Loblaw Companies Limited Customer Service Issues

Hello, I am Kamalvir Dhillon, a Cashier Supervisor at Shoppers Drug Mart ([redacted]) in Brampton. On January 18th, I fell ill and later found out it was a fractured appendix requiring emergency surgery and recovery. I provided my manager, Chris, with a doctor's note covering my absence from January 19th to February 24th and expressed my intention to return after that. Unfortunately, Chris has not responded to my messages and abruptly asked me to return the store keys on March 7th without putting me back on the schedule. Despite explaining my medical situation, he has not provided any written explanation for removing me from the schedule. I am seeking assistance to resolve this situation promptly.

I previously submitted a complaint letter regarding the poor service at your Kingston pharmacy. The staff seemed inexperienced due to recent changes, spending too much time on the computer and neglecting customers. Despite being eligible for Ontario Drug Benefit and Public Service Health Care Plan coverage, I was incorrectly charged. During a recent visit to Nova Scotia, a prescription was mishandled by your staff, leading to a full charge without considering my benefits. This has resulted in me being out of pocket around $60. Your pharmacy has lost my family's future business due to these repeated issues. I will be sharing my negative experience in Kingston to warn others. - Anthony Spencer Brown

I am curious why your products are pricier than the superstore even though you're a wholesale company. The bakery items, particularly the bread, seem to never be fresh. I shopped at your Calgary location before and encountered a slip on spilled vegetable oil. The staff cleaned it but didn't show concern for my injury and suggested I sue, which I didn't do. I recently returned for potatoes, which were a dollar more than at the superstore. When I inquired, I was informed that prices adjust based on demand. I doubt the freshness of many items in your store. Thank you. - J.K. Russell (joankittyrussell&mail.com)

As a disabled and immunocompromised senior, I have been a loyal customer of your online and in-store pickup services for the past year and a half. I often purchased President’s Choice Spring Water in 18L bottles and have amassed a collection of empty jugs during the pandemic. Previously, I would pay a $10 deposit per bottle which would be refunded upon return. Today, when I attempted to return four bottles, I was informed of a new policy where refunds are no longer given. Now, I find myself with several jugs taking up space and feeling out of pocket. If possible, I kindly request an exception to be made considering I was unaware of the policy change and would have returned the bottles sooner had I known.

Yesterday, I visited Loblaws at Heartland Center in Mississauga during the Black Friday event. I carefully selected some clothes, but upon checkout, the cashier informed me that the 25% apparel discount does not apply to red-tag items. When I requested to speak with the manager, they explained that red tags are considered reduced, not clearance, which seemed puzzling to me as I always associated red tags with clearance. I inquired about the clearance section, but the staff seemed unsure. I found this experience frustrating, especially after traveling from Brampton and spending time choosing items that weren't eligible for the discount due to this confusion. The incident occurred between 12-1 p.m., and although I didn't catch the manager's name, I felt compelled to voice my concerns about the lack of customer respect. Regrettably, this isn't the first time I've encountered this issue.

I've had continuous issues with the Fortinos Pharmacists located at Quarry Drive, Brampton, Ont. for approximately two years. I have been a loyal customer of Fortinos since [redacted]. Every three months, when I am scheduled to receive [redacted] tablets of Statex, I face problems. The pharmacist often claims they don't have enough supply, promising to provide the remaining medication later. Despite confirming the amount with my doctor, this situation repeats every quarter. I even remind the pharmacy a week or more in advance, only to be assured of the availability of my medication. Today, when I called to pick up my meds as promised, a new pharmacist informed me they didn't have the full amount again. I am tired of the repeated excuses and unfulfilled promises. Following the change in pharmacists two years ago, these problems started. I am frustrated and have decided to take my business elsewhere. I am still waiting for their call back at 4:43 PM. - Chetranie P. Manny

I purchased a blueberry pie from the Farmers Market on Tuesday, December 7. I have been buying their pies for several years without any issues. However, after eating some of the blueberry pie, I developed hives within 2-3 hours. I tried it again 2 days later, ensuring I hadn't consumed anything else, and experienced the same allergic reaction with hives breaking out. It seems like I had a reaction to one of the pie's ingredients. Have there been any recent changes or new additives that could have caused this? I am now hesitant to try any more Farmers Market pies. - Elizabeth M.

I am feeling conflicted about raising an issue regarding a Front End Manager, as I understand they are essential workers during this pandemic. However, I have encountered several problems with the same Front End Manager, Joanne, and feel compelled to share my experience. On one occasion, when I inquired about using multiple coupons, Joanne appeared impatient and dismissive, providing unclear guidance to both me and the staff member assisting me. Similarly, during another visit on Boxing Day, Joanne reacted harshly when I politely informed her that I needed to remove my bags before completing my purchase. Her stern and abrasive response made me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed in front of other customers. Despite my efforts to maintain a positive attitude and wish her a Happy New Year, I found her interactions consistently unpleasant and unhelpful. During subsequent visits, Joanne's demeanor did not improve, further highlighting the need for more customer-centric behavior in her role. These incidents occurred at the Loblaws located at [redacted] Bayfield St.

I am writing to advocate for the continued operation of the Extra Foods located at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street in Saskatoon, SK as an essential neighborhood grocery store. As a long-time resident of Saskatoon Nutana for over five decades, I have witnessed the growth and unity of our community. Our neighborhood thrives on sustainability through walking and cycling, which benefits the environment, community health, and social cohesion. With the ongoing development of condos and apartments in the area, the grocery store plays a crucial role in serving the needs of the residents. Its presence not only contributes to the convenience of our walkable neighborhood but also fosters a sense of community. I urge you to reconsider the importance of retaining our local grocery store at its current location. Your visit to our vibrant area will showcase the reasons why it is cherished by so many residents for its accessibility and provisions. Thank you, Yvonne L. [redacted] Main Street Saskatoon, SK S7N 0B6 [redacted] [redacted]

I'm curious why our favorite chips and snacks have disappeared from the shelves. I've been driving to multiple stores to find them for myself, my uncle, and a sick friend. Given the current situation with COVID and uncertainty, I can't continue searching for snacks at different stores. It's not just one type missing; there are multiple favorites not available. Seeing empty aisles is disappointing. Parents are also struggling with their kids' snack preferences - change is not easy for them either. Everyone I know is unhappy with the current situation. Please bring back brands like Lays, Doritos, etc. I do a significant amount of shopping at your store, but I might have to consider going elsewhere if this issue persists. It feels like being told another brand is as good as Kraft peanut butter when I only prefer Kraft.

I purchased a box of President's Choice Loads of raisins from a local Shopper's Drug Mart. After having a couple of bowls, I felt something get stuck in my gum area where I had a tooth removed last year. Upon spitting it out, I found a plastic piece of a machine or similar object. Despite sending three emails, I have not received any response or action taken. Having worked at Loblaws in the past, I understand how the process should work. This incident was alarming as the piece was quite large, and I have a history of swallowing difficulties due to past surgeries. I have saved the box, secured the part, and reached out via email, expressing my concerns. If I don't hear back by Monday, April [redacted], I will escalate the matter to the Health and Food Agency to ensure the safety of others. This experience has left me very disappointed and worried about the potential risks involved.

Hello, I tried to upload a photo here, but it seems that option is unavailable. During a recent visit to one of your stores, I noticed a typo on a large banner. I wanted to bring this to your attention as it stood out to me. I assume a reputable company like yours would not want a misspelled word visible to the public. I revisited the store yesterday, and the error is still present on the banner. If you wish to rectify this mistake, feel free to reach me at [redacted] or via email. Thank you.

I have noticed frequent TV ads where the President encourages sharing problems for resolution. For months, I hesitated to address an issue I find crucial - pricing. Many people are facing economic hardship, with prices continuously rising. It is heartbreaking witnessing individuals struggling to afford daily necessities due to inflated prices. Stores, including yours, often offer deals that benefit those with disposable income or larger households. However, individuals on assistance programs or basic pensions cannot always afford to purchase in bulk to avail of discounts. This setup disadvantages single individuals as well. For instance, buying multiple perishable items can lead to wastage, forcing singles to procure smaller quantities at higher costs. These policies seem discriminatory, favoring wealthier or multi-person households and disadvantaging others, including seniors. Although I doubt immediate changes will occur, addressing this issue feels essential.

Since the pandemic hit, I, as a senior, switched to online shopping at Collingwood Loblaw. While it was alright, I found it to be pricier than local stores but of good quality. Recently, I ceased using their online service after discovering that many products I couldn't find online were actually available for personal shopping in-store. This inconsistency frustrated me enough to stop shopping at Loblaw altogether. Additionally, I was irked by the limited brand choices in the app, mostly Loblaw brands which sometimes were more costly than my preferred brands from other stores with online apps. My main point is, for online shopping to be successful, the focus shouldn't solely be on house brands; customers deserve a better selection of brands and all in-store products should be available for online purchase as well.

This message is directed to Galen Weston and senior executives who are making enormous profits. Please reconsider your approach. Your lack of awareness of everyday costs is evident. It is disheartening to witness your prioritization of profits over the well-being of your employees. Rethinking excessive bonuses and providing fair wages would demonstrate genuine care for Canadians. Blaming price increases on inflation seems insincere. It is important to acknowledge the impact of your decisions on consumers. Your current actions are not fooling anyone. I have strong feelings about this matter. Your response, if any, should target those truly in charge. This criticism is not aimed at the hardworking employees but at the executive decisions made at your level.

I purchased a Zwilling J.A. Henckels Statement Motorized Long Slot Toaster from Loblaws Superstore Marketplace, PC Express on November 18th. Despite receiving the item ten days later after multiple emails inquiring about the shipping date, the toaster had several operational issues. The front slot did not work separately, the buttons were too stiff causing instability, and now the toast lifters are malfunctioning by going up and down constantly. I have contacted Loblaws for a refund but have not received a satisfactory response, only that my issue is being escalated. I am seeking a full refund as the toaster is clearly defective. Please take the necessary steps to address this matter promptly.Thank you. Sincerely, Chris R. Ph.[redacted] Email: [redacted]

I noticed that the Play-Doh Super Storage Canister with 40 tools and 23 cans of Play-Doh compound, which is advertised for $19.99 in the current flyer (originally $44.99), is not available at the Windsor, Chatham, or Leamington locations. The item number given in the newspaper doesn't show any results online, and when I called the stores, they claimed they either don't have it or can't locate it. It's frustrating when items on sale are not made available for purchase. This kind of situation can drive customers away.

I wish to commend Loblaws for their online shopping service. It is convenient, fast, and my orders are filled accurately. My only concern is regarding the use of black reusable bags for delivery. Since I shop online frequently, I accumulate a large number of these bags as I cannot reuse them in-store. I lack a car, so donating them is not an option. This leads to environmental concerns if the bags end up in landfills. I propose alternatives like having orders delivered in recyclable boxes or allowing the driver to collect the bags during the next delivery. I appreciate the company's efforts and urge customer relations to address this issue to find a solution. I believe other customers may also face this problem. Kind regards, Jocelyn Y.

A few days ago, I bought 5 tins of President's Choice Extra Meaty Wet Dog Food, 374g each. Today, when I took one out to feed my dog, I noticed it was only half full and still sealed. Unfortunately, I no longer have the receipt. You can feel the difference in weight and it sloshes around in the tin when you shake it. My 17-year-old dog relies on this food solely, so I wanted to bring this to your attention. The numbers on the bottom of the tin are BB/MA [redacted] AL 13, EXB1C3 20:37, and the UPC code is [redacted]. Thank you for your help. - S.R., 17-[redacted] Concession Street, Hamilton, Ontario, L8V1C4.

I recently visited your store to pick up my prescription, which I had called ahead for, but it wasn't ready. Upon leaving, I was unfairly accused of theft by a staff member who forcibly took my photo. This incident is distressing and unacceptable. The behavior of this employee is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. As a federal government employee, I value respectful treatment in the community. I was informed that this is not an isolated incident. This pattern of behavior needs immediate attention. I plan to seek legal advice regarding this matter to address the harassment and damage to my reputation.