Safeway

On August 21st, 2023, I had a negative experience at Safeway on Miramonte, which stood out against the others. It made me reflect on the many microaggressions I've experienced every time I've shopped there. Since I'm a regular shopper at that location and have become familiar with many employees, I've noticed they no longer eye me up and down or follow me around the store. However, a small Hispanic lady did not warm up to me. But who cares? Everyone isn't going to like you. I was working and saw an associate who happens to also be African American at another self-checkout machine. When I noticed him, the lady watched him like a hawk as he bought his chips and a soda. I had fifteen items. When I approached the machine, she positioned herself against the back wall less than two feet away, with no social distance at all. Although extremely uncomfortable, I let it slide because I was masked up and only had fifteen items. As I scanned my items quickly, machines beeped as other customers rang up their items and needed help. The little lady kept running around, returning to my personal space damn near out of breath each time. I scanned some vegetables that the machine did not recognize, and it asked for assistance. She acted as if she couldn't see me, even managing to look over me, until I spoke. With a huff and a puff, she moved to the machine, pressed buttons with much attitude, and pulled up recordings of me scanning and putting things on the scale. She started looking and comparing the items on the scale, shook her head, and said she couldn't help me. I explained that she could count the items or look them over, but I needed her to clear the machine. She told me no, saying that I was stealing. I explained that I was a shopper and that it was not my money. I have no reason to steal while spending other people's money. I asked to speak with a manager, but she said no and walked away. I pulled out my phone, and she flipped her badge around and started running away as I snapped pictures. I followed her to the customer service door, where she ran inside and told another guy I was stealing. I explained to the male worker that I was a personal shopper and could not check out because she said I was stealing. I requested to speak with a manager and to pay for my items so I could continue working. Another employee happened by and asked what was going on. I again requested to speak with a manager and was told she was in a meeting. She walked me over to the self-checkout machine I was using, pressed a few buttons, and told me I could pay for my order. She apologized and told me the manager would contact me because Safeway "does not condone that behavior." She acknowledged knowing I was a gig worker and always seeing me. It has been over four months, and I am still waiting to hear from Safeway's management. I avoided the Safeway for a while and went to other Safeways when I could. I've since been back and seen all the people involved, but I have yet to figure out what I have done to this woman. She clearly remembers me and has the same attitude each time. She is very respectful and even chatty when it comes to other customers of other races, but when it comes to me, she is a ball of silence, rolled eyes, and exhales.

Be careful they are pricing gauging and doing a bait and switch. You see a price on the item, same thing will be higher at the check out, if you don't pay attention then you lose it. I got 10 items 3 of them were like this - significantly higher. There was one lady who was sweet and helped. This is one of the reason why inflation is so high, so pay attention to your bills, else prices will go crazy!

As one of the previous reviews mentioned, watch out for the price scam. The labeled price and the checkout price is different (this is after I scanned the membership card). They eventually changed the price manually after I showed them the price label on the shelf, but it was such a hassle to monitor for such mistakes and even more so to correct the price.

This is the best Safeway in Santa Clara I've been to. Mainly because it's low traffic, easy to get in and out and always clean. Open late and friendly service. After school let's out it is packed with kids but they handle the rush just fine. No loud annoying music like other locations and just a calm vibe. Worth the slightly longer drive.