Grocery Outlet — Local services in Portland

I had a horrific experience at this store after I got off of work the other day. Like all of my trips to the store, I wanted to be in and out quickly, but because none of the employees were willing to help a severely disabled man (an amputee, with one leg and only one useable arm). This process became a saddening one. The disabled customer had a hard time putting his groceries onto the counter, so I offered and assisted (I am a CNA, and I am used to helping people). The customer needed his food stamps to be separated from his nonfood essentials (soap, socks etc.) aside from that, he stated that there were things that he couldn't afford, and that he would need to put back. He was embarrassed and said sorry multiple times to everyone there. The disabled customer also had a broken food stamp card. The cashier and the security guard were unwilling to do much to help him figure this out. Two longer lines started to form. I offered to pay for the stuff that the disabled customer said he needed to put back, but he declined. Stating that he could pay for what he actually needed, but that he didn't want me to have to help. The cashier and the security guard (I believe the security guard was named Andrew) got really annoyed. The security guard was the most heartless security guard that I have ever seen. Eventually, he got so irritated at the sight of this situation, that instead of offering to help get the man his groceries and get checked out, he scoffed at the disabled customer stating as he looked at him. "You know what? you've actually been 86'd from here for stealing a lighter". He then proceeded to jester the disabled customer out of the store, at this point, the disabled customer was begging everyone to let him pay for his food (he didn't even ask for the other stuff). "Please can I just get my food?" he begged. The security guard was very unempathetic, as he aggressively gestured and started to shoo the disabled customer out the door. The thing that blows my mind about this entire situation, was that I wanted to pay for this customers food and necessities. He didn't ask me or anyone for help. I wanted him to be able to leave with what he had spent so much time shopping for. The ground outside was still covered in patches of ice and snow from the storm that we just had. It was pouring down rain. Humiliated and belittled, the disabled customer slowly made his way through the parking lot with his lap dog (who had been so quite through this entire ordeal). It was as if he was used to the two of them getting treated this way. With soaked clothes and without any of the groceries that he so desperately needed; he made his way alone to the ice-covered streets. I know that most people could care less about the disabled and those in need, but this left a sour taste in my mouth. I will never again shop at this location. I hope and pray that the owner reviews this footage. The employees need to be taught about helping a disabled customer and at the very least, how to not mistreat and...

I used to pass a Grocery Outlet 25 years ago and always wondered what kind of person buys groceries from an outlet? The term always reminds me of tired merchandise that never sold, even when greatly discounted. Some of that is true, you have to watch sell by dates and remember what price the items sell for in other stores to determine a good buy from a poor one. However, being able to easily afford to eat lamb chops and grass-fed beef, free-range eggs and organically fed pork, because of Grocery Outlets amazing discount prices, really tells the story. I find the staff is always competent and some are really friendly and helpful, just like every other retail store. Two reasons generally affect the staff's behavior; poor management and locations with lots of entitled customers to deal with. Mercifully, those are not factors at this store. I am incredibly happy to be able to freely shop in June, after endless months of online grocery shopping at higher prices. The only store that I will shop regularly, in person, is this location. The rest will stay...

My review is going to focus on the way this grocery outlet has been handling new COVID procedures.

Frankly, I’m disappointed. First of all, they used to have directional arrows through the store and they removed them some time ago. This is a smaller store so their aisles are narrow and you can barely get by others. Physical distancing, is frankly not enforced. Second, they don’t have a dedicated line for checkouts, so the front of the store is a bit of an unorganized mess. Third, they don’t personally clean the carts, but rather have one spray bottle and a roll of paper towels that is hit or miss if it’s actually stocked. While I appreciate that they include this, it feels like a bit of an afterthought.

Other grocery stores in the area do such a better job, and I have been spending my money mostly elsewhere during the pandemic. I wish more of an effort was made. I used to shop here almost exclusively because of the prices and great items they get, but now I only go for a few select items that I really can’t beat on...