I am writing to report a deeply troubling incident that occurred at the Grocery Outlet located at…read more1410 E 72nd St, Tacoma, WA 98404-3307, on May 7, 2024, between 4:35 PM and 4:50 PM.
During my visit, I was erroneously charged for plastic bags I didn't receive, in addition to the paper bags I purchased. When I pointed out this error, the cashier and owner, Ricardo Santiago, dismissed my concerns and falsely claimed an 8-cent paper bag carries a 15-cent tax, contradicting Washington State guidelines. This is an unacceptable business practice as it is dishonest, potentially cheating customers by claiming that the state has set it up this way. This could be considered fraud.
I insisted on a refund for the plastic bags that I was wrongfully charged for. In response, the owner, Ricardo, made derogatory comments about my appearance and attire, suggesting that I thought I was superior because I was wearing a suit. This was completely uncalled for and irrelevant to the issue at hand. It seemed like a blatant attempt to gaslight me and deflect from their mistake of charging me for bags I did not receive. At this point, the co-owner, Heidi Snyder, and Ricardo's mother began to behave aggressively towards me. They threatened me with physical harm and called me offensive names repeatedly in front of other customers. Heidi started pushing my cart, which contained my purse and groceries, outside of the store and out of my sight before I had a chance to leave. I went to retrieve my purse and the items I purchased, but she was following me and pushing the cart with a force that could have made me fall as I was wearing dress shoes.
Feeling uncomfortable, I requested a refund for my entire order, which they processed. However, they refused to provide me with the original receipt when I asked for it as I was leaving the store. The situation escalated further when I was followed closely by Mr. Santiago and threatened by Ms. Heidi and Mr. Santiago's mother. They used offensive language, threatened me with physical harm, and took unauthorized photographs and videos of me and my vehicle, including my license plate.
This unprofessional behavior raises serious concerns about the treatment of other customers. It also makes me wonder how many people they possibly cheat by charging for plastic bags that customers don't receive. I was physically threatened, disrespected, and violated by their actions. I believe this conduct is unprofessional and possibly illegal. The owners of this establishment appear to lack professionalism. They seem to believe that customers should bear the brunt of their mistakes. If you assert your rights as a customer, they may resort to threats and public humiliation. Their behavior is unbecoming and lacks class. Based on my experience, I would strongly advise against visiting this location.
I have listed below some laws that I believe may have been violated in this matter:
Washington State Laws:
False Advertising (Revised Code of Washington § 9.04.050): The owner falsely claimed that there's a 15-cent tax on 8 cent paper bags.
Harassment (Revised Code of Washington, Section 9A.46.020): The owner threatened to harm me.
Privacy Violation (Chapter 9.73 of the Revised Code of Washington): The owner took unauthorized photographs and videos of me and my vehicle, including my license plate.
Removal of Unauthorized Persons (Revised Code of Washington § 9A.52.105): The owner moved my shopping cart containing my purse and groceries outside the store without my consent.
Destruction or Concealment of Property (Revised Code of Washington § 60.04.190): The owner moved my cart containing my purse and groceries outside the store without my consent.
Federal Laws:
False Advertising (Federal Trade Commission Act): The owner falsely claimed that there's a 15-cent tax on 8 cent paper bags.
Harassment (The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection): The owner threatened to harm me.
Privacy Violation (The Privacy Act of 1974): The owner took unauthorized photographs and videos of me and my vehicle, including my license plate.
Frauds and Swindles (Title 18 of the U.S. Code § 1341): The owner falsely claimed that there's a 15-cent tax on 8 cent paper bags.