I tend to steer clear of this store when possible due to previous negative encounters.
Today I had to make a purchase from there as Countdown doesn't stock it.
I couldn't locate the item I needed, so I had to seek assistance from staff. They kept redirecting me from one employee to another.
I observed that the elderly, short-haired kiwi lady at the register was engrossed in conversation with a patron (clearly an acquaintance). When I approached her for help in finding the item, she responded in a disrespectful manner, 'I'm assisting a customer.'
I had to interrupt her prolonged chat with her friend, which clearly displeased her.
Despite my hectic day and sense of urgency, it seemed inconsequential. Certainly not to the impolite, uncooperative staff at this store.
Eventually, they arranged for someone to assist me, but only after I persistently emphasized my struggle in locating the product.