Absolutely shocking, terrible service

<p>On Sunday, the 12th February my mother & I visited the Pick 'n Pay in Flora Centre of which we had 20 minutes to shop in as their closing time is at 2pm. Within less than 10 minutes, between my mother and myself, we had sourced the items on our short list except for one which was 'anchovy fillets'. I walked around for a bit, noticed that the staff did not even bother to validate my EXISTENCE let alone my value as a customer. I asked FOUR different staff members who seemed to be walking around aimlessly, where one would find the anchovy fillets as they are generally kept in the refrigerated section, but I could not see them. Each time I was met with the response, 'I dunno what that is, go ask at the front' 'or 'go ask the manager'.</p> <p>One would think that individuals who are eager to get home after working retail hours would have the initiative to see to their customers as quickly as possible. Out of pure frustration at wasting our time and energy, I went all the way around the tills to run after the manager only to find myself eventually settling into repeating myself to three staff members standing around at one of the tills. Once again I explained what I was looking for. Again the response was 'we don't know what that is' and so I responded with, 'Would you mind trying to find out!??' On top of it, one of those individuals blatantly laughed me off!!! Then came the fami**** arm and finger pointing, 'that's the manager ask him.' so I rep****, 'NO, YOU ask him!!' Eventually this person was called to come to me and I had to repeat myself AGAIN, to which he responded with ' Sorry, we do not stock that mam.' However, I suspect that ultimately he did not either know of what I was referring to!! After begrudgingly deciding to continue with the purchase, I was informed that the smart shopper system was offline. It is for this service that I generally prefer to shop at a Pick 'n Pay. The cashier mentioned that the transaction would be logged later yet I have no proof of this, as nothing reflected on my till slip! </p> <p>As someone who has in the past, worked in retail, 12 to 13 hours sometimes seven days a week, I find this experience absolutely DISGUSTING! There will always be something unfami**** to one in their profession which is part of learning the trade but for god's sake have some pride and GO FIND SOMEONE who does know!! How dare they shove off THEIR work to me!!! And on top of it, just blantant disrepect! I cannot believe how this Pick 'n Pay's standard has just dissipated!!</p> <p><br />On our way home, we stopped at a competing franchise grocery store to find the product I was unable to acquire, whose staff were friendly, accommodating and efficient (& they are open until 8pm!!) Could not believe the difference!</p>