Marketplace Iga

The IGA offers incredible service and quality for the price. Do not listen to these stuck up losers commenting, they are shopping at a grocery store at grocery store prices, but it seems they expect something different. So yes, it is a GROCERY STORE and the BEST at it. There is nothing better in all of Greater Vancouver.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered an IGA still apparently prospering in West Van. Given the fact that they’ve been disappearing from the map elsewhere, I thought perhaps this one might have special magic. If you’re just skimming reviews right now, no, it does not. Except for having a «Market Bistro» deli that turns things that are usually delicious into weird and terrible food.
Since it’s right near the entrance to the Centennial Seawalk, I thought it might be a good spot to pick up some snacks and drinks to eat while walking along. They have made-​to-​order sandwiches, pre-​made panini and a coffee station, but we found some fried chicken and samosas in the self-​serve bins and thought we were good to go. It took a while to pay because the poor guy working the till was also having to get coffee and tea orders and work the panini press while ringing in customers, and he looked none too swift and sure about it all.
Anyway, we finally get out of there and open the chicken, and it’s just bleah. Soggy skin and tough meat, no flavour. Open door number two, hello samosa, what’s inside? More soggy, limp pastry, and weirdly spiced potato filling. It came in a pack of two, and the first one was so depressing I threw the second away. I almost never throw food out. The seagulls seemed happy with the bonanza, so at least there was some entertainment value in watching the birds divide up the «prize.»
It’s just a grocery store deli — why did I expect so much better? Because a rich neighbourhood might have discerning clientele? Alas, I found a dinosaur here, but it was no unicorn.

I cluelessly approached the market bistro in search of cheap lunch. Discovered the half sandwich and soup $ 4.99 and added a can of pop for $ 0.50. After taxes $ 5.81.
I noted there might have been three soups to choose from but only two remained (rotini and a bisque) by 1pm on a Monday. I tried the rotini. Interestingly enough the sandwich is made to order with your preference noted. Very quick and super helpful. It’s an area that lines up quickly though so it’s important to be patient. With not much to choose from you can’t go wrong.

Quite simply the WORST CS, the WORST layout and completely hopeless beyond a corner «emergency visit» store. The staff are so rude and clueless that it is beyond belief. One of them has been there for about 30 years and still doesn’t know what she has in the store. Note to head office: These people need training (desperately). Just check out the other reviews on this page. The staff are so busy chatting with each other that they couldn’t give two hoots about the customer. Oh, hold on a second, IS there a head office? Facebook page? Anything? Ugh!

Excellent customer service from the meat counter! went out of his way to get me what I was looking for. I always seem to have a good experience with Marketplace meat counters no matter which store I am at.

Hoohboy. If I could give a prize for the worst and most clueless customer service here would be the prize. This is probably the 4^th or 5^th time I’ve left this store with a bad feeling but this time, I was amazed and almost amused at the same time.
At the deli counter I waited to be served. There were 3 women back there and no customers, so after a minute or two I called out; Excuse me… ?.. can I ask a question? One looks up and calls another from the far end, apologizing for inconveniencing her (with a customer, I guess?) She comes over, and I pose the question. The expression on this girl’s face was enough to turn weaker hearts away, but I was feeling patient. She didn’t think they have an ingredients list. Okay… (wtf?) I thanked her, stood for a moment watching another worker interacting with another customer who had a question about another product. She also did not know the answer, but the lack of interest was amazing. The woman gave up, sort of shrugging.
As I was turning away I watched the employee rolling her eyes toward the woman.
WOW.
How do they stay in business with such appalling customer service?

Update: I sent an email to IGA to share my experience a couple of weeks ago. At the time I received the following automated response.
Dear Customer;
We have received your complaint about our service. Once reviewed, the appropriate person will respond to your inquiry if necessary. All comments and suggestions are important to us. Please note that we cannot respond to all feedback, but will do so where appropriate. Most replies are provided within 4 business days.
We know your time is valuable and we want to thank you for taking the time to send us an e-​mail.
Sincerely,
The Staff from MarketPlace IGA
Four business days have come and gone. I guess this means that customer service doesn’t think overcharging a customer $ 30 is a big enough deal to warrant responding to my email. Great. At least this explains why the cashier and the manager didn’t give a crap. It’s obviously a top down issue.