Pineslopes Spar generally good but starting to slip with their service/products.

Pineslopes Spar, I have lived in Jhb for 18 years now and use Spar 3 or 4 times a week.

I recently (about 2 months ago) bought a Spar branded large block of cheese which smelt a little funny. I thought I was over-thinking and used it. After eating it I thought to check the BB date and it had expired (I didnt initially even think to check it as I thought cheese had a very long expiry date). Anyway, I threw it out.

Then about a week ago, I went to buy yoghurt. I tried 3 or 4 of the same brand/flavor (Parmalat Lemon Biscuit) and all the BB dates had already expired. I was very annoyed, and had even taken from the back, where you would put the newer stock. So I put them all in an empty sport near the back so that others would not buy them (and hopefully Spar would notice). I didnt get any yoghurt but later decided to go get another type which I did. But I saw that all the expired yoghurts I had put aside and to the back had been brought to the front again.

Spar is great, especially Pineslopes. But Ive noticed things slipping. Last year I had to come in after I was overcharged for something. And it was the 2nd time (the first I couldnt be bothered to come back in). Bugs in the 1 vegetable packet I picked once (which I pointed out to management).

You have 2 managers which always seem to be there. One is always very busy talking to staff or in a rush (doing something) - the other just stands near the entrance door (by the Lindt chocolate stand & fresh juice) and does nothing. Just stands there. He's quite rude, he doesnt even stand aside when someone tries to get by him. Perhaps he can be better utilized by doing spot checks on your stock to ensure your items are not expired.

And since he stands near the ready made Spar food, perhaps he can look at that. This is not Spars fault but the other day I saw a man come in, pick up 2 croissants with his bare hands, put them back, and take the third one he picked up. I was so shocked. Its BAD in the first place (so rude, obnoxious and very unsanitary ) but with COVID!? I was so angry but find it hard to say rude things to people.

People have to often wait at the sushi/ready made rolls/pancakes/desserts area as there is someone making sushi and someone making pancakes. You need another person there. Usually the pancake lady is pulled over just because there is no-one there and flips her pancakes between trying to help other people.

Your tellers/packers are always friendly. I like Spar and will continue to use it. And you have had several nice upgrades over the years. But some things are slipping. This is meant to be more constructive criticism - not a complaint.

Kind Regards, A loyal but disappointed customer