Grocery Outlet — Local services in Lakeport

“Shopping while Black”. This store is a classic example of what we know as racial profiling, using a seemingly neutral policy to justify a discriminatory action. I don't have an issue with the store refusing to allow entry with a backpack. It's within their right to refuse entry to anyone for security reasons. And working in retail for over 20 years I know firsthand the impact theft can have for a store, especially a locally owned one, and of course the safety of the patrons and employees. But my issue is not the policy itself, but the way it was enforced/applied inconsistently and selectively based on a person's race. And that's where my problem arose when the store allowed a light-skinned woman to enter with a large purse while stopping a dark-skinned individual with a backpack. That is what's called racial discrimination. Although the bags may serve the same purpose (carrying belongings), and their size or potential for shoplifting may be similar, there was no one stopping the light-skinned woman from throwing things into her purse. The irrational suspicion or hatred toward the dark-skinned individual is an unreasonable preconceived judgment because of the physical appearance. By making a distinction that appears to be based on race rather than a consistent rule that is applied fairly to everyone, this store is engaging in a form of intentional discrimination.

One ⭐️ for thier awesome cashiers and some...

I deleted my first post for Clearlake Grocery Outlet and mentioned the Lakeport store to compare, and one of the owners replied, "It was Clearlake I was reviewing." So, to be clear! This store is closer to where I live, so I go there! Yet, in the past several months and times I've shopped, this is my observation and experience! I've noticed the shift in cleanliness, organization, staff friendless, and helpfulness. I specifically asked the elder male cashier for help getting me the 18 can containers of Rootbeer and Sunkist soda. He actually stood there and ignored my request, just staring at me like I was asking for a kidney! So I went over and got them myself as he stared complacent, doing nothing to help! A younger man came over because I knew he noticed the interaction. He offered to bag! The cashier then said to the younger man, "You're overpacking the bags," as he laughed! Unbelievable the blatant disregard andlack of customer service, and care! So again, to be clear, this is the Lakeport Grocery Outlet store! I've known several people who USED to work there, and that store was on point! Yes, the prices are good, yet the experiences in frequent months have not been! BTW I've had several interactions with this particular elder man, and he's mainly the culprit of my dissatisfaction of that particular store! Hoping things change + 🤞🏻Hopefully, there won't be any...

Manager (Ralph) is extremely rude. Does not know the meaning of personal space and doesn’t know how to handle situations properly. I was a retail manager for nearly a decade and have never come across another manager that will get in your face the way Ralph did over something so minuscule (small 6lbs dog in cart, not barking or bothering anyone and even making their customers smile and have a good experience in their store). I understand if you don’t want a dog in your store, but there are so many better ways to handle the situation rather than the way Ralph did. I was already at checkout when Ralph came up to me a second time and got in my personal space and I had to ask him multiple times to please back up because he was in my face. I have only had good experiences while visiting the Grocery Outlet located in Clearlake and will make it a point to never go to the Lakeport...