IGA Food Stores - IGA - IGA Grocery Store Deceptive practices and rotten vegetables Jacksonville Florida

First of all, IGA is comprised of independent grocers; like all operators you have good ones and the poor operators. Our IGA is in one of the most dangerous cities in the world; the major chains fled years ago. As to perishables, that is a challenge for the independent grocer in blighted areas. I have found that nice, reasonably priced meat and fresh (not fancy) produce make for the best value for the consumers. Many IGA members are in poorer areas as many of us are immigrants; while not my case, this is where the "American dream" starts for many immigrant grocers. However, our customers were happy when IGA came to their neighborhood! Our IGA branded products have a 100% money back guarantee.

IGA is relatively new after a lengthy hiatus in Florida. IGA is served by Associated Grocers in Miami and late of Ocala.

With all due respect Joe one of the reasons you may not have received a reply from IGA is that they may have wondered if your letter was a "nut letter" all large organizations receive. No disrespect Sir but let's face it; two heads of cabbage for 88 cents is just plain unbelievable. The Detroit area generally has lower cabbage prices this time of the year and we run it at .39lb. as a "loss leader". Kroger is at .59 lb. currently. In fairness to Kroger they have extra fancy, much like all upper crust stores. We rework produce when it comes in, can't say this about your retailer but we work for the best amount of food for the dollar. IGA is more value oriented perhaps and isn't a "destination retailer". Most good IGA operators make their money in the meat and produce dept. I can tell you that on our worst day we are better than a company that starts with a "W" when it comes to fresh meat.

Joe, as a member of IGA I am sorry you feel this way and hope you will talk directly to the store owner. But first, I would reconsider your complaint; is it justified? The only reason I am taking some time is because I love IGA and what it stands for; yes, there are some blighted stores but dollar for dollar the consumer always gets good value for the money. Frankly, .44 cents for cabbage is a fair price.

Maybe a good suggestion Joe would be if you have any pricing questions that you ask the Produce or Meat Manager first. That will probably solve any problems before they arise.

Joe, as a independent grocer in a dangerous neighborhood I sure wish my biggest complaint was being the "victim" of a "cabbage scam"; if that is your worst experience of consumer fraud you are indeed a lucky man.

Joe is not alone, and here is why

When IGA sends out their wonderful newspaper inserts, as well as their little cardboard printed pinups to show the items that are on sale they done almost exactly as Joe stated. 10 items for $10 sale is usually printed up as:

10/$10

To be honest, I think that someone simply printed up the sign wrong.

I highly doubt that anyone (besides yourself of course) would have thought that the sign meant 2 heads of cabbage for 88 cents. This is 2007, not 1887. It sounds like you were hoping to cash in on how "unclear" the sign was to get something dirt-cheap. Unfortunately for you, your demand was denied.

Also why would anyone who desires top quality food shop at IGA??? That is one of the dumpiest grocery chains around.

I highly doubt that anyone (besides yourself of course) would have thought that the sign meant 2 heads of cabbage for 88 cents. This is 2007, not 1887. It sounds like you were hoping to cash in on how "unclear" the sign was to get something dirt-cheap. Unfortunately for you, your demand was denied.

Also why would anyone who desires top quality food shop at IGA??? That is one of the dumpiest grocery chains around.

I highly doubt that anyone (besides yourself of course) would have thought that the sign meant 2 heads of cabbage for 88 cents. This is 2007, not 1887. It sounds like you were hoping to cash in on how "unclear" the sign was to get something dirt-cheap. Unfortunately for you, your demand was denied.

Also why would anyone who desires top quality food shop at IGA??? That is one of the dumpiest grocery chains around.

I highly doubt that anyone (besides yourself of course) would have thought that the sign meant 2 heads of cabbage for 88 cents. This is 2007, not 1887. It sounds like you were hoping to cash in on how "unclear" the sign was to get something dirt-cheap. Unfortunately for you, your demand was denied.

Also why would anyone who desires top quality food shop at IGA??? That is one of the dumpiest grocery chains around.

If you want beautiful veggies and nice fresh bakery products, get the heck out of the low end markets and STOP COMPLAINING! There are a few of those here in Houston that I won't even walk into and I am far from being wealthy. Wal Mart is one of them. Usually high end markets have the prettiest produce and freshest bakery products and I don't care if I have to pay top dollar, at least I know I am getting the best!!!!

You said you are 67 years old. That is not old whatsoever. You should be able to do shopping without extra assistance from anyone.

However, when you saw the price of cabbage as 2 for 88 cents, did you honestly think that was the price for 2 heads or for 2 pounds? Anyhow, it is a very small matter.

Did you think of going to the manager of the store and telling him that the pricing information was hard to read for seniors? People speaking up on points of interest to food store managers gets results.

As for the IGA veggies not being fresh, my suggestion is to just shop elsewhere. If I do not like Safeway veggies, I go to Super Fresh or to the Amish Farmer's Market. No one forces me to shop in one location for meats or veggies if I do not like the quality in one store. I also do not write a bad business report for trivial matters like paying 88 cents for 2 pounds of cabbage instead of 2 heads of cabbage.