Safeway

Damon Haynes

2024-05

I don't usually shop brick n motor for groceries as I do not have a car and do not live close. I was here about 5:30pm and the place was packed. I was impressed with the efficiency of the line management. Between speedy checkers and an abundance of self checkout stations, I waited maybe five minutes. It was an all together enjoyable experience to actually pick out the fruit and veggies vs delivery being at the mercy of the order picking agent. Even at this busy hour, nothing seemed out control, and being handled by someone

Douglas Rupp

2024-05

Well, now this location requires you to leave your backpack in a pile with other backpacks about 4 feet from the door. I'm imaging security would do nothing to stop someone from stealing it. I don't like leaving bad reviews for businesses in our strugling downtown but in addition to Safeway and Kroger still trying to merge? Unacceptable business practices.

Peter Xaymountry

2023-07

We stopped by here because we were in the area and I wanted to get some soda. We found parking easily on the street in front of the store because we came around 9pm. I think you can't take the cart outside because there are steps to exit the building. I found the soda easily and they had a special where if you buy 2, you get 1 free. We also got some chips as well along with some chocolate. I used the self checkout, but the scanner gun wasn't working so I had to manually scan each item. They also have security at the entrance for extra security.

Emmanuel Enriquez

2024-04

My partner and I can no longer shop at this Safeway--after 8 years of being customers--because they now discriminate against people who use backpacks (in a dense urban environment where bicycle commuting, public transit, downtown walkability, and a university campus all meet). Well, unless, of course, you want to leave your belongings on the floor near the door brimming with the sketchiest people you've ever seen in your life who, paradoxically, seem to be given free reign to wreak havoc with total impunity. How unsurprisingly ironic that customers should bear the brunt of such punitive protocols while the cause of the problem (unfettered homeless/drug addicts/mentally ill/criminals) appear, as is infamous here, unfazed. This policy wasn't even deployed with a professional bag check ticketing system, just a cross-your-fingers grab-and-go free-for-all on the floor. I've never seen a company with such disdain for their own customers. Safeway's security has smugly advised us to go to another store if we want to use our backpacks at checkout (BTW, instead of *paying* for their paper bags), so we will.

Pie Sjoberg

2024-05

This store has gone ridiculously downhill. I live a block away, which was a major plus, since I have a health condition that makes toteing heavy groceries difficult for me. Today I was stopped at the entrance and told I would need to put my expensive mini backpack with imperative medication for my condition near the door "at my own risk" because it was not a normal shaped purse. They also said I could not shop with my cart for heavy and larger groceries and would HAVE to use a cart in their store. This is a MAJOR accessibility issue. Are they telling people in wheelchairs that they must operate a cart to shop? Beyond this, they often run out of ALL their dairy section (milk, cheese, butter, etc) and never properly stock the rest of the store either. They overprice all of their items compared to other stores in the Portland area and are now making their store theft their loyal customers' problems. I cannt stand what this location has come to. I even offered to stay after shopping to let them check my bags with my receipt, but no. Besides, people will STILL find a way to steal. Leaving bags when you enter is not nearly as effective as checking bags when you leave. You'd think with the amount of security that are constantly working, they'd be able to take this approach instead. Absolutely ridiculous, and I will only shop here if I have no other choice from now on.

Wesley Bateman

2024-05

It's unfortunate that some places lack trust in civil society. This particular location is located downtown near campus, and many people rely on backpacks to carry their food home, yet they are not allowing people in with their bags?! Bags are not stored in a secure setting or locked up; they’re just sitting in baskets right by the door waiting for someone to just snag them.With an anual revenue of 36 billion, you can do better.

'Enna Mae

2024-05

I've been transferring my prescriptions and walking the extra 15 minutes to a different store. You have a problem with theft and violence, so I'm supposed to leave my personal property at the door in a pile? Your cost of business is YOUR responsibility, you cannot put the threat of theft onto the customer and expect them to come back. This was honestly disrespectful to your local living and working patrons who have to use backpacks to get around. I have personally experienced a man taking a fat watery poop right where the security guard expected me to leave everything I owned and was carrying with me during my walking commute to work - what, to protect half empty shelves that the underpaid, overworked employees literally cannot keep stocked? Nah. Sorry, I'm out.

October Nyx

2024-04

This Safeway was not worth going to between the piss wreaking parking garage with hardly any lights, to the bathroom you had to have a receipt to even use and was nasty, to the small selection of items that also was out of everything on sale. Even there self checkout tried to short me in savings of 5 out 17 items! Employees were nice however but that hardly makes up for the gross conditions.

David D'Ambrosio

2024-05

You are no longer permitted bags in the store *including* reusable bags for your groceries. While I understand their need to prevent loss, it’s not right for people to be asked to have less concern for their effects than Safeway has for a toothbrush.For the sake of clarity, they are not asking that bags be checked. Instead, they are to be left on the ground at the only entrance. Many of us who live and work Downtown have had our property stolen in public places. Why would we be comfortable leaving it, out of our sight and in easy reach of anyone who comes in from the street? No other store asks this of those who are merely trying to spend money in their establishments.

M S

2024-05

Anyone who complains is obviously * pro shoplifting, supports paying more to cover the cost of stolen items from these scumbags*or does it themselves, they think it is OK for these kids to casually walk out the door as few of us actually pay.Good for Safeway doing what other stores do are *legally allowed*to do, checking bags finally, its about time they stepped up security,3 years of watching kids *casually*walk out the door with stolen stuff as I pay,only a whining broke activist who is PRO shoplifting will make a fuss.. keep it up Safeway, they're starting to thin out a bit outside finally..

Jake Perrin

2024-04

Not allowing customers to bring in backpacks is a ridiculous policy. This Safeway, given its proximity to PSU and many different offices downtown, is effectively a commuter Safeway. I’m not going here anymore than I have to, because Fred Meyer and Trader Joe’s don’t make me leave my backpack on the sidewalk.

Matty VH

2024-04

The place is absolutely crawling with wannabe cops on a massive power trip, they really enjoy talking to people like they're less than human. They decided to close one of the two entrances, creating an absolutely miserable bottleneck. .Entire store smells like urine and mold. Coolers and freezers are constantly leaking and the mold is visible on the inside.Generally at least one or two coolers are missing their doors or glass, I would be shocked if the temps are holding in a safe range.Household supplies, baby supplies, hygiene and first aid is all locked in the middle section forcing you to stand in incredibly long lines to buy something as simple as dish soap or band aids.The only good things I can say about this place is the produce section is usually well stocked and the folks in the pharmacy are cool and helpful.The new no backpack rule is absolutely ridiculous and screws over anyone on their way home from work, the homeless who certainly wouldn't want to leave their belongings outside, PSU students, and anyone else who carries a backpack. But giant tote bags are apparently fine. This was the final thing that convinced me to shop elsewhere.

Alan Bender

2024-05

Within a month this store:1) Closed at midnight now closes at 10pm.2) There is one way in and one way out of the store.3) Bags are "not" checked, bags are placed along a wall close to the entrance/exit.4) Now, bags are placed in baskets along the wall with a high ranking military presence. (Everyone is assumed in exercising criminal activity)5) Self-checkout begins at 9am, however, the store opens at 6am.If you are OK with these changes then you are part of the problem not the solution. So, Backpack Gate continues.

Michael Schinderling

2024-04

The new backpack policy is nonsense and calls for some civil disobedience. Just do what I did: 1) Enter the store and walk past the security guards. 2) When they ask you to leave your bag at the entrance turn to them and politely say, "I will be keeping my bag on me. I'm going to pack my groceries in here at the checkout. Watch me if you want." 3) Grab a basket or cart and say to them, "I will be putting everything I'm going to buy in this. Watch me if you want." 4) Do your shopping and have your receipt ready to show them on your way out. They didn't even want to look at mine on my way out but I showed it to each of them.The guards are paper tigers that cannot enforce this "policy." They cannot put hands on you for keeping your possessions on you. Leaving the bag at the entrance may be their "policy" but it's not against the law for you to not comply. Remember, you are a paying customer, not a criminal, so don't let anyone at that store treat you like one. They are free to watch you shop and inviting them to do so will send them scurrying.They can't stop all of us. Three guards couldn't even stop me. Just walk past them and say no. They'll let you do your shopping. DO NOT COMPLY!

Aimee Sukol

2024-05

Since my last review below, Safeway implemented a no backpack policy and one review said he couldn't bring in his reusable bags. The store is practically on a college campus and it banned backpacks. When you treat your customers like criminals, eventually only criminals return to the store.(Earlier Review) Miserable. Not a single cart in the entire store, toiletries, household items and wine/beer are in a tiny marked off section with only two checkers, everything else is self checkout. You can't buy all the items you need bc there's no way to carry everything. The store's layout is cramped & hard to navigate, and even when there isn't many people in it, the Downtown Safeway feels like a chaotic mess. Contempt for customers is palpable (not from workers) because of the frenzied self checkout, no carts, and terrible layout.

Corina Collin

2024-05

Many times they don't have what you need. Lots of homeless right outside pan handling outside the door. Now we can't wear backpacks. My purse is a small backpack and they said that could be considered the same.

Laura Smith

2024-05

A few months ago I left a pretty rough review about this Safeway. I came in late at night to get my daughter medicine and was so grateful she wasn’t with me. I said I’d never be back, I was on this side of town and I can tell things are Changing and looking up. I did notice a commotion about their new no bag policy but I stand behind this. Theft should be taken more seriously. Glad to see this location turning around, hopefully they can keep this up.

Gabriel Hoppe

2024-04

So, it had been several months since I'd been in this store. Today, stopped for some beer on my way home. They now have all alcoholic beverages sequestered into one isle with only one way out or in. They've even put in two dedicated registers for alcohol purchases only. The whole transaction felt kind of dirty. I've been to some big cities where the set up is similar. It's just sad Portland has come to this. I realize what's going on in the neighborhood...but it still made me depressed 😔

Abigail McKellar

2024-05

There are very few products on the shelves, the inside often smells of urine, and there’s constant fights and drug use outside. Go to literally any other grocery store.Update: I stopped in for the first time in a while. Zero improvement, still very few products on the shelves, still smells like urine. They now have a policy where you're required to leave any bags or backpacks upfront. While the security guards were polite about it, I didn't feel safe leaving my belongings upfront. The bags are all in a pile right by the entrance, anyone could just run in and steal them. I am officially done with this Safeway for good.For the last few months I've been going to whole foods and new seasons and I have a much better experience at both places.

triston foss

2024-04

Worst Safeway in existence. I’m not talking to anybody until the loading dock stops opening and closing the garage door six times in a row every morning, for no reason! What is the point of constantly opening it at 5:30am everyday when there’s no delivery truck!Day 4: the crew got started at 5:40am again and did not make any effort to limit the noise. At one point, they definitely opened the garage door and then closed it immediately after it reached its peak. What’s the practical purpose of that???Day 5: started at 5:30am again. No trucks, just idiots opening and closing the garage door. Maybe hire competent people…Day 6: The garage door opened and closed, with no deliveries, 8 times this morning from 5:30 - 6am. Must be a real special guy running things in there. The kind of guy who must like shiny coins, pressing buttons, and has an unwavering passion for trains. Figure it out Safeway.Now they require you to leave any personal bags at the door to help mitigate shop lifting, even though they let crackheads walk through. This place will be shut down in a few weeks.

Sam Burich

2024-04

Agree with others on the new backpack policy. Tried to stop by after class at nearby Portland State to pick up a couple things after work, was not going to leave my backpack at the door. I feel so bad for the employees who constantly have to deal with these poorly implemented "loss prevention" tactics.It's a Safeway. It's not and never has been a luxury grocery experience. And it's nearly summer so I'll gladly walk elsewhere for my groceries, especially if this is a permanent policy.

Niu Mn

2024-04

As a student at PSU, I usually pass by the store on my way home. However, I was recently informed that I am not allowed to enter the store with my backpack. They suggested that I leave it outside, but I cannot do that as my laptop is inside my backpack. I refuse to carry my laptop in my hands while shopping, and I also cannot leave my backpack outside. It's ridiculous that I can't enter the store just because I have a backpack, especially since I always bring my laptop with me to school and back home. This is the best time for me to do my shopping. As a result, I won't be able to eat tonight because of a backpack that can only fit a charger and a laptop.

Zak Kovalcik

2024-05

No longer allowing bags/backpacks in the store. You can leave at the front “at your own risk.” How are people supposed to shop without bags, especially on foot or by bicycle. I’m not going have my backpack stolen while I shop. Please rethink this one.

John

2024-04

Arguably the worst Safeway I've ever been to, and I've predominantly shopped at Safeway locations across all 5 states I've lived in throughout my life. It's horror after horror all the way down, and I wish I were exaggerating; this store is genuinely terrible, and I wish there were better options within the same distance. Go to Fred Meyer, New Seasons or Trader Joes instead, seriously.Starting with the mildest - they recently cut their open hours down to closing at 10PM so I can no longer buy groceries (I don't have time in the morning) and end up having to shop at Plaid Pantry or my local corner store if I urgently need anything after work (I get home within 30 minutes of their *old* closing time). This is hugely inconvenient to me, and a little insulting as employees are frequently finishing their shopping inside while groups of would-be customers who didn't know of the schedule change gather at the doors, only to leave disappointed, as they are locked.Outside the store, there are often large groups of homeless people (I wouldn't normally care, but I've seen at least two urinating on the walls outside and many more openly smoking what I assume to be crack or meth from very recognizable pipes) that you have to squeeze past - which the security do nothing about, even if they're being aggressive.There are way too many security guards, and they do very little. When a belligerent homeless person enters the store and starts making a mess or accosting customers, they don't care. I once spotted one carrying what was definitely a Glock, who was NOT a cop, as his vest was labelled SECURITY; this is unnecessary for a *grocery store* and makes shopping here feel dangerous, especially when they spend more time leering at and following you than they do dispersing people blocking the entrance with their bikes or escorting actual belligerent people out of the store.The store is severely understaffed, with zero checkout lanes open and too few self-checkout kiosks to serve enough people, resulting in long lines. Most of the time, half of these kiosks are broken or closed. The special departments are also almost always closed or worked by 1-2 people.For the staff it does have, only a handful have any manners. I get clerks are overworked and underpaid, but the ones at this store are straight up rude and will scoff, sneer and roll their eyes constantly for crimes such as asking where a certain product is or if there are any carts available. I once had one in the weird little alcohol section say "Are you sh*tting me dude?" under his breath when I asked if I could take something off my purchase as I had accidentally grabbed the wrong item. I'm left feeling like I should be apologizing to the employees asking for help more than I should be annoyed that they've always got a temper.Good luck finding a cart, too. I've watched homeless people wheel them out of the store and down the block, and watched people wheel theirs to the curbside parking and leave them there, which I assume leads to more being stolen. This leaves baskets as the only way to carry your groceries, and with how many people this store serves and how few employees there are to collect and return them to the entrances, there are almost never any available.The store also as of last year rearranged its internal layout, hiding hygiene items, alcohol, cleaning products and first aid supplies in a U-shaped center area, where the only two (Albeit still, usually only one, due to staffing deficiencies) manned checkout lanes are. If you want to buy anything within this area, you must check out *there*, and it's too cramped for multiple carts and laid out poorly for the two lines of customers, creating bottlenecks both in the section and for people entering, passing, and exiting it.Overall, I only come here when I HAVE to. I dislike this location with a passion, and I've watched it get worse and worse over the 5 years I've lived here. For the management: PLEASE hire many more workers, get more carts, and get rid of the weird middle section.

Randall A. Gordon

2024-02

Absolutely abysmal customer experience. Most of the time they don't have carts or baskets available to collect your groceries before checkout. And then when you do get to check out, there are only two lanes staffed by humans. Both lanes and the self-checkout area are thus overflowing with people just trying to pay, leaving the whole area an unnavigable disaster. The store layout has been optimized to reduce theft—which means having to walk all the way around the store to access either the inner or outer loops if you forget anything in one section or the other, terrible for anyone with accessibility concerns. Then to top it off there's a cadre of military cosplayers with weapons visible parading as security.

Zach Dietz

2024-04

Wouldn't let me in the store with my small backpack unless I would leave it by the door. No way I am doing this because I carry my laptop around and use my bag for groceries.There may be an association between backpacks and shoplifting, but this relationship certainly isn't causal and I find it hard to believe it would prevent those in need from shoplifting. I think this policy effects more people as an inconvenience than it will present loss. I would suggest putting in secure lockers if you decide to keep this policy.

Серега из Америки

2024-04

Absolutely stupid new policy about backpacks, they now don’t let you in with backpack, but giant handbag considering as purse now.Absolutely ridiculous policy to prevent shoplifting but junkiеs who occupy the area near the store will continue stealing because they don’t care.Before do something think about it, to solve problem with shoplifters at first we need the law what makes shoplifting criminal no matter what total theft they do. Just ban all junkiеs at the store and you can do it because you have a legal right to no service to anybody without an explanation.

Andrew Brown

2024-04

They do not allow shoppers to bring a backpack into the store. If you bring one and wish to shop, you have to put your backpack on the filthy floor right next to the front door in arms-reach of the myriad homeless who carefully await their opportunity and watch for an opening form the now severely distracted security personnel.This is an urban location surrounded by apartment dwellings. Pedestrian shoppers use backpacks to carry their groceries. Terrible policy that will probably cost them more in additional security personnel who hassle everyone at the door than they will save in prevented thefts. Not to mention the lost business from a policy that crosses the line from bad customer service into anti-consumer policy.My bar was not high for this store. I never would have imagined that a simple supermarket could somehow render itself unusable to its customers, but I suppose you discover something new every day.

Bethany Lee

2024-01

I’m not going to say this place is one of he worst aesthetically to go to if you overlook the homeless causing issues every couple hours due to That being a constant between both downtown stores.However, I will say that this is one of the worst Safeways to go to when it comes to any form of customer service. If you need any type of assistance where any cashier or self check out attendant needs to actually do anything, don’t expect to get any help. We know, working retail downtown in a high traffic store sucks. It doesn’t mean making one of only grocery stores downtown a hostile environment for customers due to low employee morale is a warranted way to express that.In the up side though the contractors they hire for cleaning the store do a really good job.

J.C. Stewart

2024-05

Absurd lines. Seems to be an indefinite overabundance of surveillance of shoppers. Tons of security guards, very few actual cashiers. If you're down to be regarded with endless suspicious this is the spot