I recently visited El Mercadito with high hopes for a pleasant shopping experience. The store owner, a woman with a distinctive large forehead, treated me with rudeness and disrespect.

1. The Missing Price Tag

The butcher, a kind and helpful man, had forgotten to add a price tag to the meat I’d chosen. I politely informed the cashier that it was $4.99. Instead of a helpful response, she gave me a skeptical look, as if questioning my honesty. It was odd, considering I’d just purchased a more expensive cut of meat without any issue. She then walked over to the butcher to verify the price.

2. Disrespected and Dismissed

When she returned; I politely inquired about the price of the meat, but she seemed oblivious to my question. Assuming she hadn’t heard me, I repeated myself. However, she continued to engage in a side conversation, her back turned to me. Even as she began to bag my items, her focus remained elsewhere, leaving me feeling increasingly frustrated.

3. A Case of Double Standards

As I was waiting in line, I noticed that the two customers ahead of me were not charged for bags. When it was my turn, the cashier asked if I wanted a bag. I inquired about the bag charge, wondering why the previous customers weren’t charged.

Instead of a polite explanation, the cashier loudly asked, “ARE YOU PAYING WITH EBT?” This abrupt and seemingly unrelated question took me aback. I explained that I wasn’t and that the previous customers hadn’t paid with EBT either. The first had used a Chase credit card, and the second had paid with cash. Let me also highlight that both of the previous shoppers were Spanish-speakers.

However, the cashier dismissed my observation, insisting that such a thing couldn’t have happened in her store. This dismissive attitude, coupled with the unnecessary public questioning, left me feeling humiliated and disrespected.

To conclude, the store owner’s behavior was not only rude but also discriminatory. Her blatant disregard for the truth and her condescending attitude were deeply unsettling. If she’s willing to lie about such a minor detail, one wonders what other dishonest practices might be taking place within the store.

I strongly advise against shopping at El Mercadito Latino. There are many other friendly, local, and family-owned businesses in the area that truly value their customers; such as:

1. Mi Rancho Supermarket
2. Mi Tienda
3. Willow Market Y Carniceria
4. La Estrellita
5. El Paisano Taqueria, Carniceria y Market

They always charge you more money on the card without telling you and give you a receipt with the wrong numbers. Sketchy people. Check your bank account after purchasing and compare to the receipt. If they keep doing this it’ll probably get them sued because they don’t even let you know