Grocery Stores and AMEX
Nov 19, 2002, 7:36 am
#20
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: baltimore, md usa; SPG Plat, MR Gold, DL SM
Posts: 49
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pdhenry:
FYI, there are two chains in the mid-Atlantic area with the name "Giant." One is PA-based ( http://www.giantpa.com ) and the other is MD/VA-based ( http://www.giantfood.com/ ). Maybe this is the source of confusion. I'm familiar with the PA giant, and they don't take Amex.
Now the PA Giant is expanding into MD. I wonder how long before they need to either merge or separate their brands somehow?
</font>
FYI, there are two chains in the mid-Atlantic area with the name "Giant." One is PA-based ( http://www.giantpa.com ) and the other is MD/VA-based ( http://www.giantfood.com/ ). Maybe this is the source of confusion. I'm familiar with the PA giant, and they don't take Amex.
Now the PA Giant is expanding into MD. I wonder how long before they need to either merge or separate their brands somehow?
</font>
Royal Ahold owns the DC/MD/VA Giant and those do accept AMEX.
Cant comment on the others, although I can say that I have been asking my Dry Cleaners to accept amex for several months now. Most merchants that have chosen not to accept AMEX have put serious thought into it. AMEX Charges the merchant substantially more than VI/MC and they also pay the merchants much more slowly!
Good Luck
Nov 19, 2002, 11:12 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 103
Giant in PA has been owned by Royal Ahold for a long time. Does not accept AmEx
Giant in DC/MD/VA was owned by the Cohen family and was sold to Royal Ahold about three or four years ago (maybe even five).
Prior to the merger PA Giant's in MD were called Martin's and MD Giants were not in PA. (EDIT: Actually, I think that there were some in the Philly area but I can't remember what they were called.)
To make things more confusing, I believe there is a Giant Eagle in the Pittsburgh area but I have no idea what they accept as a payment method.
[This message has been edited by smk219 (edited 11-19-2002).]
Giant in DC/MD/VA was owned by the Cohen family and was sold to Royal Ahold about three or four years ago (maybe even five).
Prior to the merger PA Giant's in MD were called Martin's and MD Giants were not in PA. (EDIT: Actually, I think that there were some in the Philly area but I can't remember what they were called.)
To make things more confusing, I believe there is a Giant Eagle in the Pittsburgh area but I have no idea what they accept as a payment method.
[This message has been edited by smk219 (edited 11-19-2002).]
Nov 19, 2002, 11:16 am
#23
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: HHonors Silver
Posts: 4,030
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by smk219:
Actually, I think that there were some in the Philly area but I can't remember what they were called.</font>
Actually, I think that there were some in the Philly area but I can't remember what they were called.</font>
Nov 19, 2002, 4:56 pm
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Posts: 198
I am pasting a response from the Customer Relations Dept at Giant. Thanks for the info, particularly the MD info. This is a little closer to home. Not sure where I will take this next, but I will probably compile a list of ALL major Grocery chains that accept Amex and "kick it up a notch" with Giant Corporate and Amex Merchant Services.
Any advice or contacts on the Giant or AMex side would be appreciated.
***************Giant CR Reply****************
Dear Mike:
Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the credit cards
accepted at GIANT Food Stores. It is through the efforts of concerned
customers such as yourself that we are able to correct some of our
shortcomings. We do appreciate your comments.
GIANT Food Stores do not accept American Express. The fees incurred
through American Express are much higher than those of other credit card
companies. Due to these high fees, we have made a business decision not to
accept American Express. However, I am unaware of the acceptance at our
sister companies. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you.
Again, thank you for contacting us. We do appreciate your understanding in
this matter and look forward to continuing to serve your shopping needs."
*********************************************
"
Any advice or contacts on the Giant or AMex side would be appreciated.
***************Giant CR Reply****************
Dear Mike:
Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the credit cards
accepted at GIANT Food Stores. It is through the efforts of concerned
customers such as yourself that we are able to correct some of our
shortcomings. We do appreciate your comments.
GIANT Food Stores do not accept American Express. The fees incurred
through American Express are much higher than those of other credit card
companies. Due to these high fees, we have made a business decision not to
accept American Express. However, I am unaware of the acceptance at our
sister companies. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you.
Again, thank you for contacting us. We do appreciate your understanding in
this matter and look forward to continuing to serve your shopping needs."
*********************************************
"
Nov 19, 2002, 6:39 pm
#25
Join Date: May 1998
Location: IAD, DCA
Programs: AA Platinum, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,531
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MisterNice:
Neither of the Giant chains mentioned accepts AMEX and neither do the Safeway's in HI or on the west coast. </font>
Neither of the Giant chains mentioned accepts AMEX and neither do the Safeway's in HI or on the west coast. </font>
[This message has been edited by chazas (edited 11-19-2002).]
Nov 19, 2002, 10:34 pm
#26
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 3,682
I wouldn't count on supermarkets like Monoprix taking Amex in Paris. Or anyone else besides hotels, upscale restaurants, department stores and high-end shops.
And lucky you-Amex charges a hefty fee to convert charges in foreign currency. I beleive it is 2% but check as it could be something else.
If you'll be there a while, best to get a CC that does not layer added fees.
And lucky you-Amex charges a hefty fee to convert charges in foreign currency. I beleive it is 2% but check as it could be something else.
If you'll be there a while, best to get a CC that does not layer added fees.
Nov 20, 2002, 3:51 am
#27
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Amsterdam/London
Programs: LH Senator, BD Gold
Posts: 47
I'm in the Netherlands - home of Royal Ahold. Ahold's main supermarket chain here is called Albert Heijn - which also happens to be the biggest chain in the country.
Anyway, Albert Heijn are too tight fisted with the 2-3% commission to take even Visa or MC, let alone Amex. Only "PIN" is accepted - a Netherlands-only debit card.
Off topic, but I just need to add that AH are a big pile of faecal matter compared with UK supermarket chains...
Anyway, Albert Heijn are too tight fisted with the 2-3% commission to take even Visa or MC, let alone Amex. Only "PIN" is accepted - a Netherlands-only debit card.
Off topic, but I just need to add that AH are a big pile of faecal matter compared with UK supermarket chains...
Nov 20, 2002, 3:56 am
#28
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Amsterdam/London
Programs: LH Senator, BD Gold
Posts: 47
I'm in the Netherlands - home of Royal Ahold. Ahold's main supermarket chain here is called Albert Heijn - which also happens to be the biggest chain in the country.
Anyway, Albert Heijn are too tight fisted with the 2-3% commission to take even Visa or MC, let alone Amex. Only "PIN" is accepted - a Netherlands-only debit card.
Off topic, but I just need to add that AH are a big pile of faecal matter compared with UK supermarket chains...
Anyway, Albert Heijn are too tight fisted with the 2-3% commission to take even Visa or MC, let alone Amex. Only "PIN" is accepted - a Netherlands-only debit card.
Off topic, but I just need to add that AH are a big pile of faecal matter compared with UK supermarket chains...
Nov 20, 2002, 4:49 am
#29
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 32
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Mountain Trader:
I wouldn't count on supermarkets like Monoprix taking Amex in Paris.....</font>
I wouldn't count on supermarkets like Monoprix taking Amex in Paris.....</font>