Ralphs Grocery review: Unacceptable security guard Giovanni and his misguided accusation.

On Saturday, November 18th 2023, I was on my way home after visiting with my mom. Earlier in the day her and I did some shopping at Walmart as well as Vons. I do not have a car so I tend to carry a backpack which I generally have reusable bags inside of. I had a few items from shopping and I had put these things inside of my reusables. At around 6:20 pm I stopped at the Hillcrest Hub located at 1020 University Avenue San Diego CA 92103. I had already planned on stopping at the Ralphs grocery store for some deli meat and a couple other items. I went by the Trader Joe's located next door to Ralph's. Left Trader Joe's at approximately 6:45 and walked into the Ralph's. To the immediate left there is a deli counter that I stop at to get the meat I wanted. While I was waiting to be helped, I notice the security guard walk in the front door and go past the starbucks then to the left. I am sure that he had noticed me standing there with my backpack and 3 random bags slung over my shoulder and arm. I didn't think anything of this. I honestly feel that the population has adopted the earth friendlier habit of using bags that are reusable.

Anyhow, I am walking down the candy aisle when the same security guard approaches me to inform me that I am going to need to pay for the items in my bag. I am horrified that this man believes that I am trying to steal from this store. I say "excuse me? I came into this store with the stuff in these bags. If I need to show I have receipts for everything". Honestly, it should never have come to that. He really shouldn't have ever approached me either. That he did at all is absolutely unacceptable. After I dig out my receipts from earlier (I'm glad I didn't throw them out) show this rude man the proof of purchases I then say to him "[protected]@#k you"! I proceed to the yogurt at the end of the aisle and I realize that I am nsulted, my face is getting hot and I'm a little shaky and my heart is racing. No one should be wrongly accused of stealing. Mind you, I had a basket with that stores items inside for me to bring to the register and purchase. I then turned around and went to self checkout to buy what I had in the basket. This man representing Ralph's as security was (of course) standing at the exit door. I tell the man at the checkout if he would relay the message that the security guard was rude, and had harassed me while I was shopping. I am not sure the name of who was working self check out however he has dread like hair and said he would let them know. As I am walking out I keep my head high and tell this security guard to [protected]@k off and he says to me "not to come back to this store again". He then tried to take my picture. I said something in response but I was pretty shook up and I'm not sure exactly what I said. Probably something like "good luck with that". As I'm crossing 10th Avenue on University going toward the fire station. I realize that I am very mad about the entire situation and I call the stores number, speak to a lady who informs me this security guards name and I tell her I'd like to give a formal complaint regarding this interaction with the stores security She gave me the names of the two managers who I intend to inform of the problem I had while shopping at this store. I also did the survey at the bottom of the receipt to inform them of my unfortunate experience.

I have never been so upset by this type of situation. I'd like for this security guard to be fired for his inability to at least have someone check the cameras before outright accusing a customer of trying to steal. I will not be shopping at that store ever again bc of this man's actions. It is not fair to either the store or myself, that this one security guards premature and insulting actions has had such an effect on me.

View 0 more photos