I agree with most of the other reviewers here, this Ralph's needs a complete remodel and a new layout. This Ralph's sucks. Unfortunately, it is the closest to my place so I do come here often.
There are always hordes of people soliciting outside of this place and in the parking lot. People for charities, independent panhandlers, assorted men who just stand around by the entrance.You will also encounter clean looking women with children (that look old enough to walk, 4-5 years old sometimes) stuffed into a baby stroller, begging supposedly for food for the kids. These women work the parking lot. Be careful/aware of who's around. Lock your doors and don't roll down your windows until you drive away because these ladies are very aggressive and will walk right in between the parked cars and knock on your windows. I don't know about you, but I like my personal space and I don't like people squeezing in between cars next to me where no one can see, it's a good way to get stabbed or shot. Yesterday about 6pm I was unlucky enough to encounter a male panhandler who stood uncomfortably close to me as I returned my cart, and stood there staring as I walked away (trying to intimidate me because I politely told him I did not have any money on me after he asked for change). I get into my car, and within seconds a woman is tapping on my window pointing to her mouth and down to her child. If you happen to stop here on a late night run, you are fairly likely to see an ambulance or police car outside (One time it was because one of the young checkers had been punched in the face by a customer, lovely.)
Great ambiance, Ralph's corporate office. Ironically, there is a recycling center outside with lots of homeless people but the homeless people never seem to be the ones asking people for money. I see them do their business and then leave. I guess they are actually recycling for their money, not just standing outside expecting people to give it to them unlike the fairly clean and well dressed people who seem to be doing this outside of this Ralph's.
It is extremely aggravating is that a lot of the products in the meat department are not clearly priced. Nobody wants to take something up to the check stand if they don't know how much it is, make sure everything has a sticker or is clearly marked in some way.
The produce is always low, especially the organic section. How hard is it to keep it stocked in the early afternoon? I've been here at 3 or 4 pm on a weekday and they seem to be out of everything or only the rejects are left. They also keep moving the scale away from the organic area, I guess they don't want you to figure out how many pounds you are buying before you get to the check stand.
The employees/management are generally full of attitude here, with a few exceptions. Some of the baggers and checkers are actually friendly and I'm always surprised. I've worked in retail, I know it's hard but you have to do the basics. Greet, smile, please and thank you. Fake it till you make it, it's very easy if the customer is being pleasant and not difficult.
I love dogs, I have a small dog who does NOT come shopping with me. I can't say that I've ever seen anyone with dogs inside the store either, but I do see a lot of dogs tied up outside. This is not responsible dog ownership. Take your poor dog home first, then come shopping!! I guarantee you that your dog is not going to have fun waiting outside in the heat ,being tormented by strangers, or sitting inside the car..so please don't bring your dog, I never do.
The whole store is dark, old fashioned and there is a lot of wasted space. Keep in mind, Ralph's is not cheap. The prices aren't low, so why can't they put some money into staff/management trainings, security, and remodeling? read more