Anyone else noticed Waitrose becoming a not very nice place to shop? Post Reply

[WaitroseWTF]

This is a first world problem but is anyone else feeling that Balham Waitrose is losing it's calm and pleasant status as a place to shop?

I used to prefer it over Sainsbury as it was peaceful, there were more staff to help and it was just a nicer all-round experience.

The last few times however:

1) the carpark has always been a challenge but now they have this new ticket validation system it's got way worse, it's hard to find somewhere to park
2) freezers seem to be on the blink all the time. I couldn't get oven chips last time and I know that's not always a bad thing but it's becoming a regular occurrence with other freezers too
3) so many bike couriers taking up the car parking spaces, whizzing at speed through the car park and **** against the wall at the back

I now tend to go to Sainsburys where as long as I remember a pound for the trolley it's recently been way less stress.

Happy to be told I'm in the minority as I'd love to tell myself I'm being grouchy but it's not just a one off.

[Goldhawk]

TBH it's never been great
There are always staff in the way unpacking / shelf stacking

[jickjax100]

The only thing Waitrose Balham had going for it, was it always pretty empty in the shop. The staff are generally unfriendly and miserable. I agree the car park is unpleasant.
If you want a good supermarket experience go to Tesco Clapham South. Easy parking. Empty shop. Great prices and fabulous friendly staff. You have the added bonus of M and S being over the road so can fill your trolley in Tesco with the basics at good prices. Then pop to M and S and get the treats. You’ll spend less overall and will have a far better experience.

[Hattiethedog]

I don’t know Balham - but the Waitrose at Clapham has deteriorated so much. The shop is tired the staff look demoralised. The recently refurbished Marks and Spencer’s across the road is buzzing by comparison. I suspect this is a John Lewis/Waitrose issue.

[iowfan]

I feel the need to stick up for the staff at Waitrose in Balham who, in my experience, are always helpful and responsive, and mostly friendly and chatty - especially one or two of the long-standing meat/fish counter staff who always ask after my children even though they are now in their twenties! I don't often shop at Waitrose any more - can't afford it (but that's a whole other conversation...) but just last week I went in for some specific items and, as I walked around, I actually thought how much more interesting their stock is and how much more relaxing my shopping experience is there, vs my usual Sainsbury's.   It was busy, to be sure, but not unbearably crowded and parking was totally straightforward.  I agree the couriers are a real pain - I had to ask one to move his e-bike from where he had parked it inside the entrance while he chatted on his phone, so I could get to the scanning handsets (yes, this definitely is a first world conversation!!).  I meant to complain to the store manager but, as usual, was in too much of a rush... perhaps if those of us who are unhappy about aspects of the store actually told the manager(s), they could do something about it - if they don't know about it, they can't!

[Kirstie’s Mom]

I wouldn’t say recently . It’s been poor for five years - always out of stock of things I need . The only reason I shopped there was it was easy to park for Chadwick’s and Sainsburys as I ended up going to the later to pick up the things we couldn’t find . Now the car park is a mess . I have written and filled out surveys often but nothing gets improved .

[Talkman]

If the staff don’t restock the shelves there would be nothing to buy.

[MeatLoaf]

I noticed it going downhill significantly since Covid-Brexit, much less choice, a bit grubby, vegetables and fruit look a bit sad, lots of security guard shenanigans at the door to combat the hovering thieves. Still better than Sainsbury’s, though. I think the staff are pretty great. No problem with restocking for me. As it has been mentioned here I will also say that we have been repeatedly shortchanged by Chadwick’s (stupidly expensive, fatty meat, steaks go off after 5 minutes) so in the vicinity would rather buy meat from Waitrose; if not a weekly trip to Dugard & Daughters in Earlsfield which is great quality, great service, proper butchers.

[PreventBankScam]

"repeatedly shortchanged by Chadwick’s (stupidly expensive, fatty meat, steaks go off after 5 minutes)"

Is that a recent thing? Haven't been to Chadwicks for years as they are expensive but I always felt they were amazing when we went!

[readysteadycook]

I was in Waitrose this morning (only ever buy a few top up items now as it’s got really expensive), and many of the shelves with chilled food were empty. 

Many of the staff have left recently, I just don’t see the point of shopping there anymore. Get Ocado if you want an expensive shop !

[chorister]

I have to say that the few times we have bought meat from Chadwick’s it has been excellent. But if you have an issue with it and have the time then go to Wimbledon Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and get your meat from March House Farm - they’ll probably tell you the name of the cow you are going to eat!!

[Scottov]

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how is nonsense like this permitted?

[dimelda]

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how is nonsense like this permitted?
[/quote]
Scottov:  I do agree.  Anti-Semitic drivel.  The 'moderator' should have stepped in & removed the post - but didn't.
 

[Annabel (admin)]

Apologies - I’ve only just seen this.

Removed original post and also removed the quotes from the subsequent so it’s not there in any form.

However I’ve left in criticism of the moderation as we should have seen it.

Again, apologies.