Co-operative Food

Gathered my shopping and went to pay. Handed the checkout assistant a Scottish £20 note which he tested under the note checker. (it passed). He then said I have to call my manager, who duly arrived. I was then told by the manager that they do not accept sterling. When I told him that sterling is the currency of the entire UK including English notes. He told that the bank won't accept these notes and that as such they don't accept them. And under no circumstances would he take my money as legal tender.
I simply went around the corner to another shop which was, I assume a family owned privately run shop. Got my shopping and spent my money with no query.
As a Scottish person living in England. I have spent many thousands of Scottish notes throughout England without issue. It can not surely be Co-op policy as I have spent Scottish money in other stores in England.
I think this must be an ill informed employee. As to say to a customer we do not accept STERLING beggars belief. And his attitude suggested he was probably coming to the end of a long shift by the abruptness of his manner. That's giving the benefit of the doubt that he's not just an arrogant and pompous young man. There are no shortage of retail outlets where I can and will spend my money. and due to the customer relations I received from this abrasive young man. I will be finding other places to shop in future.

My family no longer use this co-op and won't return until the arrogant, patronising and rude male sales assistant is no longer there.
He has left both of my parents embarrassed and upset by his attitude towards them and having spoken to other "regulars" they are not the only ones.

I have been served by him before and found him to be rather abrupt verging on rudeness but his patronising attitude towards me yesterday has resulted in me making a direct complaint to The Co-op.

Sadly, some people in the area don't have the luxury of being able to shop further and have no choice but go tolerate his behaviour.

Twice now in the space of a fortnight we have been in to the shop. Layout is one way now which is brilliant. All staff are wearing masks even behind the new screens. However both times now their auto hand gel dispenser has been empty. Excuses range from customers pumping more than once(which is hardly surprising given the alloted amount is pitiful) and that they are waiting on a new batch of hand gel to be delivered. Could do better CO-OP.

Unfortunately i and others I know will not be shopping at this co-op again, me and my partner have been left on many occasions feeling upset and almost bullied by the rude manager! I really do not how he still has his job, the man clearly has issues and should not be working with the public.

Friendly and helpful staff. Open until 10.00pm Monday-Sunday

REVIEW CHANGE: However today 25th January 2023 "Tracy" chose to be abrupt and rude to me for no valid reason. People normally queue along the front of the tills and a lady hadn't done this and I couldn't see her for the pillar. I'd put some water on the counter and Tracy shoved it back at me and told me in an aggressive tone that it wasn't my turn. I apologised to the lady in the queue for my accidental oversight. When it was my turn Tracy then chose to knock my items over on one side of the till and slam them down on the other side of the till as she tilled them up - simply no need for this kind of unpleasant behaviour from a member of staff in one of our local co-op shops. If I'm treated in a civil fashion in future visits then I might revert this to it's previous 5 star status with it's previous positive words.

solid shop, if you’re looking for all the pasta pots or red bulls, there gone I’ve brought them all.

Nice enough apart from the rude tall male member of staff who seems to have issues and shouldn't be working with the public.

Edited: The acting Store manager called me back after I made an in store complaint. It was handled very well and appreciated. Have changed review to reflect the rest of the store as the other staff are always helpful and friendly.