I do those shops. In the area I live, we only have the low income stores and the customer service sucks. Today I shopped down by the beach and did a high-end store that is part of the same corporation. Since the MSC was mentioned, I can't name the parent company but I think we all know what it is. Out here in California, the two stores go by different names than what most on this forum call them.
Anyway, at the low income stores, it is impossible to find anyone on the floor. I usually chase down the person doing go-backs. Often, I only evaluate one person on the floor.
Produce is another big problem. This last time I made my contact with the guy sweeping the floor. And he knew more about how to cut a pineapple than the produce guys I found at the other two stores I did that same day.
These stores tend to hire ESL employees. I've gotten some interesting responses to questions about catering, etc. They honestly don't have a clue what I'm asking.
On top of that, they want the deli evaluated. At least here where I live, there is no real deli. At least it is not something with fresh meats and cheeses, made-to-order sandwhiches, home made salads, etc. It's all pre-packaged and there is no service. I've told TrendSource a time or two that of the four questions we can ask, none of them make sense in these stores most of the time.
I've been questioned by Trendsource twice about only finding two associates in the whole store on my first round (other than front end). All I had to do was confirm my answers were correct. If you stay in the store at least a half hour, and make several rounds, you should be fine.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/08/2015 07:28AM by whiterosie.