OUT OF STOCKS DURING PROMOTION PERIODS

Whenever Spar have a national promotion Macy's Spar,Randhart,Alberton regularly have one of the following excuses for being out of stock or not participating : "never aware of it,not ordered,supplier out of stock,awaiting delivery,stock not checked or priced,OR incorrectly priced etc".On the front page of BEELD (Friday 17 April 2020) two (2) products namely Spar margarine and Bonnita Cheese bulk buy at R 64,99 per kg.were advertised as "PRYS SKOK slegs vir 3 dae 17 April - 19 April 2020",Saturday morning (18 April) I attempted to purchase cheese.Needless to say NO STOCK.I approached two of the managers who claimed they were not aware of the promo and pulled out their regional leaflet which did not reflect the products. I told them that this was a national promotion which affected ALL Spar,Kwikspar,Superspar except express stores.They then told me to wait for Paul,one of their managers who was on the phone.After waiting a while I left and went to the Spar in Meyersdal,where the manager/owner immediately accompanied me to a special display and asked how many I required.After completing my purchase I drove back to Randhart Spar ± 10H20 and showed them the BEELD advert.Two of the managers pulled up their shoulders and now claimed they are awaiting stock delivery.I pointed out that the promo period is nearly over,that there were no trucks at receiving and that receiving is closed. This is not the first time we have encountered stock problems on national promos.In 2019 it often happened that products including 10Kg chlorine,toilet paper,margarine,cheese,milk,chocolates (other consumers also experienced out of stock on sugar and baby nappies). As retired sales manager I know that suppliers mainly pay for the national promotions and do not always get value for their money,which is very frustrating and upsetting for them as well as for the consumers.The managers at this outlet (±4 or 5) rotate on a fairly regular basis but this cannot be offered as an excuse.I am one of their daily customers and believe I, as well as the customers who normally do not speak out,deserve better service.The cashiers and other staff are very friendly and always willing to help.