Safeway Kenora

I always have mixed vibes about Safeway and it's etched into my brain that you have meet a certain social status to really shop here. It's almost where all the privileged people buy their groceries. It's a stigma that has a bit of a bitter taste and feel to it. The food is absolutely delicious here but so is the cost to back it up. One day I might be good enough to enjoy it I hope lol

Safeway is within easy walking distance from home and has a good selection of food and other supermarket products. The store also sits right by access from Lake of the Woods, which is a huge bonus for summer residents. There is plenty of vehicle parking, the entrances are good access and accessible for wheelchairs with automatic opening doors and a slight slope up. The parking lot is kept clear in winter, and I've never had issues getting in the store There is also public washrooms for customers at the back of the store, behind produce and they are kept very clean. In summer there are plenty of docking locations for boats. (See photo) I think it's the only water accessible Safeway in Canada. Generally when the delivery system is working, the shelves are full and there is plenty if choices. The Produce selection was hit or miss sometimes earlier in the year, due to supply chain issues and this store being at the end of the transport delivery route. Products are ordered but there isn't always enough left in the system to completely fill the order. Any issues are beyond the control of the staff or management, so I strongly recommend being pleasant when dealing with the workers. The aise shelves are well stocked and there is a great variety to choose from, although with the supply chain issues sometimes there were empty spaces. There is a surprising variety of cultural foods on offer in the store, I am always surprised at what is available. I have to reiterate, things have greatly improved recently with the supply chain. At one time there were gaps in choice of meat and everybody recalls the" great Turkey crisis" this past winter, there weren't many to be had but again the staff ordering tried their best . Generally the supply of products have greatly improved, for example, with the meat section, and it's very rare to see empty displays. We are all aware, any issues in the past were beyond the control of the store. The meat counter goes above and beyond and has a selection of extra flavorings you can have added to the products you purchase, and they are delicious! There is an instore bakery and a deli section that are top notch and worth the visit as well . There is also a Starbucks coffee shop just inside the west door, if you need a caffeine fix. Staff are fantastic and I always ensure I thank them for working. It's tough sometimes, especially when customers are rude, so I make sure I compliment them. Many worked through the worst of the pandemic and never complained. If what you want isn't available, ask when it will be and be prepared to return at a later time. It's a good store with great management and staff.

Unfortunately there aren't many grocery stores in Kenora to choose from but Safeway is one of the better ones. Prices are typically higher than other stores but so is quality. Often hard to find staff if you need help. The boat ramp is the biggest perk because this can often be your last stop before heading to camp or out on the boat.

Nasty woman at the customer service. Thin, red hair, around 50 years old I was near the counter of the customer service reading the Starbucks menu, when she aggressively asked if I needed something from the customer service. No one was there. She was rude and mean. We had just purchased food. I wanted a coffee at Starbucks. I didn't. We forgot some items from our list. Purchase them in Emo, Cloverleaf store instead. (Nice people there)

Went into the Safeway in Kenora early afternoon to grab some lunch. Headed to the sushi counter. Grabbed a couple packages of sushi. Looked around for some chopsticks and extra soy sauce. None to be seen. Asked the lady if I could have some chopsticks. She said “we don’t have chopsticks”. What establishment that sells sushi doesn’t offer chopsticks? Also she said they didn’t have extra soy sauce and the packets that came with it would be enough. It was indeed not enough soy sauce, hence why I asked for extra. Terrible lunch experience overall