Talking To Companies Does Make A Difference

[tea-and-crumpets]

When I first went gluten-free, I went to a Target that was pretty out-of-the-way for me. It was a Greatland Target, which means only a few grocery cases, etc, but they had a TON of gluten-free stuff -- several shelves in the freezer case, almost a quarter of a shelf (top to bottom) in the dry goods. Later, I went to my normal Target, a Super Target with a full grocery section, expecting to find just as much gluten-free packaged stuff. And they had... nothing. A couple of bottles of Tamari, at best.

Because I was busy that day, I didn't stop to talk to anyone who worked in the grocery department. It's worth saying that it's tough to find employees at that store. Anyway, I went home and sent a letter on the website, saying that I really wanted to keep shopping at their store but since I had celiac disease I really needed certain gluten-free foods, and that I didn't want to shop at the Whole Foods that was twice as far away. (Which is true. Whole Foods is way more expensive and really far for me.) I got a canned email back saying that different stores have different needs, blah blah. Nothing more than I expected, but at least I made my voice heard. And then! I was at that Target today and they had a bunch of the Glutino ritz-like crackers. It's not much but it's a start.

So if there's a store that you want to shop at, but they don't carry the stuff you're looking for? Don't be afraid to ask! In this case I knew Target was going to be able to carry these things, because the other store had them. Now if I could just get Costco to carry the big boxes of Bell and Evans chicken again...

[GlutenFreeManna]

Yep, it really makes a difference! I have a local grocery store where I love to go and get organic meats and they have the best selection of fruits and veggies and the customer service there is the best in town. BUT they didn't have very much in the way of gluten free stuff. I did a survey at this store about six months ago and when asked if there was anything else they could do to improve I told them I wish they had more gluten free items. Their main competition has an aisle labeled gluten free and a list of all the gluten free products in the store and where to find them if they are not in the gluten free aisle. Ever since I did that survey I have started to notice more and more gltune free items on the shelves at my favorite store. And the best change came a couple weeks ago when I noticed they have added a "Gluten Free" section to their online grocery shopping feature. I was really excited about this because I use the online shopping feature to check prices before I go to the store and I also can see the ingredients listed for many of the items on there. Maybe I wasn't the only one that mentioned gluten free to bring about all these changes, but I like to think that my speaking up made a difference. I've also had great success requesting specific items.

[wheeleezdryver]

So good to hear stories like this! A couple days ago, i commented in another thread about something similar w/ 2 of our local walmarts... *hopefully* the one i go to most will be able to do something about my comment (I was told it's the corporate office that decides what stores sell what, but they'd look into it) and add cold cereals to their gluten-free items like the other store has...