Yeah, I talked to the people running this other drive and they said that they got absolutely nowhere with this local Kroger and they had been trying for weeks before we started here. I sent them a letter from my workplace (being a VP is worth something I guess) saying I’m disappointed they aren’t supporting the local charities and I’m taking my shopping elsewhere, and perhaps we won’t continue to purchase the vast quantities of gift cards we have in the past. I haven’t heard back from them (not that I’m likely to).
Take it up the food chain! (if you’ll pardon the pun) Write to Mr. Kroger himself! (so to speak.)
Please don’t give up.
If nothing else, you will have a better story to tell if and when you decide to contact the media. And don’t restrict yourself to “local media” either.
And for what it’s worth, I love this kind of food drive. It’s easy and convenient, and you at least know that you’re donating what’s needed and wanted. I once swung by a small market while traveling and they were having a toilet paper drive for a local women’s shelter. I was happy to get a few rolls and throw them in the bin. Otherwise, how the heck would anybody know that the local shelter needed T.P.?
I would imagine Kroger lets each local store manager make the decision based on their take of the situation. While you imagine it would be great to do the following -
To some store managers that might be perceived as borderline pestering of their clientele who have come to shop and might resent being solicited, even passively, on their way in the door by people parked near the entrance handing out list or making suggestions. To be frank with you I contribute fair amount to chaity every year, but I kind of dislike being solicited on my way into stores, even for helpful causes. When I shop I would prefer to be left alone on my way into and out of stores.
While it might not conform with your opinions of what the the “right thing to do” is it’s the store manager’s right and responsibility to weigh the risk-benefit of doing this. You need to respect that not everyone will share your vision, even if you think it will being them business.
Depends what you mean by “respect.” I’m not going to harass the company or do any other illegal or immoral acts. In fact, I’m not going to take any further action other than perhaps calling them again in the spring to see if things have changed.
But if you mean I have to respect them? No. I don’t.
I wouldn’t let it bother you. I’m sure there are plenty of Kroger managers who are intelligent and hard working. There are also those who aren’t the sharpest and are lazy.
He probably doesn’t care about increasing sales. He’s probably more obsessed with cutting hours and making sure there is no overtime.
One other suggestion is to find out if the Kroger’s is unionized. Perhaps an appeal to the union might work if the store employees are part of one.
I’ve had similar problems before, when my fraternal organization seeks permission to stand outside supermarkets one weekend per year to distribute Tootsie Rolls and thereby solicit donations which are turned over, 100%, to the cause of assisting the mentally challenged in Virginia. (We donate both our time and the cost of the Tootsie Rolls, so literally every dime we are handed is passed directly to charity).
Most stores are happy to cooperate; one store in the area claims to have gotten complaints from shoppers and therefore refuses to permit our presence. It’s unfortunate, but I suppose they think they’re doing the right thing.
(There was a little bit of karmic retribution about ten years ago, when I was the head of my local council. In addition to the fund-raising event in April of every year, we also made major food purchases once per month on behalf of two homeless shelters in our area… and the shelter got an inquiry from the manager of this same store wondering if they would consider buying from them. At no discount, no less. The call was referred to me and I gently explained the various reasons we bought from other sources, and concluded with, “…and even if the price differential weren’t there, we’re the same group you refused fund-raising permission for…” Long silence on line…)
This is awesome.
Seconded.
Thirded.
Most awesome.
wipes tears of karmic happiness from my eyes.
Former Kroger corporate employee here.
My suggestion would be to ask the store manager for the name and number of their area manager. If the district manager gives you the brush-off, take it up with your regional division office.