Got the following email responding to my piece last week about the Amazon One biometric payment system now being used at Whole Foods:
Thank you for endorsing the palm scan method of payment.
I wondered what those gizmos were for! You’re right, there doesn’t seem to be any marketing even at store level to support this new technology. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have never signed up.
I approached the customer service desk to guide me, but the team member behind the counter clearly didn’t want to be bothered and told me to just follow the prompts.
So I carried my groceries to the self-serve checkout and within less than a minute I was using the new application. It is indeed easy, but I could have used a smile and a thank you. Those days are gone, I’m afraid.
Full disclosure: I was a Whole Foods All*Star Store Team Leader both Regional and National in 2004, so to witness the precipitous decline in customer engagement at Whole Foods makes me sad.
MNB reader Jim Schaeffer sent me this note after my piece about how Northgate González Market opened its Mercado González, described as a 70,000 square foot “gastronomic adventure that takes foodies on a journey through the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine. With its unique concept and curated food offerings, design, and art, Mercado brings the rich flavors, vibrant colors, and joyful spirit of Mexico to a customer’s everyday shopping experience.”
You did an amazing job on your tour of our Astor Place Wegmans!!! I have shared that video with lots of people around the country. Its also proudly displayed on out Company Internal website…. We have shared information with the folks at Northgate Gonzalez Markets over the years. We recently had a meeting with them on the new Food Court- Mercado concept as well.
I am heading to LA tomorrow to spend Thanksgiving with my two Sons, Daughter in law and new Grand Daughter. Hoping we get a chance to check out this new Concept. They do an incredible job and cant wait to see and experience it.
Have a great trip. And Happy Thanksgiving – if you do see Mercado González, I’d love to hear your impressions.
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