Huge changes coming for SWEETBAY
 

talking to the General Manager of Sweetbay today,, was telling me he is leaving to go to theWinn Dixie,, that sweetbay and Winn Dixie was bought out and they will leave the names the same,, but he was told to cut his staff by 25% before he is transferred in 2 weeks,, the sub area will be closed down and those in the deli will not be included in the layoff %. Those employees will be terminated. He is worried big time about the customer service,,, and quality of service customers will receive. Indicated the store is getting the age that the mechanical s are in need of some rejuvenation. With the cost cutting will fall in such disarray that store will just become a huge convenience store.

I thought it was stated here that Winn Dixie bought Sweetbay. Winn Dixie is no slouch and their store in Spanish Springs is great.

Daily Sun Article Link
 

I think the General Manager (?) was talking out of school, discussing layoffs with someone before it even happens. Kind of strange, no?

I don't think the general manager would talk like that' his job would be on the chopping block,

As a lifetime Floridian, I'm a Publix snob. I hate going to other groceries. Fresh Mkt is for snobs that think they're better than me.
:girlneener:
isn't it nice that when you go looking for an icon like that you can find one? Same for Publix where I can get most anything but Ghee (clarified butter)--

I too really like Publix, especially coming from an area where the pervasive staff attitude is, shall we say, very different from that at Publix. But to say categorically that Fresh Market shoppers across-the-board are "snobs that think they're better than me" is quite a generalization!

Ghee is available at the Indian market in Ocala. Can it be found anywhere closer than there?

What's the name of the Indian store in Ocala and where is it? They go in and out of business so quick it's hard to keep track of them.

On the subject of the thread. I don't think we need to worry until it happens.

It appears that the manager at Sweetbay has joined a lot of us here in sharing worried speculation.

It is what it is. If what was stated by the OP happens, people will react with their pocketbooks. The companies will react by changing things or not surviving.

I like having 73 years of observing stuff to draw on.

Youth is overrated.

It was a joke. donno about local ghee, but it lasts a long time so a big jar goes a loooong way.

Aldi's, Winn-Dixie, SweetBay, Publix, Fresh-Market, etc. ...grocery stores are grocery stores. Location and prices (AND 'for what price savings will I wait in a line'?).

Fresh-Market is a 'specialty' store. One is considered a 'snob' for shopping at a 'specialty store'? Sounds like a 'self esteem' issue to me (and the 'issue' is directed at the one who is judging the one who shops at the specialty store)

When/if you fly, do you book Southwest or AA/DL/UA? Is there a 'difference' anymore? The public has chosen 'CHEAP' & Customer Service has flown out the window.

When/if you cruise, who do you cruise with? Does cost have anything to do with which cruise line is selected? (which cruise line is the 'luxury' and which is the 'economical'? and if one has never cruised? Each their own!)

It is all a matter of personal preference for the spending of one's almighty dollar.

Can't even imagine a manager bad mouthing his place of employment. That would only cause 2 things to happen.
1. People would quit shopping there because a manager said it's not going to be good (or)
2 He gets fired if he says anything like that to the wrong person.
I don't get it. :ohdear:

hmmm
 

i have to agree with you. for him to bad mouth his place of employment is bad form, and with mergers and acquisitions one cannot be too sure of continued employment. that said, there is plenty of business to go around, and more than enough opportunity for customer service improvements at all retailers, not just food markets. the fact that winn dixie is continuing with the construction of a new sweetbay in the villages leads me to believe that they have every intention of providing a good shopping experience.

:$:

Based on the OP I would say he has already talked to the wrong person!
Why would "general management" confide such info to whoever?

Something does not ring right.

btk

Agree... That is very unprofessional of him.

I was at Sweetbay yesterday and there was a Help Wanted sign on the front door. Doesn't look like they're letting folks go, as was indicated.

So what is this guy's name? Because Fred is going to the new Sweetbay that will be opening up. As far as I know.

there actually real and subtle differences . In Eden Prairie the upscale grocery store is Bylerly's. The staff all wear uniforms that resemble a tuxedo. They have many specialty items as does Fresh Market. Some folks shopped exclusively there. My wife is a dedicated shopper and searches for the best buy so she will go to every grocery store in the area because she has done her homework before leaving the house.

a Bylerly's or Fresh Market have some good deals but she wouldn't buy say cereal there when she can get the same anywhere .

Like grocery stores there are differences in airline and cruise ships. Jet Blue has the best record for on time flights their rates are reasonabl , etc

Celebrity is owned by Royal Caribbean and I have sailed both . We much preferred Celebrity. for those out there that are fans Regis Philbin had indicated many many times that he would only sail Celebrity.
Finally how is Carnival working out for folks.

Snobbery only applies when the person place or object as the subject is well purely subjective for the purposes of elevating one's position. such as only little people pay taxes.;)

that's my story and I am sticking to it.

Was there today, and the help wanted was for the new store off 466A

A neighbor is looking for part time work. Anyone know what they pay?

I think the o.p. is way off base. I bought groceries at Sweet Bay last night, and at the front door they have a display table with sign and job applications to fill out for the new store on 466-A.

I'm sure the current employees at the store at LSL would have a shot at these new-store jobs if they were being cut at the current store.

sweetbay is second on my list so a grocery in the south will be great

Not unusual......................

Slightly above min wage. Publix starts about $1 more than min. At least that was the case last year.

Little Late to Worry about customer service
 

Alittle late for this manager to be concerned about customer service, the management sets stage for the entire staff with it comes to customer service, and frankly never saw much quality service coming from the management team. Sweetbay needs a new direction!