but then the customer service rep. Would come out the back and give the item I was waiting to get. Not on the same page and terrible...