Chanukah vent - stupid grocery store

[rigs32]

I went to the grocery store today. One of the items on my list was Chanukah candles - they were advertised for 50 cents. I look in the kosher foods section - I only see Shabbat candles. I look in the "seasonal" section and everything is Christmas related.

Three employees later, I find out that only "select" stores got the CHanukah candles. Let me get this straight. You stock kosher food and Shabbat candles - items typically consumed by religious jews (althought I do buy falafel and matzoh, myself). Yet you don't have Chanukah candles, an item that non-religious Jews would also buy.

It's like a grocery store stocking all sorts of Jesus related merchandise, but having nothing about Santa or other non-religious decorations. Huh?

Even after a discussion with the checkout person about it, I was still wished a Merry Christmas. To her credit, after she said it, she said, "whoops, sorry, happy holidays." But the bagger, who also heard the conversation, only extended me a Merry Christmas.

 

[DawnCt1]

Even after a discussion with the checkout person about it, I was still wished a Merry Christmas. To her credit, after she said it, she said, "whoops, sorry, happy holidays." But the bagger, who also heard the conversation, only extended me a Merry Christmas.

How "insensitive" of her.

 

[disneysteve]

Around here, the stores sell Chanukah items below cost to draw people in. My wife runs the gift shop at our temple and knows the wholesale cost on stuff. She pays 23 cents for bags of gelt. The supermarket sells them 5 for a dollar. No way they are making a profit on it. And I saw candles advertised for 36 cents. DW pays 62 cents. I realize they buy in larger volume but the difference isn't that great.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Target had Hanukkah candles the other day. Last year I bought them at Joann Fabrics. Last time I bought Shabbat candles I bought them at the synagogue, so I haven't really paid attention to whether or not they have them at the grocery.

Shabbot shalom, and happy Hanukkah!

 

[bubie2.5]

How "insensitive" of her.

Actually it IS very insensitive. Why would you wish someone a Merry Christmas when you know they don’t celebrate it? Specially right after the costumer is asking you why the supermarket does not cater to their faith. It’s like rubbing the whole Christmas thing in the OP’s face. Why didn’t she could have said "Happy Chanukah"?

 

[AnaheimGirl]

I went to the grocery store today. One of the items on my list was Chanukah candles - they were advertised for 50 cents. I look in the kosher foods section - I only see Shabbat candles. I look in the "seasonal" section and everything is Christmas related.

Three employees later, I find out that only "select" stores got the CHanukah candles. Let me get this straight. You stock kosher food and Shabbat candles - items typically consumed by religious jews (althought I do buy falafel and matzoh, myself). Yet you don't have Chanukah candles, an item that non-religious Jews would also buy.

It's like a grocery store stocking all sorts of Jesus related merchandise, but having nothing about Santa or other non-religious decorations. Huh?

Even after a discussion with the checkout person about it, I was still wished a Merry Christmas. To her credit, after she said it, she said, "whoops, sorry, happy holidays." But the bagger, who also heard the conversation, only extended me a Merry Christmas.

That stinks.

As a Christian, I wouldn't have known the difference between Chanukah candles and Shabbat candles. But I'd think a non-Jewish grocery store buyer would have the sense to consult with a Jew when ordering those items. And then to wish you a Merry Christmas after that conversation was just stupid. What a couple of complete idiots.

I hope you can find the candles. Happy Hanukkah!

 

[DawnCt1]

Actually it IS very insensitive. Why would you wish someone a Merry Christmas when you know they don’t celebrate it? Specially right after the costumer is asking you why the supermarket does not cater to their faith. It’s like rubbing the whole Christmas thing in the OP’s face. Why didn’t she could have said "Happy Chanukah"?

Maybe it was an automatic response, like "Have a nice day". Maybe the bagger didn't hear the conversation. Maybe the OP was rude to the clerks that have nothing to do with the inventory. I would hardly be insulted if someone wished me a Happy Chanukah.

 

[JennyMominRI]

That stinks.

As a Christian, I wouldn't have known the difference between Chanukah candles and Shabbat candles. Happy Hanukkah!

Well usually Shabbat Candles say Shabbat Candles in big letter and Chanikah candles say "Chanukah"candles on them <G>

 

[Laura]

And then to wish you a Merry Christmas after that conversation was just stupid. What a couple of complete idiots.

I agree completely!

I hope you have a Happy Chanukah anyway!

 

[Laura]

Maybe it was an automatic response, like "Have a nice day". Maybe the bagger didn't hear the conversation. Maybe the OP was rude to the clerks that have nothing to do with the inventory. I would hardly be insulted if someone wished me a Happy Chanukah.

You would if you had a big conversation with a Jewish clerk about not having a Chrstmas item you wanted. But I do think the "Merry Christmas" was automatic, and she did correct herself. Even so, as a former retail employee, I would try to be thinking on my feet and not say the automatic thing.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

Well usually Shabbat Candles say Shabbat Candles in big letter and Chanikah candles say "Chanukah"candles on them <G>

 

[bubie2.5]

Maybe it was an automatic response, like "Have a nice day". Maybe the bagger didn't hear the conversation. Maybe the OP was rude to the clerks that have nothing to do with the inventory. I would hardly be insulted if someone wished me a Happy Chanukah.

Maybe it was an automatic response, but she should have been more careful. The OP stated that the bagger overheard the conversation.

 

[DawnCt1]

You would if you had a big conversation with a Jewish clerk about not having a Chrstmas item you wanted. But I do think the "Merry Christmas" was automatic, and she did correct herself. Even so, as a former retail employee, I would try to be thinking on my feet and not say the automatic thing.

No I wouldn't have. Clerks have nothing to do with the inventory. I can't tell you how many times I have been asked at staples; "Did you find everything you need"? The answer is often no, but if I didn't find there, it doesn't exist there so what is the point of arguing with a clerk at the check out. If its a grocery store and they don't carry what I want, I go to the service desk and suggest it. An example of that was the HE detergent when front loaders were just coming out.

 

[Laura]

No I wouldn't have. Clerks have nothing to do with the inventory. I can't tell you how many times I have been asked at staples; "Did you find everything you need"? The answer is often no, but if I didn't find there, it doesn't exist there so what is the point of arguing with a clerk at the check out. If its a grocery store and they don't carry what I want, I go to the service desk and suggest it. An example of that was the HE detergent when front loaders were just coming out.

No, not about not finding the item, but about being wished a Happy Chanukah. I'm well aware that clerks have nothing to do with inventory. I used to be one.

 

[DawnCt1]

No, not about not finding the item, but about being wished a Happy Chanukah. I'm well aware that clerks have nothing to do with inventory. I used to be one.

There is nothing insulting about being wished Happy Chanukah just like there is nothing insulting about being wished Merry Christmas. If someone extends a pleasant greeting, why would someone complain about that.

 

[bubie2.5]

Clerks have nothing to do with the inventory.

But they’re responsible for the image of the place they work for. And saying “Merry Christmas” (when she could have easily said “Happy Holidays”) to a jewish client that just told you she was not happy with the way the store is handling jewish related merchandise is absolutely a no-no.
It’s like telling her: “I hear you, but Christmas for us is more important” (it probably is but you most never let a client feel like second class).

 

[bubie2.5]

There is nothing insulting about being wished Happy Chanukah just like there is nothing insulting about being wished Merry Christmas. If someone extends a pleasant greeting, why would someone complain about that.

I can BET the OP has being wished a Merry Christmas hundreds of times.
This is about COMMON SENSE. That was definitely not the moment to wish a jewish costumer a Merry Christmas.

 

[eclectics]

I had to smile at the original post, not because it's funny, but because I had the exact opposite experience. I live in an area with a large Jewish population and the supermarket I frequent caters to them, as of course they should. The "seasonal" aisle was all Chanukah and not a Christmas item to be found! Nobody wished me a "Happy Chanukah" though. It was "Happy Holidays" all around, although it wouldn't offend me if someone did.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I'm not one to get offended over the wrong holiday greeting, however in this case it should have been obvious that the customer celebrates Hanukkah. I guess that's when the generic, "Happy Holidays" would work, especially if someone wants to have something automatic coming out of their mouth.

As far as the Hanukkah candles, I don't like the grocery store ones. They tend to melt all over the places, which drives me crazy. We buy the more expesive ones which aren't usually so messy.

But Dawn, to use this icon shows sarcasm on your part, which I don't understand.

 

[DawnCt1]

But they’re responsible for the image of the place they work for. And saying “Merry Christmas” (when she could have easily said “Happy Holidays”) to a jewish client that just told you she was not happy with the way the store is handling jewish related merchandise is absolutely a no-no.
It’s like telling her: “I hear you, but Christmas for us is more important” (it probably is but you most never let a client feel like second class).

No matter what religion one is or isn't. Christmas is a federal holiday and as such, a day off of work, to be enjoyed by all. For some it means more. So Merry Christmas, no matter what holiday you personally celebrate!!