Times-News: Ingles bans Salvation Army bell ringers

Story from the Hendersonville Times-News:

The Salvation Army is facing an uphill battle this holiday season, with an increase of families requesting help. At the same time, Ingles Markets decided bell ringers could not stand outside any of their 202 locations across the Southeast.

The economy played a large part in both.

"There are a lot of young families out there affected by the stressed economy," Salvation Army Capt. Chris Thornhill said about the growing need.

A lot of Ingles customers are facing tight wallets this season, explained Ron Freeman, CFO for Ingles. Freeman said the company would allow the Salvation Army to place kettles inside the stores, but will not allow anyone to man them.

"Customers are able to shop in an unsolicited environment," Freeman said. "We support the Salvation Army and their efforts."

Five bell-ringing sites were lost in Hendersonville due to the decision. The agency will man 11 kettles at other locations in the city.

"I think it will impact our overall kettle effort," Thornhill said. "We're looking to recoup the sites."

Comments

[No One In Particular]

This probably came about because a few Ingles shoppers didn't like that "annoying bell ringer" hitting them up for money outside the store and complained about it. I can't see how it could have anything to do with the economy. It's not like the bell ringers cost Ingles money, and if an Ingles customer can't afford to give to the Salvation Army, then no one is forcing them to do so just because they are ringing a bell outside the store.

[BlindFaithiness]

There is something else that I feel Ingles should address and I'd like some feedback from others.

I've noticed at several of the Ingles in west Asheville many of the cashiers have been sick/coughing. This morning a cashier told the people in front of me "I either have pneumonia or the flu" then she coughed in her had and started to ring up my groceries.

She never used any Purell/hand sanitizer. Heck, she didn't even have any around. Then I looked and realized that none of the clerks had anyway of, at the least, trying to not spread infectious diseases.

We are in the middle of a pandemic and I can practically guarantee that a least a few clerks are helping to spread H1N1, which makes up the majority of flu cases in our area. Reported cases are dramatically higher than average for this part of the flu season and will continue to increase.

This illness is no joke, either. I had H1N1 3 weeks ago and spent 10 days in bed.

Anyone else feel that Ingles should be taking an active role in trying to slow the spread of disease and maintaining a healthy environment inside their stores?

Also, here's a link showing week-by-week reported flu cases in our county:
http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/gcdc/flu0910.html

[Call Me : Appalled]

If Ingles has banned the Salvation Army Bell Ringers, they have also banned me. I am a 24 year customer, but I will be shopping elsewhere. It's only a short trip to Greenville and much better shopping at PUBLIX. Thanks Mr. Ingle for making my decision easy.

[JJ]

That's an easy one! Boycott Ingles for their Scrooge attitude!

[Zanna]

I would have supported the banning of the bells themselves, as their ringing always sets my nerves on edge. But they should have let the people stay. Who is going to put money in an unmanned kettle? Heck, who is going to keep the kettle from walking away? Given what a monopoly Ingles has on the grocery biz, especially downtown, I doubt that many customers were going to turn away just because they didn't want to feel a little guilty...

[realityczech]

I do not mean to be Scrooge, and I know many will likely disagree, but I appreciate this move by Ingles. I personally believe it is about time the traditional bell ringers be moved away from entrances to all stores.

It used to be Santa would offer a little "ho-ho-ho" and ring-ring-ring on a street corner, trying to get everybody into the giving spirit this time of year. But these days, it is more like an attempted strong-arm robbery/guilt trip/annoying assault on shoppers just trying to come and go.

Remember, Ingles says it will allow the kettles to be placed inside its doors and I think folks will not be able to miss them. I, for one, will be more willing to make a donation without the noise.

No "bah, humbug" intended here. I truly think it is important we all try to help local non-profits. I just do not want to be "belled" into it.

Happy Holidays everyone!

realityczech

[sonsofliberty]

Ingles is worried how these charities will impact their bottom line. Several weeks ago the CFO of Ingles almost stopped a fund raise with WWNC until they found out Matt Mittan was heading it up and fear the bad publicity they might receive from him if they stopped it.

[SidelineObserver]

I'm glad they're not letting them solicit. Good move Ingles!

[Danny]

I left a comment with my name and address at www.ingles-market.com. Go to Customer Service. They are not being good neighbors and seem to have no interest in helping the community that shops with them. I will certainly cut back on my trips there.

[mtnmacgrl]

BlindFaithness, I have had the same thing happen (with a cashier) at both Ingles AND Walmart (go figure). I was told that they couldn't take sick days. I now carry a big bottle of Purell with me at all times now.

[John Wilson]

I think this shows what Ingles is all about. They tried to ban the giving tree several years ago. Bob Ingle himself was called on it and they put it back. I am never goingto Ingles again! I do not care if they change their mind or not! I am sick and tired of watching this company take from this area and now that they have gotten big they don't care about giving back! Both Ingles and their scrooge tactics are rediculous. This Ron Freeman clown sounds like a pinhead anyway. I am sure that he is making $165,000 a year plus options. It must be a sad life when you can go on European vacations and drive sportscars while stepping in the less fortunate. I notive that they still throw their alcohol laden parties at the Grove Park. How much does that cost? How many people leave there and drive through our streets with liquor on their breath? How many planes does Ingle own? And they want to deny a few bell ringers? Goodbye Ingles and hello Walmart!

[To whom it may apply to]

Yeah i work for Ingles, and thats the same way they treat there employess