Community Natural Foods - Calgary, Alberta

I have been shopping at community downtown weekly for 10 years and have been a customer for 30+. I had a very disturbing experience at this store which I reported to the company’s customer service. She too was very concerned about what happened and promised that management from this location ... would reach out, but sadly after two weeks no one has bothered to contact me. I believe I have provided ample time for Community to respond to this incident. In mid May I was shopping at the chinook Community location when an Indigenous man around 60+ years of age asked if i didn't mind helping get something small to eat. I said no problem and I went around the store with him to select a couple of items. We then went to the customer service desk to complete the purchase. I went back to my shopping, and the man spoke the young CS attendant for a few minutes before leaving. I completed collecting the items I was going purchase and went back to same till. The CS attendant rang my items through, I ran out to grab a couple bags from my car and was packing my item. It was at this time that the CS attendant said to me “Hey, I wanted to talk to you. Next time would want to do something like that please take it outside. That man caused a scene after and technically THEY aren’t even supposed to even be on property”. I was taken aback by this comment and left the store speechless promptly. It wasn’t until I was in my car when I became very upset by the blatant racism expressed by this young woman and the store’s policies. I am not sure what she meant by the various parts of her statement, but I do know that I found it very disturbing that she felt comfortable to express this sentiment. For one, what did she mean take it outside? Was I to ask this elderly indigenous man to wait outside as the store doesn’t feel comfortable with me buying him a meal? Secondly, who is this “they” she is referring to that should not be on their property? Does she mean that Indigenous people are not supposed to enter the store? Or perhaps she means that marginalized people who belong to a lower income demographic should not be on their property at all? Finally, I could clearly see the man not causing a scene, but I did witness him talking to her before he left. I am not sure of their exchange, but I can only assume her and the store’s lack of sensitivity and racist sentiment was portrayed in their conversation in a similar fashion as it was in mine. I would not be surprised if the man responded to her in a way that expressed discomfort and pain from being judged and belittled. I think it is important to note that when I made formal complaint the woman explained that this location has had issues with people using prohibited substances in the bathroom. I would like to say that this man appeared totally sober, was well kept and did not seem threatening in the least (I am a 5’4”, 115lbs female as reference). In addition, they have a security guard at the front door at all times. If their store policy is to not allow “them” in the store I am unclear why they allowed him in at all if he appeared to be one of the group that is not allowed on the premises. Perhaps that would have appeared too overtly racist? Read more

Quite pricey, but whatever Organics you want, they will provide it. Clean and friendly environment. Try Kombucha

Really, really rude staff. No training at all but reflects on management. Twice they just stepped tight in front of me when I was looking at a shelve of vitamins. No excuse me, sorry nothing, they just treat you like you are invisible, basically to them you are. Not one ... person in that store is nice or helpful. I asked for help finding Potassium, she showed me citrate, I asked if it was the same, she shrugged her shoulders and said well that’s all we’ve got. I hated my experience there and won’t go back. Read more

Wonderful place, and one of the only for getting certain things, like organic good quality eggs! (Way better than the Costco ones). I've been shopping here for many years, and make the 50 minute drive now just to get certain items. They carry raw organic cheese! The only thing I'm not keen ... on is the political agenda that's a bit much, but I understand that from a business perspective. Read more

Community Natural Food stands out as an excellent destination for grocery shopping, leaving a lasting impression on me that I am eager to share with my friends and family. The standout feature of my experience was the exceptional service provided by a delightful individual named Pearl, who hails from India. ... Her warmth, politeness, and eagerness to assist made a significant difference during my visit. I am truly impressed by Pearl's dedication and enthusiasm in fulfilling her responsibilities. I wholeheartedly recommend Community Natural Food to others, citing the outstanding service exemplified by Pearl. Read more