Co-op Food - Manchester - Bridge Street

Been coming here since two years but on 24th January 2026 10:10 am to 10:14 am something happened that will never make me come back unless my life is on the line. I thought the other reviews were exaggerated but I experienced it first hand. I came back from a morning workout. I usually grab a redbull and some snack after my morning workout. As usual I went in the purchase a red bull zero can, I grabbed one can and something else had spilled all over it. My hands were all sticky and some got on my clothes. I told one of the girls working there and she said "just grab another one". Okay but what about the sticky liquid that got on me? Went to other girl working there, told her, she gave me a paper towel to dry my hands and gives me the same can with sticky liquid over it. I tell her it's fine I don't want it but thanks and she responds with "f-in weird". Mind you there were only two of of there. First of all, am I not allowed to ask for a paper towel to wipe my hands? secondly, was I supposed to just grab another can with my hands which are already wet with god knows what kind of liquid? thirdly, I am supposed to grab the same can that was wet? Thinking about it, I should have taken their advice and put my wet and sticky hand all across other products.

SCAM PURCHASE I bought STEAM 'gift' card. The amount I requested was for a total of £210.00 by six Steam gift cards. Returning home later, I checked the balance, then I discovered that only one card with £35 was loaded, and no value for the rest five cards had not been activated by the till at your store. I visited store again. The manager and staff simply stated that there was nothing they could do and that a refund was not possible. I felt very confused and disappointed by this response. After some discussion, they only told me to contact head office directly. I made purchase and paid in full. Unfortunately, due to an error made by your staff, I had not received the correct amount nor any satisfactory resolution at the store.

DISTRESSING AND DISCRIMINATORY EXPERIENCE Really upsetting experience at this store yesterday. I was approached and told to “get out of the shop” because I had my medical service dog with me. I calmly explained that he’s a service dog, but the staff member demanded “proof” (which by law isn’t required and there isn’t such proof available.) He then accused me of shouting, when I wasn’t, I was simply trying to explain that I’m epileptic and rely on my dog for my safety whilst he was insinuating I’m a liar. When I asked for his name, he refused to give it. I was left shaking and extremely distressed, and unfortunately, the stress from the incident led to me having a seizure later on. Under the Equality Act 2010, anyone with a disability has the legal right to be accompanied by their assistance or service dog in public places, including shops and supermarkets. Asking for proof or trying to refuse entry is considered discrimination, as these dogs are medically necessary and trained to support their owners. The lack of understanding and compassion shown was shocking. Staff at Co-op should be properly trained on how to recognise and respect service dogs, no one with a medical condition should be made to feel like they’ve done something wrong for simply existing with the support they need. The whole experience has left me with real anxiety about even going near the store, in case I come across the same staff member again. It’s unacceptable that I now feel unsafe accessing somewhere I have every right to be. This has been escalated for a proper resolution, no one should feel unsafe or discriminated against in your stores. Co-op, please do better.