Differences Between Supermarkets.

[modeller]

I have 5 supermarkets within a couple of miles of me but the one nearest,
the Co-0p, is the one I use least.
It is the noisiest with loud background pop music which is the main reason I go elsewhere. Asda is the next noisiest but well below the Co-op level.
The others Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsburys I don't hear music at all. So they get my custom.

According the noise abatement society only 8% of the population say they like loud music and 40% ignore it in any retail outlets so why do they do it.

Another thing the Co-op and Asda have in common they frequently charge
the full price on a supposedly reduced items. I have however always obtained refunds . I now make a point of checking the check out bill carefully back home.

My family love the fresh baked 7 inch Apple/Rhubarb/Fruit pies which they have all been selling for £1 except for the Co-op which are £1.35 and are smaller. I wonder why ?

[pastafreak]

I have 3 Co-ops within 10 min of me. No music in any of them and all are clean and efficient. A bit pricey but when things are reduced it's by a lot.

[modeller]

^^^ That's interesting pastfreak whenever I complain they say it's not their fault the music is controlled by ' head office ' and they can't turn it off however in the Co-op the manager did turn down the volume when I said I was leaving.

I would mind so much if it was soft quiet music but at times its like being in a disco.

I went into a keep fit centre recently and the instructress was using a megaphone to make herself heard above the music. Some of her class were also wearing ear mufflers against the noise.

[AlwaysConfused]

I switch off to the music in shops, but maybe it motivates the workers? They are there for a lot longer than the customers.

[modeller]

Whenever I speak to the assistants they say they don't hear it and are surprised when I mention it. Their brain switches off , which is a common
thing in all noisy environments.
I rarely go into shops where there is music and when I do I drop my voice so they can't hear what I am saying . I sometimes show great interest in something really expensive but indicate I can't hear what they are saying,
point to my ears and walk out.

[modeller]

//I would mind // correction: I wouldn't mind so much

[vulcan42]

My local Tesco has been revamped but when you enter you cannot see the "Hello" sign, however it's very prominent on the way out.

[Captain2]

I work part time in a small Morrisons. The other day when I asked if we could change the store music, they said 'Do you want the Disney Favourites or The Christmas One.' Seems like we only have the three and although some of the tunes are OK (Doors, Adele, etc) it does get monotonous and doesn't really inspire me to work harder.

[TheOtherHalf]

There was a queue behind a silly old woman in Morrisons yesterday. I was right behind her thinking I would go through quickly as she only had a couple of items and a battered re usable bag waving in her hand. Put all her shopping through then asked for a new `free` bag. The checkout girl kept trying to tell her that the battered bag wasnt a `bag for life` bag just a reusuable bag ! She wouldnt listen even when the manageress was called to settle the dispute, who also tried to repeat it was a reusuable bag not a bag for life. " Well Tesco replace them " she insisted. " I wont be shopping here again" she said. Thank god, we all muttered under our breath. She promptly picked up a plastic carrier from the counter and walked off leaving her shopping on the checkout. How rude we all remarked after she had gone. All that fuss over a bag which cost 29p, and she could probably afford it. Ive had about 4 reusable bags in the last few years and still going ok with them. Dont know what she had been doing with hers !

[whiskeryron]

Welcome sign in Black country '' ow om ya bab''

WR.

[tonyav]

Gud un ah kid ^^^^^^^^

[ramblingrose]

Within 3 mile radius, we have an Aldi, ASDA, Iceland, Morrison's, Tesco Express, Sainsbury's and a Waitrose. Waitrose has the best own brand and is no more expensive, we don't buy fruit and veg (M&S - expensive but no waste) or meat (local butcher - cheaper, farm assured meat and good range). Customer service is excellent, supermarket is spotless, same for ASDA. Can't stand dirty floors, indifferent staff and a shop that is like an obstacle course.

[factor-fiction]

I haven't any issues regarding music in any stores but in terms of prices the Coop is more expensive: but it isn't trying to compete with the giant supermarkets-these tend to be convenience stores selling fairly low volumes of items for people who prefer the convenience of a local store. They will struggle though whenever an ASDA or Tesco mini shop opens up in competition. If you buy selectively it can be cheap- or same price as the others- and they do sell off a lot of fresh stuff cheaply in the evenings.

[factor-fiction]

>I rarely go into shops where there is music and when I do I drop my voice so they can't hear what I am saying . I sometimes show great interest in something really expensive but indicate I can't hear what they are saying,
point to my ears and walk out.

I doubt very much that that tactic will lead to a change of store policy- a letter may have more effect, but if you've got the time to campaign in this way, good luck to you. I doubt the staff take you seriously though - I have never been in a supermarket where the music is so loud I can't hear what people are saying.