Marlene's Natural Foods & Deli — Restaurant in Tacoma

Apparenly I didn't strike the girls in cosmetics as someone who belonged in the store. I don't normally shop here but I was short on time and products and decided to stop in my hour of free time refill on lotions and oils.

I was followed the entire time I was in the store. I understand that "customer serviceing" is part of loss pervention in ALL retail establishments but at some point you just need to leave people alone.

Their displays aren't organized in a way that make any sense. Some times you are looking at hair care and suddenly your in body lotions. It's a bit confusing and the products are diffrent than what I'd normally use...so it took longer than normal. And this girl was at the end of every isle, at one point she stood like, 3 feet away from me fixing shelves... that hadn't been touched by anyone.

I even stopped and asked the girl that was following me for help and ironically, she didn't have any answers. She had to run to another associate and she returned with usless infromation... and still didn't show me where the product I was there for. If you want me out so badly then just help me find what I'm looking for...and I'll leave.

I was there for over an hour and she just kept following me.

Eventually, I got so aggravated that I just walked over to the upstairs register and sat the basket down so they could see it. When I found a product I wanted, I'd just go set it in the basket and continue shopping.

By the time I finished selecting my items the upstairs register had closed for the night, so I went down stairs to check out.

They deliberately pulled me from the Queue I'd joined to another register and the manger stood behind the cashier watched me check out. She didnt walk away until my recipt began to print. How, incredibly unnecessary and inappropriate.

I have eyes, I have a shopping list, I have money and no intent to steal. Please don't follow me around the store.

I won't...

Tacoma's original health food store - a locally owned go-to for organic produce, veggie and vegan options, and a small assortment of ethically raised meats. The delicious deli features fresh in-house made baked goods, sandwiches, and fresh juices. I love their quiches, salad bar and salads. I often come in for a wheat grass shot when I'm getting sick. Excellent selection of supplements. Nice gift section. Produce and Grocery selection aren't huge but it's obviously carefully curated with quality you can trust.

8/24 UPDATE: ordered a vegan chocolate cake for a very allergic friend and it was a HUGE HIT with everyone! I was able to make the order just a few days in advance - special orders must be pre-paid. The cake cut into 12 slices easily and was less than $40! It was ready at 8am when they opened. I didn't ask if they could decorate... So can't speak to that, but....A+A+A+!!! I'll order...

Another one of my favorite grocery stores! Marlene's has fresh produce, organic foods (fresh & boxed/canned), and an array of vitamins to choose from. Have yet to purchase any fresh vegetables. I go to Marlene's for pea protein, vitamins, and deli. The deli is phenomenal. I usually get a roast beef sandwich and fresh juice. You can get MTO's (made to order) sandwiches, smoothies, and soup of the day. They also have a small salad bar which looks updated quite often as everything looks fresh. I'm not sure how wide of a selection they have for those who are vegetarians.

Aside from the food, they have organic deodorant, lotion, shampoo, and many small toiletries to choose from.

They have indoor and outdoor dining. It also looks like they have a small artisan shop with local artist that you can support.

The lines are short and they get you in and out QUICK

Overall this...