Safeway

This Safeway is really a pain to shop at most times, the parking lot often times is full — that along with panhandlers and a lurking transient populus always present — it makes just getting in and out a task. There is an outside security guard but he can only be in so many places at the same time.
Given credit, this store is clean and well lit with well stocked shelves and it has a large beer and wine selection. However, they do not outweigh the lack customer support or the excessive lines regardless of the time of day. I rarely shop here as it is such a pain in the ass.
As most reviews state, there are never enough lines open so expect to wait and some of the employees have little to no customer service skills, to just plain rude (I’ve actually been pushed by one of the baggers in this location) again — consumer beware — yeah, its cheaper than most every competitor around it, but what are you willing to put up with just to save a few dollars. There are much better options in town.
1 Star — shop elsewhere.
349

Terrible. Hands down the worst customer service I’ve ever dealt with. Rude employees, long lines, and nobody is ever at the customer service desk. I hate coming here and go out of my way to avoid it.
Seriously, how hard is it for management to understand that grocery stores are busier on Friday and Saturday? And when a checker is finally available, there’s about a 20% chance they’ll be rude to you. Last night I stood at the register for 10 minutes before an employee approached and told me that I had «failed the drunk test» which apparently consists of realizing the small plastic frog on the register is meant to be rung like a bell. I got chewed out by this employee (who claimed to be the night manager) with a busy line behind me, all so this guy could have a power trip. WHY???
Every other grocery store I’ve ever been to (including the ones with less than stellar customer service) have at least had employees with some semblance of good manners, it just seems counter-​intuitive to talk down to customers when you work in the CUSTOMER SERVICE industry.
Don’t pay to be given the business by a greasy 20-​something, do your grocery shopping elsewhere.

WORST. SAFEWAY. EVER. I think they get off on long lines and in inconveniencing customers.

Great employees, terrible lines and expensive food. Management does not know how to hire enough staff to manage the lines. They might be brain dead.

WATCH OUT WHAT YOU BUY! I just looked at some liverwurst i bought and thought it was pretty tasteless. I looked at the expiration date and it had been ERASED! In its place was a sticker with a new date. all i can make out of the old date is an impression that says «**R 28 201*»!!!
(Picture uploaded)

The wait… seriously… I have given you guys a chance, and every time I have walked in, I’ve waited for at LEAST 15 min…
Im sticking with Murphy’s. Down the street, always stocked produce, and never a wait. WAY better meats too.

We always shop Safeway so we’re already fans lol. You know what you’re getting when shopping here. Love it that we found one while camping!

Expensive. Long lines. Bums out front begging. And they don’t enforce the no dogs in the grocery store law. I’m allergic to pet dander and when I complained I was told management specifically doesn’t enforce that only service dogs are allowed in establishments that have food (grocery stores and restaurants). It’s unhygenic, illegal and just plain rude. I won’t be back.

It does the job, but its is not cheap when it comes to grocery. Yes, probably the cheapest in Arcata. The staff is friendly, but there are always long lines. It seems like the bakery is empty early in the evenings, and I don’t always find the stuff I want. No a fan, but it does the job when I don’t have time to drive further away.

The lines are often quite long, and usually at the most inopportune times, but it is because it is the go to grocery spot in Arcata if you are just looking for regular groceries. It’s a fairly nice place with friendly staff good prices for Arcata.

PROS
store is clean and always stocked.
employees are very helpful
CONS
lines are shorter at disneyland
pirates lurk in the bushes outside

I do like this Safeway. The employees are always friendly and helpful. The store is clean and pleasant to be in. Unfortunately, there always seems to be a long line at the checkout, but obviously not long enough to make me want to stop shopping there :)

Cheapest grocery store in Arcata.

Love this Safeway. I tend to come here instead of the Mckinleyville Safeway just because it’s so much better. The store is smaller than most Safeways but it’s never out of stock and the employees are funny and helpful.

The bakery is the cleanest, most presentable one in the Arcata-​Eureka-​Mckinleyville area. It is always fully stocked and has friendly staff. I prefer the Arcata Safeway to the Mckinleyville one, even though it is further away. The staff is pretty hot too.