I came home, called the Catalina company who confirmed that one should have printed, so I knew I wasn’t hallucinating when I saw it print.

I ended up calling the store last night and got one of the Asst Magrs (who I know, although I’m sure that he doesn’t know me by name) and told him that I wanted to file a complaint about “XXX” and her yelling at me and that, while this incident was pretty minor and I didn’t care about the Catalina, it was another in a long line of problems I have had with this person (who I think is a “leader”..not a mgr, but more than a cashier). That the attitude of employees towards couponers at that store needed to change and that I expect to be treated the same as any other customer, even when I am paying w/coupons. I also pointed out that the Acme next door has a better coupon policy and employees who are nicer to couponers and if they would prefer that I shop there, I will happily accomodate them.

Funny thing – this whole stupid silly and minor incident could have been avoided just by not yelling at me and not lying to me.

And it makes me want to place a phone call to Malvern to let Acme corporate know how wonderful the employees at my local store are! It’s like night & day!

And a story that you will be pleased to hear since it means that you MAY have converted me from Giant to Acme.

I have been a social couponer (you know, like a social drinker – I coupon what everyone else coupons, when they coupon it and don’t make a scene :)) for many years, thinking I’ve struck gold saving $12 on a $100 tab. But 2009 is different and I have a different attitude.

So into Acme I strolled yesterday, no less than 40 coupons in hand and a strict list. Both kids were napped and fed and happy, so I my mission was well in hand.

I took advantage of the sales (soups, cereals, BOGO pork loin LOL) and walked to the register. When I plopped my Acme card and a pile of coupons on the register, the cashier eyed me nervously and put his “This Lane is Closed” sign up after my order. T-R-O-U-B-L-E for sure, I’m guessing he thought.

In the end, I ended up paying OOP $40.39 for $126.45 worth of groceries. I stocked up on a lot pantry items and got a few pork tenderloins to boot.

And you know what? The cashier THANKED ME. Thanked me for having my coupons organized, and for having all the right products for the coupons and for being so polite and for being a good shopper. In his words, “You got a good deal with all the coupons AND you were nice about it. Thanks.”

Uh. The golden rule still holds.