Grocery Outlet — Local services in Walla Walla

I will not be shopping in any grocery outlet stores until this is properly handled.

POST COPIED FROM ANNAYD SALAZAR’S FACEBOOK 🚨‼️Please take time to read the horrific racism my grandmother experienced at Grocery Outlet‼️🚨

I am writing to bring to your attention a deeply troubling incident that occurred at your store recently, involving my 83-year-old grandmother. I believe it is crucial to address this matter to ensure the well-being of your Spanish speaking customers and value fairness and respect.

Today 1/9/24 my grandmother visited your store and opened a pair of batteries by accident. Despite her limited proficiency in English, an employee accused her of theft, leading to verbal abuse in English, which she couldn't fully comprehend. Despite her repeated requests for a translator, assistance was NOT provided!

The situation escalated further, resulting in the store's decision to involve law enforcement. Law enforcement also wouldn’t allow her to call relatives to help translate. My grandmother was ultimately expelled from the premises, accompanied by harsh remarks, and hate speech. This created a distressing experience for her and came home crying not knowing what she did wrong.

I understand the importance of maintaining a secure shopping environment. However, I am deeply concerned about the lack of cultural sensitivity displayed and the failure to accommodate a non-English speaker, particularly an ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL. This incident reflects poorly on the store's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

I urge you to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter, addressing the following concerns:

The lack of provision for a translator when requested.

The expulsion of an elderly individual without due consideration for her inability to fully comprehend the situation.

I believe it is important for your store to take immediate corrective action, including implementing cultural sensitivity training...

This is one of my favourite places, there are always great items that are marked down quite a bit, they even have a liquor section now. Lots of wine, some of which is good. Lots of discounted Natural and organic products that I normally buy elsewhere for more. It's hard to find things here if you are a list person, but if you start here and then go somewhere else to Finnish your grocery list you'll probably get better products and save money (or spend more because there are so many things to buy) :D one problem I've had is that if I find something and like it, sometimes the next time I come in it's gone. They don't always carry the same products. So as a friend of mine says, if you find something you like, go in and buy it all up before the hoarders...

Couple of days ago my mother (83 yrs old) had the worst experience shes ever had. Being a loyal customer since I can remember. She was accused of stealing batteries?!! Which is completely untrue! She was cornered by managers and then the police with intimidation, not even being allowed to defend herself! My mother was terrified! She didnt understand what was going on (spanish speaker). It was awful! She was alone. Defenseless. Wasnt provided a translator and was being accused, how could they do that, to assume?! Without her kids to defend her. She was discriminated against and taken advantage of. SHAME ON YOU GROCERY OUTLET! You are RACISTS!! NEVER GO TO THAT STORE! THE WORST OWNERS! I...