Grocery goons - Just a question.

You just have that reaction to authority figures? I didn't realize.

You just have that reaction to authority figures? I didn't realize.

wow, there must be an echo in here!

wow, there must be an echo in here!

I've been going to Sunrise since I moved into the area just over 2 years ago.  There has always been security there in that time.  Some have worn the garb, others not. like the big guy with the black jacket.  During the many shopping trips I've done there, I've never witnessed anything untoward by any of the security guards.  I have gotten to know the big guy enough to say hi and chat once in awhile, like he does with other customers occasionally.  There have been incidents of people grabbing fruit as they pass by, sometimes they are made to put it back, but I've never seen the police called.  The one person I did see the big guy lead into the back was a well-dressed, middle-aged woman, which I assumed was for shoplifting.  It was done in such a way that only those looking at the time would have known what was going on.  He handled the situation very professionally.  There are plenty of those you call "dirty poor" who frequent the corner where the store is, and some come in to shop like anyone else, others to look for freebies.  People panhandle quite agressively at times, and many older people shop there, so I don't think the owner is doing anything any other business in that situation wouldn't do - protect his business and customers.  In terms of the treatment people receive there from staff, it's pretty much the same for everyone.  Obviously, the Chinese can interact better than English speakers like me and some clerks are more friendly than others, but generally it's pretty much all business there.

What I hear more about, and have experienced more myself, is their ideas on customer service.  In my opinion and that of the others I talk to, a little tune-up in that area wouldn't hurt.  Your "goon" label seems like an easy way to get attention, but if you really think your experience was something to be concerned about, talk to the owner or the Strathcona Business Association.  By the way, big guy is the only big guy I've seen except for a portly young gent.  Most others I've seen are probably smaller than you.  Also, I wouldn't worry too much about the bedroom eyes, for awhile I thought he may be paying a little more attention to me than I wanted.  Of course, I used to live in the West End and got used to seeing too much in every man's eyes. 

What is more interesting to me than your "goon" scare, is how long will Sunrise continue to be the sole supplier of produce/groceries/dead animal parts in the area.  As gentrification expands, the need for at least one other store besides T&T will become more apparent.  How about a homegrown and staffed DTES co-op store, before the Kin's Market chain drop a store in like they did on Davie Street?  Any business people out there with a community non-profit bent?  Send me a message.