Dill's Food City — Local services in Lavonia

To begin with, I have shared this with a management team member on the day of the issue. I shared with management the issues I had in the Deli department. (1) There were only 2 visible employees working in the deli. One person, a male, was in the cooking area. The 2nd, an elderly woman was working in the area of the food service area, deli meats, & meat slicer. The time was approximately 2:00-2:30 pm. The woman wearing glasses and a white cap was at the meat slicer (not slicing meat). I approached the counter, thinking she would turn around and notice my presence. I was the only customer present at the time. I attempted to voice my presence by saying, "Excuse me." I could hear a 3rd person working towards the produce area out of my site. The woman failed to hear me but eventually, after a few minutes, turned around and noticed me. By that time, another customer approached the deli near the food display. I informed her that I would like a pound of bologna and a pound of buffalo chicken. By then, a 3rd customer had approached the deli area. The lady employee asked me 3 different times what I wanted after I had already informed her of my order. She began looking in the display area. During her search is when she asked a 2nd time. After slicing the bologna, she asked the 3rd time what I needed. I could tell that the 2 lady customers who approached earlier were getting irritated as well. The first one even made a comment to me regarding the slowest and lack of additional staff. Upon accepting the second deli purchase, I said thank you. There was no response from the lady employee. She just turned around and proceeded back to the slicer. The other two customers just shook their heads. It was noted that there is no bell or other device present on the display top to inform staff that customers are present. After I checked out, I shared my experience with a male management team member. I explained that customers have certain expectations of service at Dills, and plainly, my expectations were not met. Also, this was not my first encounter with this scenario. I have experienced 3-4 prior experiences. Other thoughts would include that the orientation process used by Dills management is not extensive and with little to no follow/ up. Also noted is the lack of friendliness from most of the staff (unless they know you as a close friend /relative). I realize that the employment pool is not the most perfect, but management has a responsibility to their customers and their expectations. I informed the management team member that Lavonia needed a second grocery as that Dills is the only grocery store in the community other than Dollar Stores. The next closest one is 15 miles away in Hartwell. I have discussed the problems with other people in the community as well. Some have stated that this family own business has relatives who sit on the city council, planning & zoning committee, etc, who are instrumental in keeping certain businesses out of the town. Whether this is true or not, I do not know, but I am planning to discuss it with the mayor (assuming he is not a family member) regarding the possibility of recruiting an additional grocery store in town. Sad to say, I never see management "walking the store," surveying the employees, speaking to customers, and observing. Having worked in retail and medical, I understand all too well customer service and customer expectations. I personally do not expect any notable improvements here, but hopefully, this review will bring attention from others to observe and address their concerns with...

After church last Sunday, we purchased 2 Bill Baron's lemon pepper seasonings. When I opened one to use today the safety seal, (see attached pictures) was broken. I should be able to feel confident when I shop that if I don't hold on to my receipt, that any issue will still be resolved. Also note that I stood at the customer service desk for about 7 or 8 minutes before I "bothered" a cashier, to ask for assistance. The cashier then told someone else to radio Whitney. Why have a customer service desk if you're not going to have it manned? When Whitney came up, I let her know I had just purchased the item and when I opened it the safety seal was broken... Whitney opened the item, fingered it, looked at me and told me they could not do anything for me if I did not have the receipt. So not only was there not a customer service agent at the desk, but when they flagged down someone to help, she had no customer service skills. It is extremely RARE that I ever return an item. But, never have I had a problem at Food lion, Kroger or any other Supermarket if I've had an issue. Clearly the item was theirs and the least that they could have done was an even exchange. I asked for the name of the store manager and was told it was Danielle. I want to make Danielle aware that I will not be shopping at Dill's anymore. I will make sure that every single person that I know doesn't shop at Dill's. So this $4 item, lack of good customer service, and lack of a simple even exchange is going to cost you all about 25...

Went to the Lavonia location two Sundays back. Nothing in the hot case in the deli at 11:15. Had paper taped up saying what they had. No salad bar set up. Nothing prepared anywhere. Couldn’t get the girls in the deli to pay attention to customers standing in front of them to even answer a question. Went up front and no one knew anything. The girl running the front area was at most late high school age. Was very disappointed with the lack of preparation, knowledge, and lack of care displayed. Dills do better. There should be more than just teenagers running a store. We unfortunately had to leave and go elsewhere for my family of five’s lunch. Update: Went by this afternoon almost two weeks later, same thing. No salad bar and just papers stuck to the hot bar case with nothing in it. No help to be found anywhere. I also messaged Dills twice and messages were read and not responded to. We live in Royston right near the Dills and used to spend $300-$400 a week there. Now our business will be done...